Basic Concept
Since the early days of its foundation, the Nisshinbo Group has made it its mission to contribute broadly to society based on the basic spirit of corporate public institutions of "contributing to society through business activities." The Nisshinbo Group actively participates in the community and promotes engagement with local communities in order to contribute to the regions where it operates. The Group contributes to the sustainable development of society through its business and social contribution activities.
Promotion System
The Nisshinbo Group, under the leadership of the Executive Officer in charge of the Corporate Strategy Department at Nisshinbo Holdings Inc., is conducting activities aimed at promoting sustainability management across the entire Nisshinbo Group, led by the Corporate Strategy Department. We have established a Nisshinbo Group's Sustainability Promotion Conference to share the social contribution activities of each group company and promote activities that contribute to the sustainable development of society as a whole.
Please refer to "Promotion System for Sustainability Activity" for details regarding the organizational structure for promoting sustainability.
Specific Initiatives of The Nisshinbo Group
In the "Fifth Sustainability Promotion Plan," which ends in fiscal 2024, The Nisshinbo Group has made the development of social contribution activities a key action items. The Group will continue its participation in community contribution activities in the "Sixth Sustainability Promotion Plan", which will end in fiscal 2027.
Specific Activities of the Group Companies
Conducting Joint Evacuation Drills with Nearby Nurseries
The headquarters of JRC Tokki Co., Ltd. conducts annual evacuation drills in cooperation with nearby nurseries. The drills are based on the assumption that, the company's building will be used as an evacuation site in the event of a disaster for nursery school children if it is difficult for them to remain at the nursery.
During the evacuation drill, the children walk the approximately 400-meter route from the nursery school to the company under the guidance of the teachers at the nursery school. After the drill, the children sing songs to express their gratitude to the company, which helps to promote communication between the company and the local community. In addition, parents of the children attending the nursery school also participate in training, which includes confirming the evacuation routes from the nursery school and checking the status of emergency supplies stored at the school.
JRC Tokki Co., Ltd. established a cooperative relationship with local residents and is engaged in a variety of different activities to ensure that mutual assistance can be provided efficiently in the event of unforeseen disasters.
Participation in Community Beautification and Cleanup Activities
JRC System Service Co., Ltd. participates in local beautification and cleanup activities that include grass cutting and cleanup around the hydrangea bushes near the entrance to the World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo Trail in Magose-touge Kihoku Town as organized by a local NPO, in addition to the annual cleanup work along the banks of the Tsutsumi River in Sakae Town Aomori City as organized by a local group. In 2024, cleaning activities at the Kumano Kodo trailhead were carried out in April and June with four employees participating in each event. In addition, 11 employees participated in riverbank cleaning activities in July.
JRC System Service Co., Ltd. conducts business at construction sites located on roads and along riverbanks and always cleans up the surrounding areas. However, in areas slightly removed from the construction sites where local residents pass by, there are often cigarette butts, plastic bottles, cans, and other trash scattered about. Therefore, the company conducts annual cleanup activities as part of its community contribution efforts in the hope that local residents will be more comfortable using the facilities. The cleanup activities at the Kumano Kodo trailhead are featured in local newspapers and on television, which help to strengthen the bonds between the local community and the company.
Holding a Lecture on Social Implementation Through Collaboration Between Industry, Academia, and Government
Nagano Japan Radio Co., Ltd. provided a social implementation observation course for the Advanced Automation and Robotics Study Group organized by the Shinshu Industry-Academia-Community Collaboration Association (hereinafter referred to as the "Collaboration Association") in September 2024.
The Collaboration Association promotes collaboration and cooperation between industry, academia, and government to advance and promote science and technology and contribute to regional development. In 2023, the Association established the Advanced Automation and Robotics Study Group in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering at Shinshu University.
During the Intelligent Robotics Basics Course provided for engineers from member companies of the Collaboration Association, many participants expressed the desire to see actual examples of automation implementation and the latest robotics equipment. As a result, Nagano Japan Radio Co., Ltd. was selected as a site visit destination for the FY2024 activities because it is a company where production line automation is advancing.
Thirty-nine participants, including engineers from member companies, attended the tour and observed efforts to automate difficult soldering work and visualize equipment operating conditions. During the question-and-answer session after the tour, many questions were asked about equipment design, which indicated a high level of interest in automation.
Support for Nagano Prefecture's Forest Foster Parent Promotion Project
The Forest Foster Parent Promotion Project is being implemented in Nagano Prefecture where companies that are enthusiastic about environmental activities provide funds and labor for forest maintenance, and forest maintenance and other activities are carried out in villages that own forests that become foster forests. Nagano Japan Radio Co., Ltd., has been contracted to participate in this project as of 2014 and has been interacting with the relevant parties in Nagano Prefecture and the city.
