HOME > CSR > Social Contributions > The Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Reconstruction
We would like to express our deepest condolences to the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.
Under the theme of “working toward a brighter future for the people and local community,” the Sojitz Group will continue to use the resources at its disposal to support activities for the reconstruction of the areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami disaster. This commitment is based on the spirit of “integrity and contribution to society” in the Sojitz Group Statement. We have already donated funds to support the affected region and provided equipment and transportation support for evacuation centers. Currently we are drawing up a medium-term reconstruction support plan. Details will be posted on our website as they become available. Some of our initiatives are described below.
Monetary Donations
The Sojitz Group has donated ¥100 million to the region affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Moreover, directors and employees of the Sojitz Group inside and outside Japan conducted fund-raising efforts, and contributed ¥16 million collected from approximately 5,100 people.
These monetary donations were given to the Red Cross in each country, non-government organizations working in the disaster area, and other organizations.
Sojitz Reconstruction and Education Fund
In addition to the donations above, the Sojitz Group established the Sojitz Reconstruction and Education Fund totaling ¥500 million.
The Fund is intended to help college students who are experiencing financial difficulty because of the disaster. In each of the five years starting with the year ending March 31, 2012, we will select 30 (150 in total) to receive a scholarship grant. The scheme will continue for eight years from 2011 to 2018. The benefits will be provided through the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services and beneficiaries will receive ¥70,000 per month for a maximum of four years.
News release: Sojitz Sets Up “Sojitz Reconstruction and Education Fund” to Support Victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake
Volunteer Activities
Volunteer Support System
Sojitz has introduced two programs to support employees who participate in volunteer activities for the reconstruction of the disaster-affected regions.
1. Special leave (volunteer leave): 5 days per year
2. Subsidization of expenses for volunteer activities: ¥6,000 per night of stay, up to a maximum of 10 nights per year
Vehicle Donation to Support Recovery Efforts
A total of 12 vehicles will be donated by Sojitz Corporation to Otsuchi-cho Town in Iwate Prefecture and Tono Magokoro Net,(*)a non-profit organization, to support recovery efforts in areas afflicted by the earthquake and tsunami.
Details of the Vehicles
| Vehicle Name | Main Use | Donatee | No. | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microvan: Suzuki Alto Van VP (4WD) |
Transport public health nurses and nutritionists to visit disaster victims in evacuation centers and temporary housing. | Otsuchi-cho Town | 5 | August |
| Tono Magokoro Net | 5 | August | ||
| Compact Van: Toyota Hi-Ace Wagon GL (4WD) |
Transport NPO staff and volunteers between Tono City (Iwate Prefecture) and work sites in the coastal area. | Tono Magokoro Net | 2 | October (scheduled) |
(*)Tono Magokoro Net (TMN) is a non-profit organization that conducts support programs in Iwate Prefecture through which more than 45,000 volunteers have come to help to date. The Sojitz Group plans to implement further recovery support programs in collaboration with TMN.
Fukushima Marché
To support Fukushima Prefecture, which is suffering major damage from the nuclear power plant accident, we held “Fukushima Marche,” a market for products made in Fukushima, on July 11. An array of specialties from the prefecture was available, including sake, peaches, cherries and Kitakata ramen. More than 300 directors and employees from the Sojitz Group attended the event.
