On the contrary, the fact that SDGs became buzzwords is likely tied to the fact that Japan does well or can market itself as doing well in most of these indicat

On the contrary, the fact that SDGs became buzzwords is likely tied to the fact that Japan does well or can market itself as doing well in most of these indicators. Obviously gender equality is a glaring problem, but you'll notice they rebranded whaling (and possibly dolphin hunting if we dig into it) as controlling the fish population as per the article. Their systemic issues such as a greying population are not in the SDGs because Japan is essentially a snapshot of what awaits developed economies in the future rather than anything to do with the struggles of development.