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 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 50,000 individuals.
The program was selected for "This is MECENAT 2025" 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.
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.
In addition, Medicare Collabo CO., LTD., which operates our care-tech distribution business, is advancing initiatives such as e-sports experiences in collaboration wiith local governments.
Support for watching over and promoting the health of local seniors
Each of the Group’s wholesalers has signed partnership agreements with local governments regarding watching over and promoting the health of local seniors. By engaging in joint support activities with relevant parties, we are dedicated to creating more comfortable and sustainable communities.
Initiatives for World Diabetes Day
In alignment with the United Nations’ designation of November 14th as World Diabetes Day, we actively participate in awareness campaigns to promote the prevention, treatment, and management of diabetes. Every November, Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho Co., Ltd. and the Group’s wholesale companies take part in initiatives that include wearing the symbolic Blue Circle pin badges.
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 2025" 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.
Development of the next generation
Support for medical students
Kenzmedico Co., Ltd., a company engaged in the manufacture of medical equipment and supplies, supports the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations. We contribute to the education and training of medical students through the development of a dedicated website and informational brochures, which detail the history and demonstrate the correct use of our in-house produced stethoscopes.
Initiatives for training dementia supporters
The Group’s nursing care companies hold Dementia Supporter Training Courses in response to requests from local residents, businesses, schools, and other organizations. These courses are taught by our certified instructors and advisors.
Supporting athletes through sports pharmacists※
UNISMILE Co., Ltd., which operates dispensing pharmacy businesses, has launched the UNISMILE Athlete Support Team (UAST). UAST supports athletes and everyone involved in sports through consultations with sports pharmacists on doping-related matters and anti-doping awareness activities.
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※Sports pharmacis：A pharmacist who provides guidance to athletes on the proper use of medications and conducts educational and awareness raising activities related to drugs.
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.
