Our society today faces a multitude of complex challenges. Among these, the stewardship of the Earth’s environment—the very foundation of all life—represents one of the most daunting and large-scale issues. We believe that this is a matter that requires the sustained and ongoing attention of everyone within society.
In response, ELEMUS draws inspiration from the wealth of traditional techniques passed down through the ages in Japan, bringing renewed focus to these insights and merging them with cutting-edge technologies. Through this innovative fusion, we are crafting a core product that embodies a fundamentally sustainable model of corporate governance—one that is rooted in essence, not just in principle.
The material URCYL stands as a symbol of the future of a circular society. We are committed to working closely with a broad range of businesses, governmental bodies, local regions, and communities, with the aim of cultivating solutions that will be inherited by generations to come, ensuring their enduring impact for the next century.
OUR STORY
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The creation of the new material, URCYL, is rooted in the philosophy of our CEO, Atsushi Obara, who advocates for the 'harmony between the natural environment and industry.' This vision emphasizes long-term, sustainable development rather than the pursuit of short-term profits, prioritizing the use of natural materials that contribute to shaping a future-proof industrial sector.
While the Earth offers a vast array of natural resources, we are committed to minimizing the reliance on resources that have taken hundreds of millions of years to form, such as fossil fuels and minerals. Instead, we focus on advancing research and development that utilizes safe, recyclable raw materials—resources that can be continually circulated within the natural timeframe of our own lives.
One of these materials is URUSHI, a traditional natural resource in Japan. By integrating scientific research and contemporary insights, we seek to elevate it from a craft material used in coatings and adhesives into a cutting-edge industrial resource poised for global application. Our commitment goes beyond the material itself; we are equally focused on enhancing the environment in which these materials are cultivated.
Through the promotion of in-house cultivation of the URUSHI, we actively contribute to the restoration of many neglected artificial forests, addressing a growing social issue. This initiative is an integral part of our broader vision to foster a sustainable, harmonious future where industry and the environment coexist, with a long-term commitment to shaping the world over the next century.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The creation of the new material, URCYL, is rooted in the philosophy of our CEO, Atsushi Obara, who advocates for the 'harmony between the natural environment and industry.' This vision emphasizes long-term, sustainable development rather than the pursuit of short-term profits, prioritizing the use of natural materials that contribute to shaping a future-proof industrial sector.
While the Earth offers a vast array of natural resources, we are committed to minimizing the reliance on resources that have taken hundreds of millions of years to form, such as fossil fuels and minerals. Instead, we focus on advancing research and development that utilizes safe, recyclable raw materials—resources that can be continually circulated within the natural timeframe of our own lives.
One of these materials is URUSHI, a traditional natural resource in Japan. By integrating scientific research and contemporary insights, we seek to elevate it from a craft material used in coatings and adhesives into a cutting-edge industrial resource poised for global application. Our commitment goes beyond the material itself; we are equally focused on enhancing the environment in which these materials are cultivated.
Through the promotion of in-house cultivation of the URUSHI, we actively contribute to the restoration of many neglected artificial forests, addressing a growing social issue. This initiative is an integral part of our broader vision to foster a sustainable, harmonious future where industry and the environment coexist, with a long-term commitment to shaping the world over the next century.
EARTH WORKER ENERGY
OUR MESSAGE
Founded in 1990, EARTH WORKER ENERGY is a non-profit organization committed to realizing the vision of 'harmony between industry and the natural environment.' Our mission focuses on two critical challenges: maintaining ecological balance in biodiversity and combating global warming. Over the years, we have hosted numerous seminars to promote awareness and dialogue around these pressing issues. In 2008, we expanded our efforts with a hands-on initiative called the 'Angel’s Forest Project,' in the heart of the Mikawa region. The project uses the summit area of Ameyama Mountain in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, as a model site, offering an ideal setting for implementing and showcasing our vision.
This area offers a breathtaking view of Mikawa Bay in the distance. The stream flowing from the mountains to the sea symbolizes the global circulation of life. The surrounding area, rich in archaeological sites from the Jomon and Yayoi periods, provides an ideal setting to explore the relationship between nature and humanity across time, from ancient history to the present.
This project focuses on exploring how humanity can coexist with nature while living and thriving in areas that connect biodiverse mountain forests, rural landscapes, and marine environments. It is dedicated to the restoration of forests through practical conservation activities. Approximately 40% of Japan's forests are artificial, most of which have been abandoned due to the decline of the forestry industry and the aging workforce, putting them at risk of collapse. Effective restoration requires more than just replanting trees—it involves reviving these forests while maintaining ecological balance.
To achieve this vision, we actively collaborate with experts from diverse fields, including ecologists, plant taxonomists, local historians, and artists, fostering the exchange of knowledge and insights to inform and guide our initiatives. Furthermore, we involve a wide spectrum of stakeholders—ranging from local residents and children to businesses and community organizations—creating a collective effort to amplify our impact and drive meaningful change.
As Earth's life forms have evolved over hundreds of millions of years, we now face the disruption of this balance due to rapid economic development over the past few hundred years. EARTH WORKER ENERGY is dedicated to passing on this knowledge to future generations, always focusing on projects with a 100-year vision.
Atsushi Obara: CEO, ELEMUS LLC / Chairman, EARTH WORKER ENERGY Non-Profit Organization
Founded in 1990, EARTH WORKER ENERGY is a non-profit organization committed to realizing the vision of 'harmony between industry and the natural environment.' Our mission focuses on two critical challenges: maintaining ecological balance in biodiversity and combating global warming. Over the years, we have hosted numerous seminars to promote awareness and dialogue around these pressing issues. In 2008, we expanded our efforts with a hands-on initiative called the 'Angel’s Forest Project,' in the heart of the Mikawa region. The project uses the summit area of Ameyama Mountain in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, as a model site, offering an ideal setting for implementing and showcasing our vision.
This area offers a breathtaking view of Mikawa Bay in the distance. The stream flowing from the mountains to the sea symbolizes the global circulation of life. The surrounding area, rich in archaeological sites from the Jomon and Yayoi periods, provides an ideal setting to explore the relationship between nature and humanity across time, from ancient history to the present.
This project focuses on exploring how humanity can coexist with nature while living and thriving in areas that connect biodiverse mountain forests, rural landscapes, and marine environments. It is dedicated to the restoration of forests through practical conservation activities. Approximately 40% of Japan's forests are artificial, most of which have been abandoned due to the decline of the forestry industry and the aging workforce, putting them at risk of collapse. Effective restoration requires more than just replanting trees—it involves reviving these forests while maintaining ecological balance.
To achieve this vision, we actively collaborate with experts from diverse fields, including ecologists, plant taxonomists, local historians, and artists, fostering the exchange of knowledge and insights to inform and guide our initiatives. Furthermore, we involve a wide spectrum of stakeholders—ranging from local residents and children to businesses and community organizations—creating a collective effort to amplify our impact and drive meaningful change.
As Earth's life forms have evolved over hundreds of millions of years, we now face the disruption of this balance due to rapid economic development over the past few hundred years. EARTH WORKER ENERGY is dedicated to passing on this knowledge to future generations, always focusing on projects with a 100-year vision.
Atsushi Obara: CEO, ELEMUS LLC / Chairman, EARTH WORKER ENERGY Non-Profit Organization