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25 Feb 2022

Japan: Rainforest Action Network re-submits complaints alleging violation of procurement code in use of timber for Tokyo Olympics and asking company accountability on tropical deforestation in Indonesia; incl. co. responses & non-response

In November 2021, Rainforest Action Network re-filed a complaint to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG), one of the organisers of the Tokyo 2020 Games, on an allegation concerning violation of procurement code in the use of timber for the Tokyo Olympics. The complaint is based on a new analysis of satellite data, and it seeks for accountability for the destruction of Indonesia's tropical forests.

Six companies were targets of this complaint, including Korindo Group, Sumitomo Forestry, Takenaka Corporation, Toko Electrical Construction, Asahi Kogyosha and Takasago Thermal Engineering.

Regarding the use of tropical timber for the Tokyo Olympics, in May 2018, an NGO report"Broken Promises" that non-certified formwork plywood manufactured by Korindo was used at the construction site of the TMG's newly built Ariake Arena, and that the product had been imported by Sumitomo Forestry. The report points out specific human rights violations committed by Korindo, such as violation of health rights through using fire to clear land.

RAN says that the purpose of the complaint is to provide clear evidence of tropical deforestation to the organisers and to ensure that the facts are included in the organising committee's sustainability report. RAN also recommended that procurement failures be used as a lesson for future procurement policies for public authorities and companies.

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited targeted companies to comment on this matter. Responses from Korindo Group, Sumitomo Forestry, Takasago Thermal Engineering and Toko Electrical Construction are attached below. Asahi Kogyosha and Takenaka Corporation did not respond.

Company Responses

Korindo Group View Response
Sumitomo Forestry View Response
Toko Electrical Construction View Response
Takasago Thermal Engineering View Response
Takenaka Corporation

No Response

Asahi Kogyosha

No Response

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