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Working in Harmony with Local Communities

As a member of society, the Kobe Steel Group engages in interpersonal exchanges with residents in local communities and contributes to local welfare on an ongoing basis
Kobe Steel, Ltd.
Kobe Steel Group Makes Donation for Chuetsu-Oki Earthquake
On July 16, 2007, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck offshore of the Chuetsu region in Niigata Prefecture, jolting such cities and communities as Nagaoka, Kashiwazaki, and Kariwa with tremors in excess of magnitude 6. As of January 8, 2008, 15 people had died in the quake, 2,315 were seriously injured, and more than 40,000 homes were damaged. More than 12,000 people were forced to evacuate because of this disaster.

We in the Kobe Steel Group vividly remember all the help we received when the devastating Great Hanshin Earthquake struck the Kobe area in 1995. To help the people of the Chuetsu area recover from their calamity and return to normal life as quickly as possible, Kobe Steel and a number of Group companies (including Kobe Steel, Ltd., Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., Kobelco Eco-Solutions,Co., Ltd., Shinsho Corporation, Shinko Real Estate Co., Ltd., Kobelco Research Institute, Inc., etc.) donated a total of ¥20 million through the Community Chest of Niigata Prefecture, a social welfare corporation.
Kakogawa Works
Experienced Players Coach Middle School Baseball Teams
The city of Kakogawa promotes participation in sports among junior high school students through its Kakogawa Municipal Support Program for Middle School Sports Team Activities. This program focuses on recruiting experienced athletes from local companies and the public at large to support sports club activities in local schools.

Kakogawa Works dispatched nine veteran baseball players from among its employees to area middle schools (Yamate, Kamiyoshi, Ryonan) twice a week to assist school coaches and teach the young players the basics of catching, throwing, running bases, batting and other skills. This cooperation will continue in future programs with the aim of strengthening cooperative ties with the local community.
Experienced Players Coach Middle School Baseball Teams
Kakogawa Works
Expanding Swimming Assistance at Kakogawa Special Education School
One of the volunteer activities undertaken by the Foremen's Association at Kakogawa Works is to provide assistance to student swimmers at the Kakogawa Yogo School (Kakogawa Special Education School) during the months of June through November. This entails helping children who are usually confined to wheelchairs enjoy the freedom of movement that comes from floating or swimming in a pool. Members of the Foremen's Association had been taking turns helping out in the past, but they have recently stepped up their activity in response to a request received from the school, with younger employees in various departments responding to a call for volunteers issued by the Association. In this way, Kakogawa Works continues to deepen its ties to the local community.

Volunteers often find themselves moved and inspired by the sight of students putting all they have into swimming or watching them as they help each other. Through experiences such as these, young employees at Kakogawa Works are given the opportunity to enrich their lives and deepen their sensitivity to the world around them.
Expanding Swimming Assistance at Kakogawa Special Education School

Daian Plant
Kobelco Lively Festa in the Chubu Region
On November 3, 2007, the Kobelco Lively Festa was held at our Daian Plant, marking the 70th anniversary since Kobe Steel first began operating in the Chubu region. The first factory Kobe Steel opened in the region was the Nagoya Plant, established in 1937. In 1995, operations were moved to the Daian Plant.

This festival was held as an expression of gratitude not only to employees and their families but to all people living in the area. Various fun events were held on the plant grounds, including aerobics sessions, a balloon popping competition, giant jump-roping, a cartoon character show, a talent show, and a drawing for prizes. Many people from the local community participated, with a total of about 1,400 attending.
Kobelco Lively Festa in the Chubu Region
Nadahama Science Square
Receives Minister's Award from Ministry of Education, Culture Sports, Science and Technology
Nadahama Science Square, located next to Kobe Steel's Shinko Kobe Power Plant in Kobe, promotes interaction with the local community. Last year, it received the Minister's Award from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in the 17th Global Environmental Awards.

