Coexisting with Society

The Kobe Steel Group engages in a wide range of activities at each of its business locations, to contribute to local communities.

Below we report on the Kobe Steel Group's efforts to coexist with communities. Examples include educational support for future generations, community interaction and development, overseas social action programs, contributions through sports, and contributions through environmental activity.

Supporting Future Generations

We engage in ongoing activities at each of our regional locations to support the growth and development of children, who are our future.

KOBELCO Community Contribution Fund

Kobe Steel established the KOBELCO Community Contribution Fund in fiscal 2006 on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. In fiscal 2016, the Fund marked its 11th anniversary, with 18 locations (including Group companies) donating toys, musical instruments and teaching materials to local children through community facilities and organizations.

Child playing on soft play equipment (Ibaraki Plant)

Child playing on soft play equipment
(Ibaraki Plant)

Children building a town from wooden blocks (Shinko Kenzai)

Children building a town from wooden blocks (Shinko Kenzai)

Kindergarten children receiving a large batch of toys (Takasago Works)

Kindergarten children receiving a large batch of toys
(Takasago Works)

Nature field trip event (Kobe Works)

Nature field trip event (Kobe Works)

Children absorbed in playing with new toys (Daian Plant)

Children absorbed in playing with new toys (Daian Plant)

Projects Supported by the KOBELCO Community Contribution Fund in Fiscal 2016

  Location Recipient Type of Support
Kobe Steel Kobe Head Office (Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture) Maternal and child living support facility Unicycles and other outdoor toys, keyboards and other musical instruments
Orphanage Large buggy carts, folding tables, etc.
Children's centers Materials, gifts, etc. for use during events
Kobe Corporate Research Laboratories (Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture) Sports associations Scrimmage vests for use during sporting tournaments
Kobe Works (Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture) Volunteer organization Equipment and storage for use during nature field trip events
Women's associations Rice cookers, microwave ovens, etc. for use in children's cafeterias
Kakogawa Works (Kakogawa, Hyogo Prefecture) Childcare plaza Play equipment, nursing partitions, musical instruments
Volunteer organization Equipment for waterway upkeep
Softball association Funding for softball tournament venue setup, consumables, etc.
Takasago Works (Takasago, Hyogo Prefecture) Certified Centers for Early Childhood Education and Care Picture books, play equipment, storage cabinets, etc.
Support facilities for persons with disabilities Picture books, play equipment, storage cabinets, etc.
Nursery room for sick children Picture books, play equipment, storage cabinets, etc.
Harima Plant (Kako-gun, Hyogo Prefecture) Volunteer organization Environmental learning supplies, tools for creation of display panels
Support organization for children with special needs Equipment used at events to interact with able-bodied persons
Fujisawa Plant (Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture) Outdoor activity centers Microscopes, woodworking tool sets, storage, etc.
Fukuchiyama Plant (Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Prefecture) Development support centers Video cameras, balance boards, low tables, etc.
Ibaraki Plant (Ibaraki, Osaka Prefecture) Educational centers Programming teaching materials
Child development support centers Soft indoor play equipment
After school daycares Unicycles
Saijo Plant (Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture) Elementary schools Taiko drums and drumsticks for school events
Moka Plant (Moka, Tochigi Prefecture) Elementary schools Opaque projectors for educational use
Daian Plant (Inabe, Mie Prefecture) Childcare support centers Indoor/outdoor toys, disaster prevention gear, etc.
Chofu Works (Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture) Support centers for persons with disabilities Outdoor play equipment, various goods required for developmental support
Group companies Shinko Engineering Co., Ltd. (Ogaki, Gifu Prefecture) Kindergartens and daycare centers Playhouses
Kobelco Engineered Construction Materials Co., Ltd. (Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture) Daycare centers Wooden blocks
Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture) Elementary schools Frame tents for sports festivals and other events
Shinko Industrial Co., Ltd. (Kurayoshi, Tottori Prefecture) Kindergartens and daycare centers Educational toys
Japan Superconductor Technology, Inc. (Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture) Libraries Science books

Hands-On Learning for Children

In our capacity as a company engaged in manufacturing and environmental conservation, we support the growth of children through hands-on learning.

Kansai Coke and Chemicals Company, Limited (Hyogo Prefecture)

"Monozukuri Classroom" Guest Lessons Held at Local Elementary Schools

Children creating string globe shades

Children creating string globe shades

We have been holding manufacturing lessons, with company employees serving as instructors, for 12 years since 2005. This initiative is intended to give children the chance to experience the joy and wonder of manufacturing for themselves.

Hands-on lessons on making headphones were given to fifth and sixth graders at Meijo Elementary School in Amagasaki in July 2016, and on creating string globe shades* for students at Befunishi Elementary School in Kakogawa in March 2017. Teachers commented that the students look forward to these lessons each year, and that they hope to convey the fun of manufacturing to their students.

* String globe shades: lamp/lightbulb shades created by wrapping kite string around balloons.

