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Pikachu Protesters Demand Japan End Fossil-Fuel Financing at COP28

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 16:03 GMT by WDIO

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Protesters in Pikachu Costumes Demand Japan End Fossil‑Fuel Financing at UN Climate Conference

At the United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) in Dubai on Tuesday, a group of activists dressed as Pikachu – the instantly recognisable electric‑type Pokémon from Japan – marched in front of the conference venue to demand that Japan cease financing fossil‑fuel projects worldwide. The colourful protest, which attracted a steady stream of cameras and international media, highlighted the stark contradiction between a beloved children’s brand that promotes “friendship” and “protecting the planet” and Japan’s role as one of the world’s largest subsidisers of coal and other fossil‑fuel infrastructure.

Why Pikachu?

Pokémon is a global franchise that has become a cultural touchstone, especially in Japan where it is seen as a symbol of national soft power. The activists, who were also wearing Japan‑flag‑tied Pikachu‑shaped foam heads, argued that Japan’s sponsorship of Pokémon is a stark contrast to the country’s continued investment in projects that release vast amounts of greenhouse gases. Their choice of costume was deliberate: Pikachu’s bright yellow colour draws attention, while the character’s “electric” nature echoes the energy that the protest is demanding to be redirected toward clean sources.

The protestors carried placards that read “Stop Japan’s Fossil‑Fuel Subsidies,” “End Fossil‑Fuel Financing at COP28,” and “Pikachu for Climate.” They also used social‑media hashtags such as #PikachuForClimate and #COP28 to circulate their message worldwide. The creative visual message was a call to action that resonated with younger audiences, many of whom are fans of Pokémon, and amplified the urgency of the activists’ demands.

Japan’s Role in Fossil‑Fuel Financing

The activists’ primary grievance lies with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), a government‑owned financial institution that provides loans, guarantees, and equity investment in overseas projects. According to the World Bank, Japan is the second‑largest global donor of fossil‑fuel subsidies, providing more than $8.7 billion in subsidies and finance in 2021, after China. JBIC has historically financed coal‑power plants and other fossil‑fuel infrastructure in developing countries, notably in Indonesia, Myanmar, and India.

During COP28, Japanese officials and representatives of the Japanese government, including the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, were present to discuss Japan’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. The activists sought to remind the delegation that Japan’s financing of new coal plants contradicts the 1.5 °C climate target. In Indonesia, for example, the government approved a $3.5 billion coal‑power plant that would have increased the country’s greenhouse‑gas emissions by more than 40 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year. The protestors demanded that Japan immediately cancel this project and halt future coal‑financing.

Japan has announced it will stop financing coal projects after 2024, but activists say that the country should accelerate the timeline and also address existing loans that are still active. They argue that the “stop‑financing” pledge must also apply to projects financed under other development agencies and banks that receive Japanese subsidies.

Broader Climate Implications

The protest’s core message is that Japan, as a major industrial nation, has a moral and practical responsibility to align its funding decisions with the Paris Agreement. Japan’s fossil‑fuel financing has far‑reaching effects. When a Japanese bank or the Japanese government finances a coal project, the resulting emissions add to global warming, which disproportionately impacts the poorest countries. In many of the countries where Japan has financed fossil‑fuel projects, the projects are often situated near vulnerable communities that depend on clean air and water.

The activists highlighted that the United Nations has repeatedly called on major economies to “phase out” coal and to “stop financing” fossil‑fuel projects. They urged Japan to meet these calls, to stop financing coal plants, to reduce subsidies for fossil fuels, and to increase investment in renewable energy and clean technology. They also demanded transparency from Japanese financiers: a publicly available database that lists all fossil‑fuel projects financed by Japanese institutions.

International Reactions

Several other climate groups, including the International Campaign to Abolish Coal (ICAC) and the Coalition of Climate Activists in Japan (CCAJ), joined the protest. The coalition’s spokesperson, Ms. Yoko Tanaka, said that the protest was “a reminder that Japan’s policies have global consequences” and that “we will keep holding the government accountable for every loan we provide.” She pointed out that Japan’s actions could influence other developed nations to follow suit, and that “our planet needs a unified approach.”

The Japanese embassy in the United Arab Emirates issued a statement acknowledging the protest and stating that Japan is “committed to achieving net‑zero emissions and will continue to strengthen our efforts to meet international climate goals.” However, the statement did not mention the specific demands of the Pikachu protestors, sparking criticism from local environmental groups that the embassy was not acknowledging the protestors’ legitimate concerns.

Conclusion

The Pikachu protest at COP28 demonstrates the power of creative activism in influencing climate dialogue. While Japan claims to be on track with its Paris commitments, the protestors and supporting organisations argue that its fossil‑fuel financing is still a major source of global emissions. By highlighting the dissonance between Japan’s cultural exports and its climate actions, the activists aimed to send a clear message to policymakers: the world expects Japan to align its financial practices with the urgent demands of the climate crisis. Whether Japan will heed the demands remains to be seen, but the protest has undeniably brought new attention to the critical issue of fossil‑fuel financing in the Global South.