Nadahama Science Square is a hands-on learning facility that explores the fascination and fun of science and technology associated with such themes as steelmaking, power generation, energy and the environment. Popular as an external learning venue for elementary and middle-school students as well as a center for personal interaction in the community at large, it has attracted approximately 230,000 people since first opening its doors in April 2004.

This year's prize recognizes the contribution that Nadahama Science Square has made to educating elementary and middle-school students about environmental and energy issues, as well as its role in promoting environmental communication within the region and society at large.

At an award ceremony held at Meiji Kinenkan in Motoakasaka, Tokyo on April 22, 2008, Kobe Steel President Yasuo Inubushi received the award in the presence of His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino.
Award ceremony for the Global Environmental Awards of the Ministry of Education, Culture Sports, Science and Technology
Award ceremony for the Global Environmental Awards of the Ministry of Education, Culture Sports, Science and Technology

Students visit a biotope in nature class.
Students visit a biotope in nature class.

* The Global Environmental Awards, sponsored by the Fuji Sankei Group, was established with the special cooperation of the World Wildlife Fund of Japan (honorary director, Prince Akishino) in 1992 for the purpose of achieving industrial development that harmonizes with the global environment. It is dedicated to recognizing companies and other organizations that show notable passion for preserving the global environment across a broad range of activities, including the development of products and technologies, the promotion of business, and the implementation of educational programs. It is considered to be the most prestigious of all Japanese awards related to the environment.
Group Companies
Shinko JFE Industrial Co., Ltd.
Dispatching Experts to Provide Practical Guidance at Technical High Schools At the request of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Tottori Prefecture (where Shinko JFE Industrial Co., Ltd. is located) participates in the Vocational School/Regional Industry Liaison Project for Fostering the Development of Skilled Manufacturing Personnel by asking local companies to dispatch their expert personnel to teach in vocational high schools.

Shinko JFE is the only company in the central part of the prefecture to be asked every year to dispatch instructors with certification as master experts in processing. Classes are organized primarily on the weekends in December and January, with four or five sessions held in total. In 2007, the usual program was augmented by a high school "skilled manufacturing contest" in which competitively selected students from all over the prefecture received further training in skilled manufacturing techniques. Through the guidance provided by Shinko JFE's master experts, young people are exposed to the joys of excellent manufacturing. Recognizing the value of the project, Shinko JFE remains committed to continuing its efforts to nurture the manufacturing masters of the future.
Shinko JFE employees provide students with hands-on guidance
Shinko JFE employees provide students with hands-on guidance
Shinko Care Life Co., Ltd.
Sponsoring Events with Local Residents
Based in Kobe, Shinko Care Life is dedicated to providing the elderly with comprehensive support through the operation of fee-based elderly care facilities and in-home nursing services.

With the participation of local residents, various events are held at the three elderly care facilities currently operated by the company within Kobe City. One example is the yusuzumikai ("cool evening gatherings") held each year. In 2007, two such events were organized: one at the Domani Kobe facility on August 8, and one at the Elegano Maya facility on August 10. Facility residents and their families were joined by volunteers and many people from the local community in fun-filled evenings featuring food stands, bon odori dancing, fireworks, and children's dancing, all of which greatly deepened community interaction.
Elementary school students show off their dancing skills at a yusuzumikai held at Domani Kobe.
Elementary school students show off their dancing skills at a yusuzumikai held at Domani Kobe.
Shinko Human Create Co., Ltd.
Donating Benches Made by New Employees in Training Programs
For some time now, the training received by new engineers entering Kobe Steel includes the fabrication of benches in an exercise designed to help trainees experience first-hand the joy and satisfaction that comes from skilled manufacturing.

