Since fiscal 2014, we have supported the “Tobitate Young Ambassador Program” under the “Tobitate! Study Abroad Initiative”, a public-private overseas study support initiative promoted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, thereby contributing to the development of next-generation global human resources.
This program aims to create an environment in which motivated and capable young people can take on the challenge of studying abroad, and to develop human resources who are needed by society and who can play active roles globally. In addition to donating operating funds, we provide ongoing support for young people’s challenges by offering advice to students at pre-departure send-off events and dispatching judges to presentations on overseas study experiences.
In recognition of these efforts, we were awarded the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon in 2025, following our receipt of the same honor in 2018. We will continue to support this program, encouraging young people who take on the challenge of studying abroad and contributing to the development of future generations.
Communities
Basic Views
The Sumitomo Heavy Industries Group seeks sustainable growth through its global business operations while working to create a prosperous future through contributions to local communities.
Based on the Sumitomo Heavy Industries Group Social Contribution Activities Policy, we promote community-based activities and social contribution through our businesses, focusing on three priority areas: support for next-generation education, engagement with local communities and society, and the creation of a better society. Through these efforts, we aim to help realize a sustainable society.
Sumitomo Heavy Industries Group’s Social Contribution Policy
The Sumitomo Heavy Industries Group has been engaging in social contribution activities based on Sumitomo’s Business Philosophy. As a corporate citizen, we will continue to make sustained efforts to build relationships of trust with local communities and society, fostering coexistence and co-prosperity through our business activities and social contribution initiatives.
- 1We will deepen exchange and mutual understanding and strengthen trust by participating in initiatives such as education of the next generation and local community activities.
- 2In addition to social contribution through our business activities, we will support efforts that address broader social issues, thereby helping to create a better society.
- 3Through social contribution activities, we will enhance employee engagement and raise social and environmental awareness, leading to the sustainable growth of our group.
Activities
Support for Next-Generation Education
- Promoting STEAM Education through the “School for a Compassionate Future” Workshop
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Since 2023, we have held the STEAM education workshop “School for a Compassionate Future” with the aim of contributing to local communities and society through next-generation education.
This hands-on program encourages children to explore everyday issues and social challenges, develop their own ideas, and bring them to life through trial and error. Through dialogue and hands-on making activities, the program provides opportunities for children to learn Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) in an integrated way while fostering their creativity.
In fiscal 2025, the workshop was held at two venues, in Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture, and Obu City, Aichi Prefecture. Under the theme of "Future Ways of Living,” children transformed their ideas of “Wouldn't it be nice if…” into tangible creations.
We will continue this initiative and contribute to the further promotion of STEAM education in local communities and society by providing children with opportunities to think and create on their own.
Overview of the FY2025 Workshops
Venue Dates Location Participants Ehime Sat. and Sun., September 20–21, 2025 Main Building of Niihama Plant, Ehime Works (Niihama, Ehime Prefecture) Approx. 70 elementary school students in Grades 4–6 from Ehime Prefecture Aichi Sun. and Mon. (public holiday), October 12–13, 2025 Obu Cultural Exchange Center (allobu) (Obu, Aichi Prefecture) Approx. 100 elementary school students in Grades 1–6 from Aichi Prefecture 
Group photo from the “School for a Compassionate Future” workshop 
Children developing project ideas using Technodea Cards and worksheets - Official website of the School for a Compassionate Future (Japanese only)
- Support for the “Tobitate! (Leap for Tomorrow) Study Abroad Initiative”
Related Information Receiving the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon — Support for the Tobitate! Study Abroad Initiative
- Factory Tours
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We offer factory tours at our manufacturing facilities and offices to foster connections with local communities and promote a better understanding of manufacturing and industry. During these tours, visitors observe manufacturing processes and equipment, while learning about the distinctive features of our manufacturing and initiatives at each factory. The tours provide opportunities for visitors to gain insight into our business activities. Through Q&A sessions and interactions with employees, participants also deepen their understanding of our Group and local industries.
We will continue to value our connections with local communities by providing opportunities for engagement through factory tours and other opportunities.
