Kimiko Hirata's Theories of Change - Part 1. Against coal with Kiko Network

Kimiko Hirata (Source: Waseda University)

[You can also read this article in Japanese.]

“Theory of change” was the recurring concept when I spoke with Kimiko Hirata.

A recipient of the Goldman Prize for environmental activism, named one of the 100 most influential women by the BBC, and highly sought-after by the international media for her comments on Japan’s climate policies, Hirata nevertheless always felt that she didn’t have the expertise in climate policymaking or activism.

”But that meant that I could do anything.”

And she did. She tested many “theories of change” to push Japan to be more proactive on decarbonization. That involved policy advocacy, grassroots anti-coal campaigns, proposing shareholder resolutions, advising municipal governments, founding a think tank, and fostering a wider and deeper network of climate advocacy inside and outside of Japan.

Through trial and error, Hirata pulled on virtually every lever of change in Japan. Throughout it all — or because of it all — her faith in people to press for a better future is unwavering.

What motivates her? What did she learn through her varied experiences? How does she see climate action unfolding in Japan and in the world? I put these questions to Kimiko Hirata last September.