Nadahama Science Square (Hyogo Prefecture)

Nature Classes Introduce Children to Nature and Science

Observation of soil-dwelling organisms

Observation of soil-dwelling organisms

Specimen appraisal workshop

Specimen appraisal workshop

At Kobe Steel's community exchange center, Nadahama Science Square, we hold nature classes for children, including biotope observations, nature crafts, and observations of plants and insects. We have held these classes for 13 years, since opening the center in 2004, helping to nurture respect for the environment through interaction with surrounding nature. Approximately 1,300 people participate in the classes every year.

The children who participate are often delighted by the discoveries they make, making comments such as: "This is the first time I ever saw a dragonfly nymph. It was fun." "There's so many living things even in a tiny bit of dirt." We also received many positive comments from satisfied parents, such as they "were impressed by how imaginative the children were." Visitors rated the program highly, saying they "would like to participate again."

Community Interaction

As responsible members of the local community, we engage in a variety of community events and social contribution activities at each of our business locations.

Community Exchange Festivals Held in Various Locations

Kobe Steel held festivals again in fiscal 2016 for employees, their families and local residents. These festivals have become an established tradition in each of the areas where they are held, with large numbers of visitors every year.

Kakogawa Works, bustling with many visitors

Kakogawa Works bustling with many visitors

The 26th Shinko Kakogawa Festival was held by Kakogawa Works on October 30. The festival, which was held on the premises of the Kakogawa Works and adjacent sports ground, baseball field and gymnasium, involved a variety of attractions, with approximately 80,000 attending the bustling event.

Tug-of-war at Chofu Works

Tug-of-war at Chofu Works

Chofu Festival 2016 was held by Chofu Works on October 15. Events included a ball toss game, tug-of-war, a fun Power Rangers show for children, and a tuna carving show held by the local Chofu fishery co-op, with approximately 4,000 people attending the bustling event.

Employee band performance at Takasago Works

Employee band performance at Takasago Works

Takasago Family Holiday was held by Takasago Works on November 12, with approximately 4,000 people attending. Participants enjoyed the many events, including a children's character show, employee bands, taiko drum performances, and brass band performance from nearby junior high schools.

44th Shinko Festival at the Fujisawa Plant

44th Shinko Festival at the Fujisawa Plant

The Shinko Festival, held at the Fujisawa Plant, began in 1973 as a Bon dancing festival and has now become an established local tradition. The 2016 festival was held on August 3, and included singing shows, street performances, fun raffles and the handing out of seed packets. Approximately 1,300 people attended the exciting events.

 

Gymnasiums and Sports Grounds Opened to Local Community

The Kobe Steel Group opens the gymnasiums, sports grounds and other facilities at its many locations to nearby communities on a daily basis, for local sports and events. Below are just some of those events.

Local little league team at the Saijo Plant

Local little league team at the Saijo Plant

Little league baseball practice at the Ibaraki Plant

Little league baseball practice at the Ibaraki Plant

Kobe Steel's Saijo Plant opens its grounds to local little league teams and recreational groups on days when the plant is closed. The Ibaraki Plant also regularly opens its grounds to local little league teams and its gymnasium to volleyball and badminton teams. Additionally, the company soccer team invites other local teams to interleague matches every month.

Futsal at Kobelco & Materials Copper Tube gymnasium

Futsal at Kobelco & Materials Copper Tube gymnasium

Ping pong practice at Kobelco Steel Tube 
gymnasium

Ping pong practice at Kobelco Steel Tube gymnasium

Kobelco & Materials Copper Tube, Ltd. opens its grounds for baseball matches and other events every week, and lends its gymnasium out to official futsal clubs. Kobelco Steel Tube Co., Ltd. opens its gymnasium around three times per week for sports such as ping pong and badminton as well as karaoke, shamisen and other clubs.

Local Cleanup Activities

As part of efforts to contribute to local communities, the Kobe Steel Group proactively engages in cleanup drives of nearby areas and streets at each of its locations. Below we introduce just some of these many activities.

Fukuchiyama Plant (Kyoto Prefecture)

Picking Up Trash and Fallen Leaves Near Plant

Picking up trash from sidewalks

Picking up trash from sidewalks

Every month since 2006 approximately 20 volunteers from management and other areas of the company have picked up trash and fallen leaves from sidewalks in the vicinity of the plant.

These sidewalks are used by local residents as well as children on their way to school.

Kobe Corporate Research Laboratories (Hyogo Prefecture)

Beautification Efforts Near Laboratories

Picking up trash from sidewalks

Contributing to beautification efforts

Since 1996 approximately 40 volunteers, including research lab job team leaders, have engaged in beautification efforts such as picking up trash, once per year, in the vicinity of the laboratories.

Since 2005 members of the General Administration Section having been carrying out these activities in collaboration with Japan Superconductor Technology, Inc.

Shinko Leadmikk Co., Ltd. (Fukuoka Prefecture)

Cleanup Activities Near Company Led by Managers

Picking up trash from sidewalks

Cleanup activities held every Wednesday

Every Wednesday morning for approximately 10 years running, Shinko Leadmikk has held cleanup activities in the vicinity of the company, with participation from managers. Originally each cleanup was carried out by two persons, but in fiscal 2016 the activity was expanded, and the number of participants was raised to 10 to 15 each time. Local neighbors often thank the volunteers for their work.

