Contribution to local communities
Suzuken Community Seminar
Suzuken is committed to supporting not only the physical health of individuals but also their mental wellness.
In partnership with NHK Culture Center, we launched a series of community lectures, bringing in leading figures from various disciplines as instructors. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the NHK Culture Center.
In addition, aspiring to provide nourishment for the minds of young people who will lead the coming times, we regularly invite students and schoolchildren to attend at no cost. The series commenced in Nagoya in April 2001, expanded to Tokyo in July 2004, and to Osaka in April 2005. To date, over 700 sessions have been held, with attendance surpassing 40,000 individuals.
Local community initiatives
Cooperation agreements with local governments
Suzuken Group companies in the pharmaceutical distribution business have entered into 78 cooperation agreements with local governments as of July 2022, and we are working to promote the health of local residents, protect seniors, support comprehensive community care systems, and contribute to these communities in other ways, as well.
These agreements will allow the companies to build closer relationships with the local communities, increasing their customer base and leading to greater profits.
In their efforts to link people in various professions, they are drawing on their relationships with medical institutions and pharmacies to build connections to people involved in nursing care at the local level.
Initiatives to protect health in collaboration with local communities
Since 2002, UNISMILE Co., Ltd., which leads our pharmacy business, has been holding a “Medicine and Health Forum,” where they provide health consultations and let children experience being a pharmacist.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has been held online since 2021. It provides a variety of content, such as introducing its pharmacy shops and films about medicine, health, and diet.
S-Care Mate Co., Ltd. and Sanki Wellbe Co., Ltd., which are in charge of our nursing care business, hold events where service users and neighboring residents have fun together and host lectures to educate dementia supporters, for example, with the aim of deepening mutual understanding as well as becoming a company that is needed by the community.
Contributing to the Community through "Shirotori Bon Dance in Koju Takasu"
"Shirotori Bon Dance in Koju Takasu" is a program Suzuken has held yearly since 2015 with the goal of reinvigorating the Shirotori Bon Dance, an ancient tradition of Shirotori-cho, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture.
The program was selected for "This is MECENAT 2023" by the Association for Corporate Support of Arts as an outstanding example of corporate activities supporting cultural revival. The program is introduced by the association as a "This is MECENAT" certified activity in the MECENAT Archives.
Installation of Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Equipment
Suzuken has installed automatic external defibrillator (AED) equipment at 46 of its business sites, including the head office and distribution centers, aimed at providing life-saving measures for customers and employees and to make a contribution to local society.
Support for Foundations
As part of its social contribution activities, Suzuken carries out support activities for the Suzuken Memorial Foundation and The Akiyama Life Science Foundation.
Suzuken Memorial Foundation
The Suzuken Memorial Foundation was established in 1981 to carry on the wishes of the Suzuken Group's founder, Kenzo Suzuki.
The foundation aims to contribute to the progress of public health-related science and to higher standards in national health and welfare services. To that end, it provides financial assistance for investigative research into medical applications for the various healthcare-related sciences. It also conducts biannual lectures for doctors and other health professionals.
The Akiyama Foundation
The Akiyama Foundation was established in 1987 to carry on the legacy of Konoshin Akiyama, the third president of Akiyama Inc., a pharmaceutical wholesaler that merged with Suzuken in 1998.
By supporting basic life science research in Hokkaido, the most northern island of Japan, fostering young researchers and encouraging international academic exchange, the foundation aims to promote and advance learning in Hokkaido and improve the health and welfare of its citizens, as well as help local areas become more international in outlook. The foundation provides financial support toward these ends.
