The Water Environment Federation (WEF), in partnership with the Japan Sewage Works Association (JSWA), hosted a weeklong Circular Water Economy Study Tour across Japan from August 24–30, 2025. This immersive experience brought together water sector leaders, engineers, and innovators to explore Japan’s cutting-edge approaches to wastewater treatment, resource recovery, and circular economy solutions.

The delegation traveled through Tokyo, Saitama, Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Osaka, and other cities, engaging with local experts and touring advanced facilities. Highlights included:

• Site visits and presentations at leading water reclamation and resource recovery facilities, including tours of flood control tunnels, water reuse systems, hydrogen and biogas generation plants, and innovative solid waste reuse projects.
• Technical exchanges with Japanese utilities, technology providers, and municipal leaders, focusing on resilient, low-carbon systems and public-private collaboration.
• Workshops and roundtables on topics such as zero liquid discharge (ZLD), water resilience, biosolids management, nutrient and energy recovery, and climate adaptation.
• Cultural and professional networking opportunities, fostering cross-sector partnerships and sharing best practices for global water challenges.

The program featured contributions from JSWA and WEF staff, as well as a diverse delegation of US and Canadian water professionals, each bringing expertise in sustainability, engineering, resource recovery, and regulatory compliance.

Participants gained firsthand insights into Japan’s holistic, circular approach to water management—learning how innovation, collaboration, and technology adoption are driving progress toward a resilient and sustainable future. The tour inspired new ideas and partnerships to advance circular water solutions worldwide.