In 2024, two activities were held in May and October, with approximately 20 participants from the company and prefectural and municipal officials. In May, Nagano Japan Radio planted 2,000 seedlings of nameko and hiratake mushrooms, and in October, the company cleared the undergrowth around the planted larch trees and pruned branches that had grown to the thickness of beer bottles.
In addition, Nagano Japan Radio listened to an explanation about forests from a forest management organization and learned that forests have three functions (1) CO2 absorption, (2) water storage and purification, and (3) disaster prevention and erosion control, and that the effectiveness of these functions varies depending on how the forest is managed. This reinforced the understanding of the importance of forest management. Participants commented, "It was my first time using a long sickle, but it cut well and was fun," and "I learned that forests have various roles."
Participate in Volunteer Planting Activities
The headquarters of HYS Engineering Service Inc. conducted environmental conservation activities in neighboring areas in May and November 2024 by planting flowers in the flower beds in front of Hanakoganei Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line, one of the stations used by employees for commuting.
Over the past three years, the company had been forced to suspend activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the company took advantage of the Open Garden initiative, which is part of the greenery promotion activities being carried out by Kodaira City, Tokyo, where the business is located, and a total of 60 employees participated in the initiative as volunteers.
On a calm Saturday morning, the volunteers participated in flower bed maintenance and planting activities amidst friendly comments from passersby. Participants commented that the weather was perfect for a pleasant activity, and everyone enjoyed a rewarding and heartwarming experience.
HYS Engineering Service Inc. will continue to contribute to the community through planting activities while expanding their scope to include past cleanup activities and other initiatives in order to promote social and community contribution activities.
Participation in the Akita Marine Litter Zero Project
The coastline of Akita Prefecture is approximately 264 km long—marine debris has been found in most of the areas. Ninety-eight percent of the debris comes from within Japan, and reducing the amount of household waste discarded into the sea or flowing into the sea via rivers will help reduce the amount of debris washed ashore. In April 2022, the Akita Marine Litter Zero Project was launched as part of the Japan Foundation's CHANGE FOR THE BLUE initiative to protect the resource-rich scenic seas of Akita Prefecture.
GOYO ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. agreed to participate in this project in June 2024 and took part in a cleanup activity in central Akita City for the first time, together with local high school students and representatives from companies and organizations. The company will continue to actively engage in social contribution activities to protect the future of children.
Participation in the Budding Scientists Program
The Scientist Seedling Development Program is a science program offered by the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, mainly targeting elementary school students in grades 5 through 9. The program aims to foster and nurture curiosity, motivation, and the abilities related to science through hands-on learning experiences.
Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc. shares the university's philosophy of nurturing future science and technology professionals and scientists and held a factory tour and hands-on event at its facility in November 2024.
On the day of the event, a total of 23 junior high and high school students and their parents from Saitama Prefecture participated in a tour of the semiconductor factory at the Kawagoe Plant, listened to audio products in the audio room, and built headphone amplifiers. The headphone amplifier construction experience involved using a soldering iron to mount ICs and capacitors onto a circuit board, then checking whether the completed kit actually produced sound. The sight of junior high and high school students beaming with delight when sound came out of the kits that they had worked so intently to build was very memorable.
Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc. will continue to actively collaborate with industry, academia, and government to encourage young people, who will be the leaders of the next generation, to take an interest in science and technology.
Participated in Cleaning Activities along Nearby Rivers
In November 2024, 50 employees of Nisshinbo Micro Devices (Thailand) Co., Ltd. participated in a community cleanup activity. The company has participated in this activity since FY2020.
The Loy Krathong Festival, known as one of the most beautiful festivals in Thailand, is a festival in which krathongs (lanterns) are floated down the river to ask for forgiveness from the goddess of the river. However, after the festival ends, the krathongs become trash.
The company collaborated with Lampang Province and nature conservation groups to clean up the trash floating in the river and that washed up on the riverbank. This activity prevents aquatic animals from eating trash and contributes to the preservation of the ecosystem.
Volunteer Activities that Contribute to the Local Community
Nisshinbo Saeron (Changshu) Automotive Co., Ltd. in China conducts annual community service activities. In 2024, the company cleaned up the area around the mountain trail in Yushan near its facility. A total of 106 employees participated in the environmental beautification activities, which served as an opportunity to raise awareness of environmental protection.
