We have supported the public-private study abroad initiative “Tobitate! Study Abroad Initiative” promoted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, since 2015, contributing to the development of global human resources for the next generation.
“Tobitate! Study Abroad Initiative” aims to create an environment where motivated and capable young people can challenge themselves to study abroad, with a scholarship system supported by donations from companies and organizations.
By supporting this initiative as a sponsor, we encourage young people to take on new challenges and contribute to enhancing the international competitiveness of society as a whole.
Communities
Basic Views
With our business sites located around the world, the Sumitomo Heavy Industries Group recognizes the importance of building relationships of trust with local communities. As such, we have identified our emphasis on coexistence and co-prosperity with local communities as one of the material issues of sustainability.
We strive to contribute to the development of a sustainable society through initiatives such as education of the next generation, exchange and mutual understanding with local communities, and social contribution through our business activities.
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
- STEAM Education Workshop “School for a Compassionate Future” Held
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We organize the STEAM education workshop “School for a Compassionate Future” to contribute to local communities and society through next-generation education.
This initiative, which began in 2023, utilizes our own resources to realize one of our material sustainability issues: coexistence and co-prosperity with local communities. As programming education becomes compulsory in elementary and junior high schools, and interest in “thinking and creating” grows, we provide opportunities for children to unleash their creativity.
On September 21 and 22, 2024, we held a workshop at the Ehime Prefectural Science Museum (Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture) for about 80 elementary school students (grades 1–6). Through a hands-on program where participants freely selected materials and created their own works, they experienced the concepts of STEAM education, resulting in many ideas and creations.
We will continue these activities to further promote STEAM education in local communities and society.
“School for a Compassionate Future” logo 
Covered by the media (News TV)
- Sponsorship of “Tobitate! Study Abroad Initiative”
- Factory Tours
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We hold factory tours at each manufacturing and business site to promote interaction with local communities and understanding of industry.
Through introductions to manufacturing processes and facility tours, we provide opportunities for participants to experience our manufacturing firsthand. Participants deepen their understanding of our corporate activities and increase their interest in local industry through explanations and Q&A sessions with employees.
We will continue to promote open corporate activities while valuing connections with local communities.
Chiba Works: Parent-child tour at a nearby community center 
Okayama Works: Tour for local technical high school students
- LEGO® Block Classes by Sumitomo Construction Machinery
- Sumitomo Construction Machinery holds LEGO® block classes for youth development, inviting LEGO® Certified Professional Junpei Mitsui as an instructor to provide children with opportunities to learn the joy of manufacturing.
Engagement with Local Communities and Society
- General Opening of “Forest of Inspiration” within the Factory
- At our Tanashi Works (Nishitokyo City), we preserve a forest that occupies about 30% of the site, with over 4,500 trees of more than 40 species, creating a rich natural environment.
Part of this forest, named “Forest of Inspiration” is open to the public as a place for relaxation. It also serves as a disaster prevention base and a subject for academic research on biodiversity.
We will continue efforts to deepen ties with local communities while valuing coexistence with nature.
- Ehime Fair (Local Product Sales Event)
- As part of our contribution to Ehime Prefecture, which has close ties to the Sumitomo Group and supports our Niihama and Saijo Factory, we held the “Ehime Fair (Local Product Sales Event)” at our Osaki headquarters in November 2024.
The event was lively, with the mascot “Mican” Ehime’s “Deputy Governor for promoting smiles” in attendance. Many employees enjoyed local specialties and deepened their connection with the region.
Part of the proceeds from the sales event was used for local support activities, expressing our gratitude and support for Ehime Prefecture.
- Support for Cultural Property Restoration through The Sumitomo Foundation
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We support the protection and restoration of cultural properties through The Sumitomo Foundation, in which we participate as a founding member.
The Foundation, with the purpose of contributing to the betterment of human society, provides grants for cultural properties such as art objects and historical materials in Japan and abroad. These activities aim to preserve and pass on valuable cultural heritage, contributing to the sharing of value across regions and generations.
Through participation in these grant activities, we continue to promote cultural protection and social contribution.
Creating a Better Society
- OISCA “Mt. Fuji Reforestation Activity”
- OISCA is an organization that promotes forest conservation and environmental education worldwide, focusing on nurturing children’s appreciation for nature. We began supporting OISCA in FY2017 and have participated as a cooperating company in the “Mt. Fuji Reforestation Activity” project since 2020.
This project aims to restore artificial forests on the northwest slope of Mt. Fuji, damaged by pests, and leave a rich forest for the next 100 years. Government agencies, companies, local residents, and research institutions collaborate to regenerate mixed forests close to natural forests, with ongoing activities such as planting seedlings, wildlife damage prevention, and forest management.
Through employee volunteer participation, we provide opportunities for hands-on forest work and environmental education, advancing efforts toward a sustainable society.
- Participation in Local Cleanup Activities
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We value connections with local communities and regularly conduct cleanup activities at each business site and works. By working to beautify roads, parks, and public facilities around our sites, we contribute to creating a comfortable environment for local residents.
We also actively participate in cleanup activities organized by government agencies, supporting sustainable community development and raising environmental awareness through collaboration with local society.
Niihama Factory：Cleanup activities around the factory 
Yokosuka Works：Cleanup activities around Oppama Station
Activity Performance Data
