Earth One is a social contribution activities club consisting of volunteer employees. It uses the dues paid by club members out of their bonuses and monthly salaries to fund its activities. Based on member proposals, the club holds events and engages in volunteer work and makes donations to NPOs and other organizations.
Earth One FY2013 Activities
Events Held
Third Yell Run at the National Stadium: Charity Night Run
The Third Yell Run at the National Stadium Supported by Visa and the Deutsche Bank Group was held on September 4, 2013, (Wed.) It was hosted by the Special Olympics Nippon Foundation (SON) and co-hosted by the Yell Run Steering Committee (Earth One SCSK social contribution activities club; Willcom, Inc.; the SoftBank Group; Kentucky Fried Chicken Japan Ltd.; and Yahoo Japan Corporation).
This was the third time for this event to be held, following the first Yell Run held in November 2011 in Toyosu and the second Yell Run at the National Stadium that was held in October 2012. It became a valuable opportunity for people to run at the National Stadium, which is slated to be torn down and rebuilt. Part 1 of the event was a running clinic by professional running coach Tetsuhiko Kin, followed by a demonstration from Olympic silver medalist Eric Wainaina. Part 2 was a program in which teams competed against each other in an 8km ekiden relay run. A Special Olympics Dream Team, consisting of Tetsuhiko Kin (professional running coach), Riyo Morio (Miss Universe 2007), Tsugiharu Ogiwara (sportscaster), Rena Yamada (announcer), and Tsuyoshi Kitazawa (former member of the Japan soccer national team), participated in the ekiden relay. Yuji Yamamoto, a sports DJ, boosted the mood at the stadium by cheering runners by leading yells.
It was once again a big success with a total of 853 people—which was more than twice the number of participants in the second Yell Run—taking part. Participants included employees from SCSK and other co-hosting companies and runners from the general public. Ninety six volunteers helped operate the event. A total of 4,449,629 yen was collected in the form of participation fees and donations made on the day of the event. The expenses for holding this charity event was deducted from this amount and the remaining proceeds went towards funding Special Olympics activities, such as the dispatch of the Japanese delegation to the 2013 Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games held in Australia in December.
the SoftBank Group; Kentucky Fried Chicken Japan Ltd.; and Yahoo Japan Corporation)
I.D.E.A. International Co., Ltd., Chloé, Grosse Japan K.K., and Onizaki Co., Ltd.
Photo Kishimoto Corporation, Bluefield Co., Ltd. and Enjoykai
Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Nippon Foundation
Fair Trade Campaign
May 31, 2013
Mario, who is the manufacturer of “Karei no Tsubo (Curry Pot)” curry paste, is involved in various humanitarian activities in his country, such as promoting local employment, supporting the education of his employees’ children, and advancing organic farming that is friendly to the environment. Earth One agrees with the purport of these activities and is involved in the promotion of fair trade. Earth One held a fair trade event at the Toyosu Head Office to familiarize employees with the significance and impact of fair trade. It included serving “fair trade curry” using Karei no Tsubo curry paste at the employee cafeteria, sales of fair trade products, such as Karei no Tsubo, coffee, chai, and sundries, a panel exhibition, and fair trade quiz. (Sales support provided by Dai-san Sekai Shop.)
Volunteer Activities
Participation in the Next-Day Cleanup for the 25th Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
August 11, 2013
The day after the 25th Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival, we participated again in the cleanup activity hosted by Junior Chamber International Osaka along the Yodogawa riverbank where the fireworks festival had been held.
Earth One FY2012 Activities
Events Held
Second Yell Run at the National Stadium: Charity Run with SON Director Yuko Arimori
The charity running event, “Second Yell Run at the National Stadium,” was held on October 29, 2012, (Mon.). It was hosted by the Special Olympics Nippon Foundation (SON) and co-hosted by the Yell Run Steering Committee (Earth One SCSK social contribution activities club, Willcom, Inc., GE Japan Corporation, and the SoftBank Group). This follows the first Yell Run held in Toyosu in November 2011.
This year, a lecture on running was given by SON Director Yuko Arimori and professional running coach Tetsuhiko Kin, while a lecture on walking was given by Miss Universe 2007, Riyo Mori. This was followed by a program in which teams of four persons each participated in an 8km ekiden relay run or walk in which the runners of each team handed off a tasuki cloth sash to the next runner or walker.
417 people, including employees from SCSK and other co-hosting companies, and runners from the general public, participated in the event that was held with the cooperation of 98 volunteers. It was a big success despite its being held on a weekday.
