Innovation as the Driver of Change: Japan’s Cutting-Edge Solutions for Global Water and Sanitation Challenges

To date, the adoption of Japanese expertise and innovative solutions in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) has been limited, partly due to information gaps. The lack of consolidated sources of information on this topic is an additional barrier to adoption, as the sources of this valuable information in Japan are dispersed among public and private entities. Therefore, collecting information, analyzing and selecting innovations considered most beneficial and applicable for the LAC region, and making such information available to water and sanitation operators and sector institutions will narrow the information gap and promote innovation in the sector. This study also highlights the role of innovation as the driver of change in the Japanese water and sanitation sector. This report begins by outlining the approach and methodology to select innovations. Subsequently, it delves into the background of the W&S sector in Japan, covering eight topics: safe and sustainable potable water, city-wide inclusive sanitation (CWIS), asset management, resilience to disasters, integrated water resources management and green infrastructure, carbon neutrality, public awareness, and co-creation for an innovation ecosystem. The top innovations identified within each topic are detailed, leading to the conclusions that summarize the findings of the study.