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Evernex Japan keeps businesses running while helping environment Born in Belgium, then a life abroad Company rescues hardware Bob Van den Broecke is managing direc- tor of Evernex Japan. At the age of 29, he came to Japan in 2017, tasked with the mission of establishing Evernex’s Japan entity. with support alternative Van den Broecke has led an interna- tional life since he was a child. Born in Belgium, he grew up in Paris, where his father worked for the Japanese food ever, the fair distribution of frmware is a challenges. This is in part due to the rela- and biotechnology corporation Ajino- Name: Bob Van den Broecke critical part of IT sustainability. tionship between IT manufacturers and moto. When he was 11, he moved with Title: Managing Director of Evernex Van den Broecke’s frm, Evernex Japan, what Van den Broecke calls Japan’s “dino- his family to Bangkok, where his father Japan provides IT services centered on the saurs” — industrial giants that are so big was assigned to head Ajinomoto’s URL: https://www.evernex.com/ maintenance, reuse and recycling of elec- they can dictate their own terms. When operations in Asia. He attended high Hometown: Belgium tronic devices. As managing director, he one of Japan’s behemoths demands a school and university in Bangkok before Years in Japan: 4 frequently sees frms of all sizes dispose of manufacturer continue servicing old returning to Paris to obtain his license JOE MUNTAL functional IT equipment, including serv- equipment, the manufacturer, whose degree in administration and then mov- CONTRIBUTING WRITER ers and computers, simply because newer engineers have already moved on to new ing to Rome to attend graduate school models with more sophisticated frmware equipment, will ask Evernex to service for international economics. He joined Every year, electronics manufactur- are available. With frst-hand experience this equipment on its behalf. Evernex Evernex in 2012 and worked as a senior ers invigorate their product lines with of how frmware-driven obsolescence Japan, which started as a three-person account manager in Hong Kong before upgraded models of computers, smart- perpetuates unsustainable practices, Van operation fve years ago, will welcome its coming to Japan. phones and other mobile devices. For busi- den Broecke is trying to spread awareness 15th employee this year. He likes to stay active in his free time nesses, the pressure to upgrade is strong, as among businesses of how sustainable IT Van den Broecke noted that regula- and enjoys racket sports, rock climbing access to the latest frmware and sofware practices can not only help the environ- tions requiring tech companies to provide and running. is essential for day-to-day operations. With ment, but also help their bottom line. frmware support for older devices can each new release looms an anxiety that “We’re not here to sell IT; we’re here help curtail wasteful IT consumption. For manufacturers will one day cut of support to sell the concept of helping companies instance, last year, in response to limita- Demolin, who was CEO. “I discovered the to older devices and restrict them from reduce their carbon footprint and reduce tions imposed by hardware manufactur- joy of working through him,” Van den frmware updates needed to use the latest costs,” he said. “Businesses are being forced ers that curtailed access to updates and Broecke said. “He ran a close-knit, family- applications and services. to change their equipment because the prevented decommissioned hardware style business that encouraged entrepre- Despite its efects on technological sofware is no longer being updated. This from being resold, the European Ecodesign neurship, and he was extremely giving.” consumption, production and carbon is a technique used by tech companies to Directive introduced rules requiring man- Van den Broecke recalled how his former emissions, frmware distribution is ofen force businesses to buy new equipment ufacturers of servers and storage equip- boss once gifed him a scooter out of the overlooked in conversations regarding sus- without providing any alternatives.” ment to provide frmware support for a blue just to commend him for a job well tainability. For Bob Van den Broecke, how- According to Van den Broecke, Japan specifed period afer a product’s release. HIROMICHI MATONO done. has distinct hurdles in its path toward Other aspects of Japan’s bureaucracy Inspired by his mentor, Van den Broecke sustainable IT practices. The risk-averse, have surprised the 34-year-old Belgian. a bank account, but to get a bank account Asia, the family moved to Bangkok, where tries to difuse this culture of close rela- bureaucratic culture of many Japanese Van den Broecke’s international back- you need a phone and an address, but to he attended high school and university. tionships and generosity among his companies amplifes concerns surround- ground has instilled in him an unrelenting get an address you need a phone and a He returned to Paris and shortly aferward employees. It is why one of his favorite ing manufacturer support and frmware curiosity for new places and experiences, bank account. It was quite complicated, moved to Rome to attend graduate school expressions is from “The Three Muske- access, he said. “It’s incomparable to the but his experiences living in multiple and a challenge, but that’s part of what for international economics. teers,” by Alexandre Dumas: “All for one rest of the world. Everyone is afraid to do countries did not prepare him for some of makes this job interesting.” In Rome, while searching for a job where and one for all.” “It’s not always easy, but anything if it isn’t 100% documented, or if Japan’s peculiarities. In what he humor- For Van den Broecke, Japan is the lat- he could use his language abilities (Van when it is, I encourage them to enjoy it,” it isn’t absolutely clear with everyone. It’s ously described as “Japan’s Bermuda est stop in a life of international adven- den Broecke speaks six languages, includ- he said. “If my employees want to work like walking on a path and looking under Triangle,” Van den Broecke recalled the ture. Born in Belgium, he grew up in Paris, ing French, English, Italian and Dutch), he from the beach, I say, ‘Go ahead, but make Van den Broecke’s motto is “All for one and one every stone before making a supercalcu- conundrum of purchasing a Japanese where his father worked for Ajinomoto. came across the company IB-Remarketing, sure to send me a picture.’ It’s all about car- for all” from the book “The Three Musketeers,” lated step forward.” phone, opening a bank account and fnd- When his father was assigned to head the Evernex’s predecessor. It was here where ing for each other and allowing people to by Alexandre Dumas. HIROMICHI MATONO Evernex Japan is growing despite these ing a place to live: “You need a phone to get Japanese food corporation’s operations in Van den Broecke met his mentor, Bruno have weaknesses and make mistakes.” A tale of two cities’ casles, and Champion of Change Japan Award how they survived the centuries is looking for fve good women

The grand prize, given in December, is ¥1 Satoyama~Authentic ESG/SDGs million (about $10,000), while the four run- Japan JACOB REED ner-ups each receive ¥250,000. All fnalists CONTRIBUTING WRITER also receive a commemorative crystal ball MAIKO MURAOKA from Tifany. CONTRIBUTING WRITER Since 2017, the Champion of Change Japan Award (CCJA) has recognized female lead- 2020 top fnalist Terahara Every municipality has a characteris- ers who work to address the most press- In 2020, Makiko Terahara was chosen as tic or landmark that its residents think ing needs of their communities. An online the top fnalist. She was recognized for her of as their symbol. On July 29, the 18th event explaining CCJA and calling for work as a lawyer supporting same-sex Satoyama Cafe, an online talk session nominees for 2021 was hosted on July 29 at couples in Japan who want to marry yet organized by the Japan Times Satoyama the Venture Cafe Tokyo. It was moderated face legal barriers and cultural backlash. As The CCJA award recipient and top fnalists Consortium, hosted the mayors of Fuku- The restoration of shows Fukuyama Castle, intended to be fully by the journalist Noriko Akiyama. Makiko the representative director of the organiza- with the selection committee CCJA yama in and Kuma- resilience and brings hope afer the devastat- restored by next year for its 400th anniver- Terahara — the top fnalist of the 2020 tion Marriage For All Japan (MFAJ), she has moto in Kumamoto Prefecture, two ing Kumamoto Earthquake of 2016. sary, overlooks the Fukuyama shinkansen award — and Masataka Uo, a member of been a passionate advocate for progressive goals, she had a clear plan for what she historic cities that have boasted famous KUMAMOTO CASTLE OFFICE station. FUKUYAMA CITY the award selection committee since 2019, legal changes to marriage laws in Japan. would do if she won the award, and an castles for about four centuries. were both in attendance to ofer their per- Although she is herself heterosexual, she equally clear one in the event she did Fukuyama Castle and Kumamoto Cas- cially valuable because it showcases the ings in calamities, and they too have spectives and answer questions. became involved because of her passion not. Either way, she would be fghting for tle are beautiful partly because they did accumulation of technologies of the era. been restored with the support of both The idea for CCJA began with its founder, and determination to help others. She says same-sex marriage rights with the same not manage to stay intact over the cen- Kumamoto Castle, built in 1607, is rec- Kumamoto’s citizens and people from Atsuko Toko Fish, receiving the Cham- she felt a responsibility to do something undeterred gusto.” turies. They have experienced hardships ognized as one of the three great castles elsewhere. The greatest devastation was pion of Change award from U.S. President positive for a minority group. “I truly feel What if a potential nominee is not together with the locals and are living the in Japan, along with and caused by the Kumamoto Earthquake Barack Obama in 2013. Living abroad in that not doing anything for people who already in a strong position of leadership? ongoing history of revitalization. That is . Its grounds span 98 hect- in 2016. “The total damage amounted to Boston, surrounded by a ubiquitous push are hurting — to ignore the issue because it Can she still be nominated? Uo answered why the castles attract not only local citi- ares — equivalent to about 21 Tokyo ¥63.4 billion ($580 million), and full resto- for progressive change, Fish wondered doesn’t afect me personally — is the same with a resounding yes: “What matters in zens but also visitors and supporters from Domes — and more than half of the area ration will take about 20 years. Five years why Japan hadn’t made similar strides over as advocating for discrimination,” she said. leadership is not only magnitude of results, across the country. is designated as a national special historic have passed since the earthquake, and we the decades. “I felt Japan needed a similar “I think what CCJA is doing has great but also an individual’s determination to Fukuyama has a population of close to site. have only managed to rebuild the castle award to highlight women making posi- value for Japanese society, and it was a true make an impact as well as the ability to 470,000 and is home to the largest steel Both castles have a history of devasta- keep,” Onishi said. But the city and its