Shinko-North Co., Ltd. (Ibaraki Prefecture)

Cleanup Activities Near Plant and Kasumigaura Lakeshore

Picking up trash from sidewalks

Making the lakeshore more beautiful

In May 2016, on Kanto Environmental Beautification Day, Shinko-North held beautification efforts in the vicinity of the plant, with 25 staff members from the plant office participating. Additionally, in March 2017, the company participated as a member of the regional industrial association in cleanup activities in the vicinity of the Kasumigaura lakeshore. The event was known as the 87th Kasumigaura-Kitaura Grand Cleanup Initiative. Participants collected a large amount of trash, including discarded fishing gear and empty bento containers, helping to make the lakeshore more beautiful.

Kobelco Systems Corporation (Hyogo Prefecture)

Forest Caretakers, Protecting the Natural Environment of Mt. Rokko

Pruning dwarf bamboo in forest

Pruning dwarf bamboo in forest

Installing benches

Installing benches  

The Forest Caretakers project began in March 2010, as part of activities for the Rokko Mountain Range Green Belt Development Project, promoted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Hyogo Prefecture. The activity, which involves forest upkeep on the part of employee volunteers, focuses on a section of gently sloping forest located along the Hokura Route mountain trail stretching from Higashi-Nada Ward, in Kobe City to Mt. Rokko, which we have named the Kocoro-chan Forest.

About 50 to 60 volunteers, with guidance and cooperation from NPO Rokko Nature Learning, carry out activities three times per year. Additionally, smaller-scale activities, involving around 10 persons, are carried out 10 times per year. We also install benches along rest areas and other amenities appreciated by hikers.

Social Contributions Worldwide

The Kobe Steel Group conducts business around the world, and its business locations outside Japan contribute locally as members of their respective countries and communities while respecting local culture and customs.

 

Kobe CH Wire (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Thailand)

Visiting and Supporting Local Schools for Eight Years Running

Children holding up presents

Children holding up presents

Company volunteers, comprised primarily of Kobe CH Wire welfare committee members, collect donations from within and outside the company, visiting local schools to donate supplies and other support.

This activity was introduced voluntarily on the part of employees in 2009, to mark the 10th anniversary of the company's founding. In August of 2016, which signaled the project's eighth year, volunteers visited Baan Klongtapanhin School in Phetchabun.

Kobelco Millcon Steel Co., Ltd. (Thailand)

Participated in Planning of Activities to Preserve and Carry on Shadow Plays

Coaching on use of fretwork to create silhouettes

Coaching on use of fretwork to create silhouettes

Kobelco Milcon Steel began offering coaching to young people in 2015 in Wat Ban Don Choeng Noen, where the company is located, in order to preserve and carry on the practice of shadow plays, which is a part of the local traditional culture.

Company employees began participating in the activity after being contacted by the Wat Ban Don Shadow Play Association.

Kobelco & Materials Copper Tube (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Thailand)

Support for Local Residents Suffering from Injury and Illness

Sign indicating that clinic is open to the public

Sign indicating that clinic is open to the public

Kobelco & Materials Copper Tube opens its in-company clinic to local people to support treatment of injuries and illnesses. Employees from the general affairs section and the clinic's nurses offer first aid for injuries and advice on common symptoms such as fever. This activity, which contributes to the health of local residents, is greatly appreciated.

Kobe Electronics Material (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Thailand)

Headgear Donated to Kids Division of Football Club

Commemorative photo of children wearing headgear

Commemorative photo of children wearing
headgear

Kobe Electronics Material donated headgear to the Bangkok Japanese Rugby Football Club Kids Division which carries out rugby workshops in Bangkok. Headgear was also donated in 2006, but the company chose to donate gear once again in 2016, 10 years later, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the company's founding.

The Kids Division consists of 20 active boys and girls from ages 5 to 15. The children began practicing with the new headgear immediately.

Kobelco Compressors America, Inc. (USA)

Giving Toys to Children

Christmas presents for children

Christmas presents for children

Kobelco Compressors America participated in a Toys for Tots event in December 2016, held in Corona, California, where the company is located. Thirty-five employees gifted toys to children.

The event, which is held around Christmas time, involves collecting and donating toys for needy children. The company has been participating in such community activities since 2015, garnering strong praise from local residents.

* Toys for Tots is a volunteer organization that donates toys to young children.

Midrex Technologies, Inc. (USA)

Supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which Makes Dreams Come True for Sick Children

A young boy suffering from leukemia, whose wish to have a greenhouse in his family garden to raise his own fruits and vegetables came true

A young boy suffering from leukemia, whose wish
to have a greenhouse in his family garden to raise
his own fruits and vegetables came true

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a volunteer organization in America that makes dreams come true for children battling with illness. Midrex Technologies supports the foundation's activities, including participating in central and western North Carolina organizing committees and engaging in fundraising.

Midrex has been participating in activities since 2011, making donations to realize the dreams of children. In 2016, the company was able to help over 260 children make their dreams come true.

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