The benches are truly handmade by teams of five people working for about three hours. At first, the finished benches were installed in rest areas within the training center, but in 2000 arrangements were made to reach out to the local community by donating the benches to city parks. In 2005 the list of beneficiaries was expanded to include nursery schools and elementary schools (42 benches donated as of 2007). In addition, benches are auctioned off at the annual Shinko Kakogawa Festival, with the proceeds used to purchase book certificates that help to stock the libraries of local elementary schools. The bench-making program thus not only benefits Kobe Steel trainees but also represents a meaningful contribution to schools and other institutions in the community at large.
Donating Benches Made by New Employees in Training Programs
Kobelco Community Contribution Fund Begins Operation
In commemorating the 100th anniversary of Kobe Steel's founding, we established the Kobelco Community Contribution Fund in June 2006.

Continuing our policies from that year, fund activities in FY2007 focused on social welfare programs for children, who are our future. Assistance was provided in various forms in ten cities in which Kobe Steel has a presence: including Kobe, Kakogawa, Takasago, Harima, Ibaraki, Higashihiroshima, Fujisawa, Shimonoseki, Inabe and Moka.

More specifically, the fund provided support to: 1) children's special care centers and welfare facilities for the disabled; 2) nursery schools, day-care centers and other facilities that provide childrearing support; 3) groups that enable children themselves to contribute to their local communities; 4) groups that engage in artistic and cultural educational activities aimed at children; and 5) groups that help ensure the safety and healthy growth of children.
Projects Supported by the Kobelco Community Contribution Fund in FY2007
City Recipient Type of Support
Kobe Children's groups (2) - Funding for the installation of acoustic equipment
- Funding for the purchase of Japanese traditional drums
NPO that guides youth through sports (1) - Financial support for a rugby workshop
NPO that guides youth through culture and the arts (1) - Funding for the purchase of art materials
Kobe City Council for Nurturing of Youth (1) - Financial support for youth festival activities
Kobe City Council for Urban Improvement (1)
- Financial support for creating disaster-prevention maps
Kobe City Human Contact and Urban Improvement Council (1) - Financial support for a mochi (rice)-pounding event
Kakogawa Childrearing support circles (5)
- Funding for the purchase of activity materials
Volunteer groups that enable children themselves to contribute to their local communities (1)
- Funding for the purchase of activity materials
Takasago Childrearing support circles (1) - Funding for the purchase of new tatami mats and desks for children's centers
- Financial support for lectures on childrearing held at children's centers for parents
Harima NPO that supports disabled children through the arts, culture and sports, etc. (1) - Funding for the purchase of therapy mats
- Funding for the purchase of flying disks used in competitions
Higashihiroshima Daycare centers (3) - Funding for the purchase of digital height measurement devices
Fujisawa Daycare centers (2) - Funding for the purchase of educational building blocks
- Funding for the purchase of acoustical equipment
Ibaraki Children's special care facilities (3) - Financial support for outdoor activities
- Financial support for retreats
- Funding for the purchase of a ping-pong table
Childrearing support center (1) - Funding for the purchase of toys
Shimonoseki Children's center (1) - Funding for the purchase of toys
Welfare facility for the disabled (1) - Funding for the purchase of playground equipment
Inaba Childrearing support centers (6) - Funding for the purchase of picture books and playground equipment, as well as for the dispatch of childrearing lecturers
Moka Elementary schools (15) - Funding for the purchase of materials for English-language education
Social Contributions through Rugby
Kobelco Cup in Yubari, Hokkaido
3rd All-Japan High School Joint-Team Rugby Tournament
From July 21 to July 23, 2007, Kobelco Cup 2007 was held in Heiwa Undo Park in Yubari, Hokkaido. Participating high school teams competed in nine regional blocks covering all of Japan to determine the order in which they would play.

In preparation for hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2011, the Japan Rugby Football Union is working to vitalize rugby in Japan. To that end, it established a new national tournament for high school athletes in 2005. The Kobe Steel Group has provided special support for this effort, now in its fourth year.

