Cooperation and coexistence with the local community and society

1）Basic policy on cooperation and coexistence with the local community and society

　We are actively involved in community exchange activities based on the principle of “Contributing to society,” which we are required to practice under the ASAHI YUKIZAI Code of Conduct.

Since 2020, due to the impact of COVID-19, we have had to refrain from interactions with local communities, but from last year, activities that had been conducted before COVID-19, such as participation in local festivals, have been revived.

2）Examples of commitment

Cleanup activities around the factory

　We regularly carry out cleaning and other beautification activities around our factories so that people living in the surrounding area do not feel uncomfortable when they come to the area around the factory. 

The Nobeoka Factory implemented cleanup in April and October 2023, and the Aichi Factory, in May 2023.

Support for the Introduction to Emergency Care Course

　Employees of our Aichi Factory, who have obtained the qualification of “Emergency first-aid instructor,” who provides first aid during the time between the time of notification and the arrival of the ambulance, are supporting the “Introduction to Emergency Care Course” held by the Niwa Fire Station. 
　In FY2023, we supported the start of life-saving techniques, including how to use AEDs, at two schools: Fuso Junior High School in Aichi Prefecture in October and Fuso Kita Junior High School in December.

Acceptance of technical interns from Indonesia

　We are currently accepting a total of 25 trainees from Indonesia over three terms, utilizing the Technical Internship Program.

　　ｰ1st-term interns: 8 interns joined in Jan. 2019

　　ｰ2nd-term interns: 8 interns joined in Jan. 2020

　　ｰ3rd-term interns: 9 interns joined in July 2023

The purpose of this Program is to transfer Japanese skills and technology to emerging countries and contribute to the development of local human resources. 

There are also benefits for us in being able to acquire valuable young human resources, so we provide them with education and training.

So far, eight people have completed their internships and returned to their home country. At present. 17 interns are actively continuing their training.

Blood donation activities

　The Nobeoka Factory cooperates in the blood donation promotion activities by the Miyazaki Prefecture Red Cross Center's, which is acting in line with the national policy of covering all blood products used in Japan through blood donations. 

In 2023, blood donation campaigns were held in April and October at the Nobeoka Factory with the target of collecting donations from 100 people. As a result, 109 people applied and each of 98 people donated 400ml of blood.

The blood donation campaign was also held in June 2023 at the Aichi Factory with the target of collecting donations from 30 people. As a result, 16 people applied and each of 13 people donated 400ml of blood.

New “Yuki no Mori Kamimiwa” Second Term Tree Planting Activity

　We have been participating in Miyazaki Prefecture's “Corporate Forest Creation” project since 2008, and are working on forest development in Kamimiwa-machi, Nobeoka City, as part of the second term tree-planting activities. 

After the suspension of tree planting for the three years from 2020 to 2022 due to the impact of COVID-19, the 3rd tree planting event was held in April 2023. 

According to certification by Miyazaki Prefecture, the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the “Yuki no Mori Kamimiwa” tree planting project in FY2023 was 7.25 t-CO2/year.

Participation in local summer festivals

　We have been participate in summer festivals in the Nobeoka area of Miyazaki Prefecture and the Ohtawara area of Tochigi Prefecture as part of our local revitalization activities. Due to the impact of COVID-19, these festivals were canceled for three years from 2020 to 2022, but they resumed in FY2023. 

The 46th Matsuri Nobeoka festival was held in Nobeoka City in July 2023, in which about 90 of our employees participated, dancing the Bamba Odori, and a taiko drumming competition and a fireworks festival were also held. 

In addition, the 40th Yoichi Festival was held in Ohtawara City, where the Tochigi Factory is located, in August 2023, and about 40 of our employees participated and danced the Yoichi Odori.