Yushan is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Changshu City. Yushan National Forest Park is home to 102 species of birds, including six species of birds listed as Class II protected birds in China and 31 species of birds protected under the China-Japan Migratory Bird Protection Agreement. Every year from October to January, migratory birds fly to this resource-rich mountain for the winter. The forest area covers more than 1,260 hectares (96% forest coverage), and 309 species of plants belonging to 89 families have been identified.
The Yushan Cleanup Campaign is an important initiative that protects animal and plant habitats and preserves biodiversity. The company will continue to actively engage in this campaign and work with the local community to improve the ecological environment.
Support for the Okazaki City Global Warming Prevention Corps
In Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, citizens, businesses, and the municipal government formed the Okazaki City Global Warming Prevention Corps with the aim of promoting activities to prevent global warming. The Miai Machinery Plant of Nisshinbo Mechatronics Inc. supports this initiative and participates in the activities as a corporate support member.
The main activities of the Okazaki City Global Warming Prevention Corps are as follows:
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①Pot Cover Making Workshop
This program aims to contribute to the prevention of global warming by promoting energy conservation through the use of gas and electricity. -
②Rediscover! Environmental Photo Contest
This contest was held with the theme of the "Good Aspects We Want to Preserve for the Future" and "Areas That Need Improvement." -
③Eco-Driving Contest
Participants experienced eco-driving on a dedicated automobile course. -
④Publication of the Newsletter Prevention Team News
This monthly newsletter provides information on events and other topics related to the prevention of global warming.
Support for the Okazaki City Fisheries Cooperative Association's Oto River Basin Natural Environment Protection Activities
The Miai Machinery Plant of Nisshinbo Mechatronics Inc. supports the Okazaki City Fisheries Cooperative Association's efforts to promote the cooperative and preserve the rich natural environment of the Otogawa River basin as part of its community outreach activities.
Unlike the ocean, rivers have very limited resources, and the amount of food available for fish tends to be less than in the ocean, depending on the size of the river and the surrounding environment. For this reason, the number of fish inhabiting rivers is often limited. The Okazaki City Fisheries Cooperative Association is engaged in environmental conservation activities to protect the fish in many rivers by releasing fish eggs, fry, and mature fish, and by maintaining the areas where fish spawn.
Mangrove Forest Restoration Project
Nisshinbo Mechatronics (Thailand) Ltd. participated in a tree-planting activity on the coast of Samut Prakan Province in 2024.
In recent years, awareness of the need to achieve a sustainable society has been growing in Thailand, and a variety of initiatives are being implemented. One such initiative is the mangrove forest regeneration project. In 2024, 62 employees from the company participated in this project. Despite temperatures exceeding 30°C, they carried mangrove saplings, which were heavier than expected, along rough paths to the coast and planted them.
After planting the trees, everyone enjoyed a delicious meal of Kuey Tiao (a Thai noodle dish) and coconut ice cream, which was a wonderful opportunity to interact with local community members who participated in the activity. Participants expressed their thoughts, saying, "I want to participate again next year," "I am happy to be able to contribute to society," "I am glad I was able to participate in environmental protection activities," "I want to participate in other environmental protection activities," and "I wonder if the seedlings I planted will grow to be big." The company will continue to actively participate in social contribution activities in the future.
Participation in Community Cleanup Activities
Every June, Excel Tokai Co., Ltd. participates in a cleanup activity organized by the Gotemba City Water Quality Conservation Council in Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture, to clean up rivers and roads within the city.
In FY2024, approximately 100 people from local organizations and companies, including 12 participants from Excel Tokai Co., Ltd., took part in the event. The participants were divided into five groups and walked about 3 kilometers and along the way picking up trash from sidewalks and ditches.
Even on sidewalks where people usually walk without noticing trash, they were surprised to find cigarette butts and plastic bags scattered everywhere when they looked closely. Through the cleanup activities, the participants felt a sense of accomplishment in making the city where they live cleaner. They also realized that they had developed an awareness of the environment, such as "We will never litter to keep the environment clean."
The company was founded in Gotemba and will celebrate its 55th anniversary in 2025. Excel Tokai Co., Ltd. will continue to carry out activities rooted in the community, never forgetting their awareness and gratitude as a member of the local community.
Participation in the Green Fund Forest Forest Creation Event
In January and November 2024, three employees from the Asahi Plant of Nisshinbo Chemical Inc. participated in the Forest Creation Event hosted by the Chiba Prefecture Greenery Promotion Committee, a public interest incorporated association.
