We aim to forge bonds of trust with all of our stakeholders, as the basis on which we fulfill our corporate social responsibilities here at the Kobe Steel Group. We want to continue to live and prosper in partnership with our stakeholders, by responding to the opinions and suggestions we receive, and by stepping up our activities on a day-to-day basis. This section outlines some of the activities through which the Kobe Steel Group interacts with a wide range of stakeholders and contributes to society.

• Organizing plant tours for our shareholders

We have been organizing tours of our plants and works for shareholders ever since fiscal 2007, in an effort to give them a better understanding of the Kobe Steel Group. We show shareholders around our manufacturing sites, including our steel, aluminum, copper, and machinery facilities.

• Charity event in support of areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake

On March 19, 2011, the Kobelco Steelers (Kobe Steel Rugby team) organized fund-raising activities as part of a charity event, instead of its usual annual event to say thank you to its fans. The team also sent 100 winter coats to the disaster-hit areas.

• Kobe Steel receives 3^rd Hyogo Monozukuri Technology Award

Our high-strength circular steel pipe, developed in conjunction with one of our business partners for use in skyscrapers, received the Hyogo Industrial Association Chairman's Award at the 3^rd Hyogo Monozukuri Technology Awards, in recognition of its outstanding earthquake resistance, safety and weldability.

• Special childcare leave open to male employees

We have established a new special childcare leave scheme to enable male employees with children aged up to three to also take childcare leave. We are committed to helping our employees strike a balance between work and childcare.

• Promoting earthquake preparedness via the Kobelco 1/17 Walk

In January 2011, we organized the Kobelco 1/17 Walk, an event designed to simulate a breakdown in public transport following an earthquake. Around 170 people took part. We consider this to be an important initiative and will continue to organize walks in the future.

• Annual visits and donations to welfare facilities in Malaysia

Employees at Kobe Precision Technology, one of our Malaysian subsidiaries, go out to visit and give donations to nursing homes, childcare centers, and other welfare facilities every year. In 2010, 15 employees visited such facilities in order to give donations and presents.