The Sustainability Standards Board of Japan (SSBJ) has announced the release of its inaugural sustainability disclosure standards, aligning with international reporting frameworks. Established in July 2022, the SSBJ was formed to develop sustainability disclosure standards applicable in Japan and contribute to global efforts in sustainability reporting, following the creation of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).
To ensure international comparability in sustainability disclosures, the SSBJ has based its standards on the ISSB’s IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards). Extensive discussions were held to align the Japanese framework with international benchmarks.
At its 49th Board Meeting on 19 February 2025, the SSBJ approved the issuance of its first three Sustainability Disclosure Standards, collectively referred to as the SSBJ Standards:
- Universal Sustainability Disclosure Standard – Application of the Sustainability Disclosure Standards (Application Standard)
- Theme-based Sustainability Disclosure Standard No. 1 – General Disclosures (General Standard)
- Theme-based Sustainability Disclosure Standard No. 2 – Climate-related Disclosures (Climate Standard)
Currently, the SSBJ Standards are available only in Japanese. However, an English-language overview has been provided for international stakeholders, with an English translation of key differences and a concordance table between the ISSB and SSBJ Standards set to be published soon.