As part of the coastal forest restoration activities following the Great East Japan Earthquake, approximately 2,500 trees, including resistant black pine, were planted in 2018 at Jingūji Beach in Asahi City, Chiba Prefecture. Since then, maintenance work focused on clearing the underbrush. In 2024, to perform thinning cuts—a critical step for managing the density of the pine forest—black pine and other trees affected by pine beetle damage were removed.
The distinctive feature of this forest creation project is that the various participants, including individuals, corporations, and organizations, work together in small ways without strain to implement continuous and steady forest creation.
On the day of the event, there was a lecture on the mechanisms and countermeasures for pine beetle damage, and participants were able to obtain useful information for the cultivation of Hime Komatsu (Chiba Prefecture's most important protected species [A]), which is being planted and protected at the company's Asahi Plant. Nisshinbo Chemical Inc. will continue to participate in forest creation events and carry out conservation activities for coastal disaster prevention forests, which are important for ensuring the safety of people's lives.
Participate in the Adopt a Program Yoshino River and Zero Waste Day Campaign
The Tokushima Plant of Nisshinbo Textile Inc. has participated in the adopt a Program Yoshino River, a cleanup activity for the Yoshino River, the largest river in Shikoku, since 2010, together with Nisshinbo Holdings Inc., Nisshinbo Chemical Inc., and Daio Paper Products Corporation.
This initiative involves dividing the banks and riverbed of the Yoshino River into designated sections and pairing the participating companies and resident groups with sections of the riverbed as part of the volunteer activities. In FY2024, a total of 22 people participated.
Nisshinbo Textile Inc. has also participated in the Zero Waste Day Campaign since 2012. This campaign designates May 30 as Zero Waste Day and encourages volunteers to clean up their local communities and workplaces under the slogan, "If I pick it up, I won't throw it away." In 2024, 13 people participated in the campaign. The company participates in this activity with the desire to protect the Yoshino River, which is a treasure of Tokushima and promote a society that does not waste. With each passing year, Nisshinbo Textile Inc. feels its attachment to the Yoshino River and the surrounding area growing stronger. The company will continue to protect the beautiful environment of this area through its activities.
Osaka City Cleanup Campaign Clean UP Operation
Osaka City is conducting a citywide cleanup campaign to promote cleanliness and beauty in the city. Naigai Shirts Co., Ltd. participated in the community cleanup in the area from Kitakyuhoji in Chuo Ward to Midosuji, near its Osaka branch, in February 2025, in collaboration with the Osaka Office of Nisshinbo Textile Inc.
The area was littered with cigarette butts, plastic bottles, and other trash, and participants spent about 30 minutes picking up the trash. In addition to the Osaka Marathon, the cleanup was conducted with the aim of contributing to the creation of a beautiful city in preparation for Osaka Kansai Expo, which will be held from April 2025.
The company will continue to actively participate in similar activities and strive to beautify and preserve the local environment.
Support for the Foundation for International Development and Relief (FIDR)
Nisshintoa Iwao Inc. has conducted nutrition and industrial support activities in three regions of Kampong Loeung District, Cambodia, under the Tsunagu Project since FY2024.
The Kompong Loeung District is located on the shores of Tonle Sap Lake. During the rainy season, some areas are flooded, which result in a loss of income and make it one of the poorest regions in Cambodia. In addition, the nutritional status of children is among the worst in the country, and many children appear smaller than their age. After careful consideration of what could be done to help the local people in such circumstances, the company launched the Furikake Project.
Nisshintoa Iwao is working to improve children's nutrition by providing furikake (dried rice seasoning) and increasing the income of the residents by making furikake a local specialty product. In March 2025, the company held a furikake competition, which was covered by the local media, raising awareness and making furikake a household word in Cambodia. From now on, the company will commercialize furikake, sell it in cafeterias and stores, introduce it into school lunches, and connect it to nutritional improvement and income growth, thereby contributing to the local community.
Promotion of Donations to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Related Activities
Nisshintoa Iwao Inc. has made regular donations to the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations' sole food assistance agency, since 2007. The WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.
The company supports the WFP's mission to fight world hunger and has become one of the members of the United Nations WFP Association, which serves as the official support office for the WFP in Japan. In addition to corporate donations, the company launched the Second Cup Coffee Fundraising Campaign where employees pay for their second cup of coffee each day with the proceeds going to the WFP and the Charibon initiative where employees donate unwanted books.
In addition, a total of 29 people participated in the annual WFP Walk the World charity event organized by the same association (aimed at eradicating hunger among children in developing countries) in Yokohama, Osaka, and Nagoya.