Japanese cosmetics company KOSÉ Corporation has announced an innovative plan to construct a factory in Minami-Alps City, Yamanashi Prefecture, with a strong focus on sustainability and carbon neutrality. This project sets a significant milestone as it will be the first instance in Japan where 100% hydroelectric power will be utilized for construction. During the operational phase, the factory will incorporate locally produced green hydrogen to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. KOSÉ has partnered with Yamanashi Prefecture and other stakeholders to create a local production and consumption energy model, emphasizing the use of water resources. The factory's construction will be supported by CO2-free electricity from hydroelectric power plants, while operational electricity will come from CO2-free sources and solar energy. Thermal energy requirements will be met through hydrogen production using renewable energy, with plans to increase the proportion of hydrogen usage over time. The project, led by Kajima Corporation, is scheduled to commence construction in July, with a significant area of 111,525 square meters allocated for the factory. KOSÉ's President, Kazutoshi Kobayashi, expressed gratitude for the alignment of the project with their carbon neutrality goals and highlighted the support from Kajima Corporation. Yamanashi Prefecture Governor Kotaro Nagasaki praised the initiative as a pioneering model that maximizes locally generated energy. The factory, expected to start operations in the first half of 2026, aims to be a hub for sustainable skincare product manufacturing with potential for future expansions.