A communication tool for readers to sympathize with TaKaRa’s will
Fujino: A lively smile of a child on the cover page is a symbol of Takara’s stance on nature and society.
Kii: I highly evaluate the transparency of this report that introduces the opinions of many employees. Those comments also serve to give readers an idea of Takara’s corporate culture.
Okutani: The report describes the manufacturing environment, employees, and the products manufactured in an understandable way, providing consumers a sense of security. It is not just a one-way report or communication from Takara but a communication tool with which stakeholders are able to sympathize with Takara’s environmental efforts. |
Analysis and responses to negative information
Shimamoto: I think the level of reliability and integrity of a company depends on the degree of its information disclosure. In this regard I highly evaluate the fact that in this report negative data, such as the low utilization rate of the nursing care leave system, which other companies are not willing to disclose, is presented. There is, however, no description of the analysis of reason and proposals for improvement.
Fujino: I agree with Mr. Shimamoto. For example, there should be a report on the utilization status of the helpline. I’d also hope there was a system designed to ensure this report was not just a one-way activity to disclose information. An example would be feedback to the third party opinion. A view on the comments received and a report on the actions taken would further enhance the transparency of the company.
Okutani: As for environmental targets not achieved, there is no description on plans for improvement.
Kii: I think responses to deal with problems are important. If there is a problem, companies should clarify the process it utilizes to resolve it and disclose the process as early as possible. |
A clear vision is necessary to “create an active society”
Shimamoto: Commitments by the top executive show the heightened awareness toward CSR, but looking at the balance between the environmental, social and economical aspects of the report, descriptions on social aspects are lacking. It is important for Takara to describe how to create the “active society” it includes in its Corporate Philosophy and define the policy to put it into practice.
Fujino: Targets on social aspects should be set, in addition to environmental goals.
Kii: I hope Takara will show its view toward compliance and human rights and concrete actions on those issues. |
Expand opportunities of communication with society
Shimamoto: I use this report as material for my lectures at the university. To further step up CSR initiatives at Takara, the report should be used in various places.
Fujino: Students are highly interested in CSR activities. One effective way to attract students is to utilize Internet-based social networking services.
Okutani: How about expanding the system to encourage university students and local residents to participate in communication via the Internet, as in the poll to determine the weighted coefficient in the “Green-Ink” accounting?
Kii: There will be various contact points, such as volunteer activities and communication with the recipients of subsidies from the Takara Harmonist Fund. |
CSR management that characterizes Kyoto and Takara
Kii: Takara Shuzo manufactures products closely connected to the society and consumers. I hope Takara will further broaden the scope of its role, by creating harmony with nature and contributing to the creation of healthy lifestyles and a vital society, in line with its Corporate Philosophy.
Fujino: I expect Takara to cooperate with supply chains and develop a wider range of CSR activities in collaboration with its business partners. Also I hope Takara will continue to develop business operations utilizing its CSR initiatives.
Okutani: People in Kyoto have a notion that people can only live with the blessings of nature. I believe Takara Shuzo, making products using natural resources, has a mission to convey this culture to the next generation.
Shimamoto: Finally, let me add something to make sure there is no misunderstanding. Takara’s report has already reached a high level. Our comments presented today are for further improvement of the report. Environmental efforts and analysis are already in place and we hope that Takara will expand them in society to become “Takara for the people,” while being “Takara for the environment.” |
Thank you for your valuable comments. Dialogue with stakeholders and their cooperation are essential to our CSR activities. We will incorporate your comments and requests in our future guidelines and make concerted efforts, reconfirming our resolution to meet your expectations to become an essential part of Kyoto, of society and of Japan.
Hirofumi Sato
Manager, Environment & Public Relations Department
Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd. |
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