The Second Workshop

The second workshop was held on October 2, 2014. The presentation was on "Philosophy and Practice of Employment and Sport Activity Support in a General Trading Company with a Strong Tradition and Record of Supporting People with Disabilities".

The philosophy of social contribution has been a corporate principle since the company was established. It continues to be a part of the corporate policy for establishing continuing social value through actual business activities.

In 1973, an office was created to oversee social contribution. With eight current members of staff, the office focuses on five areas: global environment, international exchange, culture and art, education, and public welfare. Emphasis is placed on visible social contribution and active employee participation. For example, all employees are encouraged to participate in volunteer programs once a year, an initiative that is actively supported in the workplace. With the support of employees, there will be more focus on contributing to sports for disabled people from this year.

A joint venture company employing people with disabilities was launched in 1983 in Beppu City (in southern Japan). The business began with software development and has expanded to selling systems for disabled people. There are currently 88 employees, of whom two-thirds are disabled. In order to continue as a sustainable enterprise, the company has focused on being profit-centered from its inception. Although not a large amount, the company pays corporation tax, and the employees are proud to be tax-paying citizens and part of a company that pays taxes.