Niihama Factory, Ehime Works: Factory tour for students from a local technical high school 
Tanashi Works: Factory tour for students from a neighboring elementary school
- Sumitomo Construction Machinery’s “LEGO® Brick-Building Classes” and “Construction Machinery Tours”
- Sumitomo Construction Machinery organizes the "LEGO® Brick-Building Classes" and "Working Machinery Tours" to inspire children's interest in manufacturing and engineering. In the “Sumitomo Construction Machinery LEGO® Brick-Building Classes,” Junpei Mitsui, a LEGO® Certified Professional, serves as instructor, providing children with opportunities to experience the joy of making things through LEGO® bricks.
We also support “Working Machinery Tours,” extracurricular programs for local elementary schools, at our training centers in Chiba, Aichi, and Osaka. During these tours, children observe construction machinery such as excavators and cranes up close and deepen their understanding of how these machines work through activities such as sketching and other hands-on learning experiences.
- Sumitomo Construction Machinery “Social Contribution Activities” (Japanese only)
Engagement with Local Communities and Society
- Opening Tanashi Works’ “Forest of Inspiration” to the Public
- At Tanashi Works in Nishitokyo City, we preserve a forest that accounts for approximately 30% of the site area. The forest is home to more than 4,500 trees of over 40 species, creating a rich natural environment.
Part of the forest is open to the public as the “Forest of Inspiration,” serving as a place of relaxation for local residents. It also plays a role as a local disaster prevention base and is used for academic research on biodiversity.
We will continue to preserve the natural environment and deepen our ties with local communities through the public opening of the “Forest of Inspiration.”
- “Ehime Fair” showcasing the Charms of Ehime
- We value our relationship with Ehime Prefecture, a region with close ties to the Sumitomo Group. As part of our efforts to contribute to local communities, we held the “Ehime Fair,” a sales event featuring local specialties from Ehime Prefecture, at the Head Office in Osaki in June 2026. This was the third time the fair had been held, following previous events in 2000 and 2024.
At the venue, a range of local specialties from Ehime Prefecture were sold, including processed citrus products such as kawachi bankan, jakoten fish cakes, products related to taimeshi sea bream rice, confectionery, juices, and alcoholic beverages. More than 200 employees visited the fair, and some products sold out, providing an opportunity to experience the local specialties and charm of Ehime.
Ehime Prefecture’s mascot character, Mikyan, also appeared at the fair and helped enliven the venue. Through the fair, employees had an opportunity to once again feel our ties with Ehime Prefecture.
- Supporting Cultural Property Preservation and Restoration through the Sumitomo Foundation
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We are one of the Sumitomo Group companies that participated in the establishment of the Sumitomo Foundation.
The Sumitomo Foundation provides grants through an open application process in fields such as basic science, the environment, arts and culture, and international exchange. In the field of cultural properties, the Foundation provides grants for projects such as cultural property preservation and restoration in Japan and overseas, supporting efforts to preserve cultural properties and pass them on to future generations.
Creating a Better Society
- Mt. Fuji Reforestation Activity for the Next 100 Years
- OISCA is a public interest incorporated foundation engaged in environmental conservation, human resource development, and other activities in Japan and overseas. We have supported OISCA since fiscal 2017 and have participated as a cooperating company in the Mt. Fuji Reforestation Activity since 2020.
The project aims to preserve the forests of Mt. Fuji for future generations through ongoing activities such as planting seedlings grown from locally collected seeds, forest management, and environmental monitoring. The project brings together many companies and organizations in efforts to restore the forest.
Through our ongoing participation in this project and employee volunteer activities, we contribute to environmental conservation and local communities. We will continue to support these activities to help pass on the rich natural environment of Mt. Fuji to future generations.
- Participation in Local Cleanup Activities
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We value our connections with local communities and conduct cleanup activities around our manufacturing works and offices, station areas, and other locations in the communities where we operate.
We also participate in cleanup activities organized by local governments and other organizations, working together with local residents to help create a clean and pleasant local environment.
We will continue to carry out voluntary cleanup activities at our manufacturing works and offices and contribute to environmental beautification in local communities.
Saijo Factory, Ehime Works: Volunteer cleanup activity around the facility 
Yokosuka Works: Cleanup activity in the area surrounding the works
Social Contribution Activity Data
| Unit | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Contribution Expenditures | Total | million yen | 33 | 26 | 156 | 267 | 270 |
| Scope | Non-consolidated | Japanese consolidated and eight overseas affiliates | |||||
