Rio Waza - MD & CEO - Daiki Axis India Pvt. Ltd.
Water and sanitation emerge as pivotal pillars in public health interventions, boasting unparalleled cost-effectiveness. A staggering half of undernutrition cases stem from the lack of access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and proper hygiene practices—moreover, the global challenge of escalating water scarcity and declining water quality compounds these concerns. By 2050, a quarter of the global population may reside in regions with chronic water shortages, risking economic growth.
With its status as the world’s most populous nation, India grapples with a dire situation: a mere 4 per cent of its water sources are deemed potable. Nearly 600 million Indians confront high to extreme levels of water stress, and by 2030, demand for water is poised to outstrip available supply, exacerbating severe water scarcity. Urgent action is imperative, necessitating the continual evolution of sustainable policies and practices, especially amidst climate change, rising demand, and environmental degradation.
Efforts to improve water efficiency and sustainability are imperative. Comprehensive wastewater treatment initiatives, led by both government and private sectors, are essential to secure freshwater access for future generations. Among these, Daiki Axis India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Daiki Japan, stands as a beacon of progress.
Established in 1958, Daiki Japan Group boasts over 65 years of history, with a group turnover of 38,000 crores. Within the group, Daiki Axis, the environmental division, contributes Rs. 3,000 crores.
Water, essential for all life and economic activities, forms the cornerstone of Daiki Axis India’s mission. As a leading manufacturer and exporter of Packaged Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) systems, the company spearheads initiatives to conserve water and safeguard the environment. Over the past five years, they’ve installed approximately 1,000 sites across India, offering a unique system of Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC) for sustained efficiency.
With over a decade of experience in fostering strong Japanese-Indian business partnerships, Mr Rio Waza serves as the Managing Director of Daiki Axis India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Daiki Japan. His journey began as a business consultant supporting Japanese companies to emphasise their existence in India. He facilitated the establishment of over 70 firms. With a profound belief in India as the ultimate destination for Japanese business ventures, Rio Waza has dedicated his career to leveraging Japanese expertise and values to drive economic growth and innovation in India. As managing director of Daiki Axis India, Rio Waza leads a dynamic team that is revolutionising wastewater treatment solutions in India.
“When I first arrived in India, I worked as a business consultant; support for a Japanese company can emphasise their existence in India. I facilitated the entry of over 70 companies into India, assisting with incorporation, factory setup, and collaboration with Indian companies.
“I firmly believe that India is the ultimate destination for Japan’s strongest business partnerships,” I have maintained this belief throughout my 11-year tenure in India.
Japan is renowned for its quality products, efficient control systems, skill development, and rich experiences. However, over the past two decades, we have faced challenges and struggled with self-denial. This conservatism has hindered Japanese companies, stifling innovation and progress. Political stagnation, a lack of ambition among the youth, and a focus solely on economic gains have exacerbated this situation.
Japan yearns for something strong and fundamental, like a revitalising force. We have the expertise to drive rapid economic growth, manage population surges, develop urban landscapes, address heavy industrial concerns, and harmonise development. I am confident that these experiences can be leveraged in India.
I anticipate increased Japanese engagement in India, fostering exchanges of both human resources and technology. The great generation of Japanese baby boomers, now in their seventies, epitomises the values of skill, hard work, and pride in their craftsmanship. Our generation, aged between 40 and 50, is the last to have been educated by them, carrying forward their ethos of unwavering dedication, even to the extent of working around the clock.
My decision to join Daiki Axis, a manufacturer of decentralised wastewater treatment plants, was deliberate. We aggressively introduced Japanese technology, educational models, and innovative concepts. Having established two factories over the past five years, we are now preparing for a third facility in South India.
We actively participate in initiatives such as Make in India, the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Namami Gange Program (National Mission for Clean Ganga), and the River City Alliance. Both as a company and as representatives of our nation, we aim to build stronger and deeper relationships for the long term, spanning the next 50 years.”
— Rio Waza, Managing Director, Daiki Axis India
Daiki Axis India offers state-of-the-art decentralised domestic wastewater treatment solutions known as Johkasou-STP. These systems are tailored for the treatment of both grey and black water in compliance with environmental regulations. Recognising the evolving nature of this field, Daiki Axis provides comprehensive support to its customers, including initial surveys, solution customisation, product selection, DPR preparation, equipment supply, on-site construction assistance, and ongoing operation and maintenance services. As a subsidiary of Daiki Axis Japan, the company benefits from the expertise and advanced technologies of its parent company, a leading environment protection firm with extensive experience in the sector.
