The famous Lake Biwa is located in Shiga Prefecture where Furukawa Automotive Systems have their headquarters,
and as a result we are actively taking part in efforts to clean the area surrounding Lake Biwa and the Inukami River,
which feeds into the lake.
We have been consistently participating in the Inukami River Clean Operation to clean the river as put forward by Koura-cho, Shiga Prefecture, where our headquarters are located. Every year approximately forty of our employees join the operation to take part in cleaning work. It is hard work, the garbage extending beyond empty cans or bottles to include tires, appliances and other illegally dumped items, but the participants give the work their all. We intend to continue in these activities in cooperation with local citizens, businesses and local government as part of efforts to raise awareness for protection of the rivers flowing into Lake Biwa and to prevent illegal dumping to protect the environment.
The Lake Biwa Clean Campaign is conducted throughout the prefecture and is sponsored by the Shiga Workers Welfare Association and JTUC Shiga, with the majority of our participants in it being from our labor unions. These activities are carried out each September with the goals of improving the local environment and trying to eliminate litter as part of efforts to raise awareness for environmental beautification. Despite the great heat of this time of the year, we feel a great responsibility as people of Kokoku (Shiga) to look after the precious asset that is the environment of Lake Biwa and preserve it for future generations. Participating in the event with family members makes it all the more fun and yet serious too.