In a new approach adopted in 2007, one member of the Kobelco Steelers rugby team was sent to each of the nine regional blocks to advise the high school teams and work on training programs with the coaches. This further heightened unity among the young participants.
3rd All-Japan High School Joint-Team Rugby Tournament
Rugby Workshop for Parents and Children
On July 22, 2007, Kobelco Steelers General Manager Seiji Hirao and nine team members held a rugby workshop for parents and children in Heiwa Undo Park in Yubari, Hokkaido. About fifty parent-child duos participated in various fun games involving the use of a rugby ball to provide exposure to youngsters who had never had contact with rugby before. Rugby Workshop for Parents and Children

After the parent-child rugby workshop was over, volunteers from Kobe Steel Group companies at the Hokkaido Sales Office set up a barbeque. Parents and children who participated in the workshop were able to have an enjoyable time socializing with the Kobelco Steelers.
Special Support for National High School Rugby Tournament
From December 27, 2007 to January 7, 2008, the Kobe Steel Group served as the title sponsor of the "KOBELCO Sports Special" 87th National High School Rugby Tournament at Hanazono Rugby Ground. Fifty-one high school teams from all over Japan fought hard for the championship title. This is the third year the Kobe Steel Group has provided major support for the event, with the aim of enhancing the level of play among high school athletes. Special Support for National High School Rugby Tournament
Activities of Kobe Steel's Rugby Team
Kobelco Rugby Festival 2007
On July 7, 2007, members of the Kobelco Steelers rugby team met with fans at Kobelco Rugby Festival 2007. For the first time, a practice match was held at the festival, with many fans gathering at the Nadahama Ground from the early morning hours. The Kobelco Steelers defeated the NEC Green Rockets 36 to 31, allowing Kobelco Steeler fans to share in the joy of victory.

Other attractions at the festival included the traditional touch-football game, a rugby workshop and talk, a charity auction, and even a dance performance by Kobelco Steeler athletes. A good time was had by all.
Kobelco Rugby Festival 2007
Donation to the Japan Spinal Cord Foundation
The Kobelco Steelers have a tradition of soliciting funds for worthy causes at all of their official matches. On October 24, 2007, a total of ¥403,555, comprised of money donated by fans at these matches, along with some of the money collected at Kobelco Rugby Festival 2007, was donated to the not-for-profit Japan Spinal Cord Foundation. Donation to the Japan Spinal Cord Foundation
Visits to Children's Homes in Niigata Prefecture
"Escort kids" from two children's homes operated by Niigata Prefecture escorted the players in the fourth round of the Top League rugby tournament in a match against the Kubota Spears. The day after the match, November 18, 2007, two Kobelco Steeler players visited the homes and passed a pleasant time playing with the kids, using rugby balls and taking photos. Visits to Children's Homes in Niigata Prefecture
Participation in the Nawate Rugby Workshop
Nine Kobelco Steelers, including Geneal Manager Seiji Hirao and rugby player Yukio Motoki, participated in the Nawate Rugby Workshop held in Shijonawate, Osaka Prefecture, where they provided instruction to two teams: Shijonawate Rugby School and OTJ Rugby School. A question-and-answer session followed the presentation, where the Kobelco Steelers were put on the spot by difficult questions, such as "How do you motivate yourselves before a match?" Participation in the Nawate Rugby Workshop
Participation in Events at Chofu Plant
The Kobelco Steelers operated a booth at Chofu Festa 2007, held at the Chofu Plant in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture on October 14, 2007. It was a wonderful chance for local children to have contact with rugby. Photographs were displayed, videos were aired, and rugby targets were set up to challenge young visitors.

On October 21, 2007, Takasago Family Holiday 2007 was held at the Takasago Works in Takasago, Hyogo Prefecture. Two Kobelco Steelers participated in this event, forging ties with the local community by giving announcements on the stage concerning top league matches and distributing rugby flags and pamphlets.
Participation in Events at Chofu Plant

Chofu Festa 2007
Chofu Festa 2007

Takasago Family Holiday 2007
Takasago Family Holiday 2007