With the decentralised domestic wastewater treatment in India in its nascent stage, Daiki Axis India has faced several obstacles. The lack of awareness, weak compliance measures, low-quality and unorganised competition, insufficient institutional ecosystem, and a unilateral government focus on large centralised sewerage systems were among the key challenges. Mr Waza shares,
"To address these challenges, we’ve taken proactive steps. We’ve organised over 500 physical and online seminars to educate users and stakeholders about the necessity, concepts, and benefits of our “Treat at site and Reuse at site” approach. Additionally, we’ve demonstrated the performance of Johkasou in Indian conditions through reputable organisations like IIT and the Principal Scientific Office of the Government of India. Leveraging the Make in India initiative, we’re already shipping products from two of our Indian factories.”
He adds, “Daiki Axis India now has 28 partner companies across India. This network of partnerships is a mutually supportive ecosystem wherein Daiki Axis not only receives invaluable support from its partners but also reciprocates by providing assistance and resources to them. Together, we work towards common goals, ensuring end-user satisfaction, streamlining the execution of installation and maintenance processes, and proactively responding to market demands. This collaborative effort is a reflection of our commitment to continuous improvement and growth in India’s wastewater treatment sector.”
Daiki Axis has also initiated the process of establishing standards for this product category with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). A network of 28 local companies has been developed to expand product and service reach in India. Partnering with SVSU Skill University, the company is enhancing skill training and development for STP operators. Additionally, Daiki Axis is actively promoting the benefits of decentralised wastewater management to key government departments and agencies.
Despite a fiercely competitive market, Daiki Axis remains at the forefront of efforts to contribute to a pollution-free and water-secure India. The company prioritises delivering the highest quality products to Indian customers and continuously benchmarks itself against global standards in terms of value proposition and low life cycle costs. To sustain this edge, Daiki Axis focuses on setting up local factories, expanding its product range, and investing significantly in Research and Development efforts.
Viewing India as a pivotal strategic market, Daiki Axis aims to deliver a comprehensive suite of technologies, products, engineering, and maintenance services to its Indian customers. Recognising existing gaps within the sector, the company collaborates closely with key stakeholders to overcome these barriers. This commitment has fostered trust and credibility in both the brand and its product offerings.
Daiki Axis India boasts one of the industry’s most vibrant and talented leadership teams, serving as a magnet for aspiring individuals and talents seeking entry into the sector. The organisation offers employees exceptional opportunities to face challenges and establish benchmarks of success. With an open working culture, competitive remuneration, and innovative incentive schemes, Daiki Axis India provides an environment conducive to attracting and retaining top talent amidst rapidly evolving workforce dynamics.
With a dedication to innovation and excellence in the water technology sector, Daiki Axis India has achieved significant milestones over the years. The organisation has been honoured as the most innovative water technology by FICCI, recognised as an Impactful Water Leader by CSR World, and awarded the Green PRO product designation by CII. These accolades fuel the organisation’s enthusiasm and reinforce its commitment to the Indian market.
Daiki Axis’s technology has been empanelled with the Ministry of Jal Shakti and CPHEEO and received successful evaluations from esteemed institutions such as IIT Roorkee, propelling the company forward as it continues to strive for excellence and making meaningful contributions to water sustainability and environmental stewardship.
On the leadership front, Mr Waza views success through a distinct lens. Reflecting on his tenure at Daiki Axis, he shares, “The journey has been immensely satisfying. Among the many milestones, I consider initiating the process of establishing the Government-to-Government Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between India and Japan to be the most significant. This initiative has the potential to bridge the expertise and experience of Japan with the vast opportunities in the Indian market, paving the way for transformative changes in previously untouched areas.”
As the industry evolves rapidly, keeping abreast of emerging trends is essential to remain relevant. Daiki Axis stays informed through direct engagement with key stakeholders, participation in key events and technological seminars, and collaboration with top universities and policy-making bodies in India and abroad. The company’s leadership team actively engages with key industry associations such as FICCI, CII, Assocham, and Indo-Japanese industry associations, ensuring Daiki Axis adapts effectively to shifts in policies, trends, and technologies.
The decentralised domestic wastewater treatment market is projected for rapid growth in the coming years, with potential barriers being addressed and critical mass attained. As the government focus, budget allocation, and market needs align, the demand is expected to surge significantly. In line with India’s aspiration to achieve developed nation status by 2047, water security and environmental cleanliness are imperative.
Positioned at the forefront of India’s decentralised domestic wastewater market, Daiki Axis aims to contribute significantly to the country’s journey towards achieving its developmental goals by addressing water security and environmental concerns. The company continues to enhance its product offerings, invest in R&D, and fortify engineering services. Daiki’s successful partnership model with local Indian firms ensures robust sales and service coverage, a strategy slated for further reinforcement.
Mr Waza emphasises, “We’re actively fostering collaboration among key stakeholders and leading companies in this sector to collectively drive the development of India’s decentralised domestic wastewater market. By improving technology adoption and enhancing overall user experience, we aim to propel the industry forward.”
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