Aiming for Harmony between "Economy" and "Ecology"

After publishing our "Green Ink Accounting Annual Report" last September, we received many questions and inquiries. It's a given that just as corporations are required to take responsibility for their investments, society demands equally strongly that they take responsibility for their impact on the global environment. The question that then arises is how responsibility toward investment can coexist with responsibility toward the environment. The nuance of a new term, "green ink," has caught the interest of many as a new dimension of management different from "black ink" and "red ink".

Corporate development presupposes the existence of an abundant global environment and a healthy society. The lifeline for making good sake (rice wine) is the existence of abundant grain and clean water. It is clear that the responsibility of corporations to the global environment, a treasure held in common by all humanity, goes beyond merely that of an economic stakeholder.

Corporate production activities generate many costs, chiefly economic ones. But in truth, there are additional costs visited upon the environment - in short, the progression of environmental destruction. For corporations, paying only the economic costs of production activities is no longer an option.

The eternal goal in manufacturing is "cost reduction". That must be reduction in not only the production price of a product, but also in the environmental impact imposed by corporate activities. "Green ink" can be seen as a management indicator for this cost paid by the environment. An increase in "green ink" contributes to the maintenance of the natural environment, which in turn is connected to the maintenance of an environment for continuing to make good sake. Takara Shuzo's aim is the coexistence of corporate development and increased "green ink".

Building upon its traditions of distilling, Takara Shuzo is widening its range of business activities into foods, seasonings and biotechnology. "Through our fermentation technology, we will contribute to healthy lifestyles and the creation of active society in harmony with nature." That's the premise behind our activities, the corporate ideal of Takara Shuzo that will not change as we cross into the next century. We hope for your continued understanding and support.