citi- tive changes,” she said in a video message. honor to have MFAJ’s eforts showcased.” efectively manage available resources on mill in Japan. “Textiles are also one of our tion and restoration. A massive air raid zens are not giving up. Almost ¥5 billion According to Fish, CCJA’s goal is not simply As for the award itself, “that is just the any scale.” major industries, and Fukuyama is the top in 1945 burned about 80% of the city of — including donations totaling more than to applaud the achievements of particular beginning,” she said. “I’ve had many oppor- Of course, hopefuls should understand producer of denim material,” said Fuku- Fukuyama, including the castle. Edahiro ¥1 billion from inside and outside the city women, but to shine a light on possibili- tunities to network with the other recipi- the evaluation standards on the CCJA yama Mayor Naoki Edahiro. The port of explained that Fukuyama was targeted — has been amassed for the restoration. ties and encourage others to take action as ents and intimately learn about the issues website. But more than that, the selection Tomonoura in the southeastern corner because it hosted a major army unit. The Many teary-eyed citizens had applauded well. that they are tackling.” committee must diferentiate between of the city is known for its picturesque restoration of the castle was a symbol for when they saw the castle — damaged The CCJA is supported by the Fish Fam- highly qualifed candidates. “To do that, we townscapes and sea vistas and was desig- the citizens of Fukuyama, who had lost but still standing — lit up shortly afer the ily Foundation as well as Tifany, the Passion and determination consider other factors such as what the nated as a Japan Heritage site in 2018. everything in the war, in rebuilding the quake. That event was a decision made by world-renowned jewelry company. Each Currently, CCJA is seeking nominees for award might mean for the recipient, how Kumamoto is blessed with nature. All city and their lives. Onishi, who was heartbroken by the sight year, hundreds of women in Japan are 2021. “While only a woman can be selected, they would ft into the community, and the water its people use is spring water However, some parts of the restored of the ruined castle but believed people nominated, and afer a rigorous selection men can take part by nominating some- their passion,” Uo clarifed. from Mount Aso, said Mayor Kazufumi (main castle tower) did not look needed something to give them emo- process, fve are asked to give a presenta- one,” moderator Akiyama said. Tifany Uo echoed Terahara’s sentiment of the Onishi. Its warm climate is excellent for quite the same as the original. “Unlike the tional support and motivation toward tion about their accomplishments, what representative and chief sustainability award being just the beginning. He called agriculture, as shown by its production rebuilt one, the northern wall of the origi- recovery. drives them, and their future trajectory. ofcer Anisa Kamadoli Costa encouraged the CCJA a “double win” in that the recipi- of eggplants and watermelons. The Sea nal tenshu was iron-plated for protection Both cities are continuing to restore everyone to nominate someone: “Women ents receive more than just a monetary of Ariake ofers an ideal environment for against attacks from the north side, which their castles and develop the surround- leaders are all around us, and we all know reward and a pat on the back. Instead, they growing quality seaweed. was more vulnerable than the south side,” ing areas to welcome visitors afer the someone to nominate.” are welcomed into a community of other What these cities have in common is said Edahiro, explaining that the current pandemic subsides. “I hope that people Uo commented on the selection process: impactful women in the hope that col- castles that play a central role in building renewal project, which started in 2017 and will witness and appreciate the process of “We receive around 200 nominations, and laboration can compound their impacts in a sense of unity among the citizenry and will be completed next year, the 400th the revitalization of the castle too,” Onishi the ofce screens them down to 25. Then the future. creating connections with people from anniversary of the castle, includes the res- said. we come together and have intense dis- “And besides, Atsuko-san always gives outside. toration of the iron plating. The project cussions to cut that number in half again. recipients a big hug! In 2020 it was a ‘vir- Fukuyama Castle, established in 1622, is supported by history bufs from across This section highlights the environment Finally, the remaining fve give a presenta- tual hug,’ but this year, she can hopefully stands right next to Fukuyama’s shink- the country as well as the citizens of and a sustainable society. tion to decide the top award, so the entire do it the old-fashioned way,” he added ansen station. “It is so close to the station Fukuyama. “As much as 60% of the funds For more information on process takes time.” with a grin. that you can touch the stone outer walls raised via crowdfunding came from out- Satoyama, ESG and SDG When he was asked about Terahara, Uo of the castle in 15 seconds afer you get of side the city,” Edahiro said. issues, please visit explained that her most standout feature Nominations can be made at the following the train,” Edahiro said. It is the last castle Kumamoto Castle over the years www. sustainable.japan- The 2020 CCJA award ceremony was held was, without a doubt, her determination. form (in Japanese). The deadline is Aug. 31: built in the , making it espe- has also lost a number of other build- times.com virtually in December at CIC Tokyo. CCJA “When we interviewed her about her https://jwliccja.or

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