The proceeds of 2,110,645 yen, including participation fees, were used as part of travel expenses to send the Japanese delegation to the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games held in PyeongChang, South Korea, in February 2013.
Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Nippon Foundation
Earth One Cafe
Earth One Cafe events were held as a setting for employees to share views on issues facing society and discuss what kinds of initiatives should be carried out in the future.
Theme of Earth One Cafe No.1: International contribution
April 16, 2012
A roundtable was held at the Toyosu Head Office with three employees who had experience working in Bangladesh, the Philippines, and the Marshall Islands as IT engineers for the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers. A World Cafe discussion was then held on the theme “Things that we can do as international contribution.”
From a Roundtable Planning Participant
Masato Takiguchi
Remote Services Dept.
AMO Business Div.
Business Solutions Group
After returning to Japan, JOCV participants are also making broad contributions to society. To convey our experiences to a wider employee audience, we planned and carried out a roundtable discussion. We felt that becoming acquainted with diverse cultures and points of view contributed to strengthening our resilience toward the different problems that can arise during work, as well as our capacity to solve problems. We were grateful for the support Japan received from many people overseas after the Great East Japan Earthquake, but we felt it was important to avoid the tendency to focus on Japan alone. We also conveyed to the audience that being an overseas volunteer is not difficult. We spoke about our experiences being helped by other volunteers and about the natural beauty of the places we visited.
Note: Employees involved in JOCV volunteer work are eligible for volunteer leave of absence.
Theme of Earth One Cafe No.2 & No.4: Fair trade
May 18, 2012/ March 22, 2013
A lecture, which provided a summary of fair trade systems and the present conditions at producer countries, was given at the Nishinihon Senri Office along with a sale event of fair trade products. The discussions provided a good opportunity to enhance the understanding of employees regarding the significance of the fair trade movement.
(Support: Fair Trade Shop Accha and fair trade online shop Kapwa)
Theme of Earth One Cafe No.3: Tohoku region reconstruction support
November 22, 2012
Employees who have been involved in providing support for regions affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake held a roundtable meeting at the Toyosu Head Office. Discussions were carried out regarding what kind of support Earth One should provide going forward.
Tohoku Region Reconstruction Support
Shinonome Flower Studio
July 26, 2012
Based on the suggestion of an Earth One member who wanted to provide solace to people living as refugees as a result of the Great East Japan Earthquake, a flower arrangement workshop titled “Shinonome Flower Studio” was held in July 2012.
Volunteers from SCSK included employees whose hobbies are flower arrangement or ikebana as well as those with an interest in reconstruction support. Hibiya Kadan Floral Co., Ltd. provided not only flowers but also a lecture on the proper handling of flowers.
The workshop was held with the participation of those living life as an earthquake refugee in Koto-ku, Tokyo. It was a congenial event, filled with smiling faces and the beautiful scent of flowers.
(Support: the Shinonome no Kai and Koto Volunteer Center)
Academy Camp Summer 2012
August 23, 2012
We participated in Academy Camp Summer 2012 (a camp for learning and playing), which was hosted at the Chiba City Youth Nature House by the Academy Camp Executive Committee*1 to provide the children of Fukushima with an enjoyable summer experience.
to provide an enjoyable summer experience to? for? the children of Fukushima
We held the CAMP*2 Cricket Workshop, an original workshop program developed by SCSK. Children, from first graders to first year middle school students, worked in pairs and collaborated in making fun handiwork using the small “Cricket” computers and daily objects.
- *1 Now Academy Camp, a general incorporated association
- *2 CAMP is an SCSK social contribution activity that fosters child creativity in interactive settings through workshops.
Program for Pro Bono Participation in Tohoku Reconstruction
We launched the Program for Pro Bono Participation in Tohoku Reconstruction, which promotes participation in volunteer activities that require IT skills organized by local NPOs and other organizations. The objective is to enable as many Earth One members as possible to visit disaster-afflicted areas and support reconstruction efforts by utilizing the skills and knowledge nurtured through their professional activities.
18th Reconstruction Support IT Volunteers
July 13 to 16, 2012
We participated in the 18th Reconstruction Support IT Volunteers hosted by NPO Support Center for Program Development. At Senior Net Rias Ofunato, we held a lecture at a senior citizen’s computer class, which has been operated since before the earthquake disaster. We also introduced ways to make information dissemination easier by creating websites utilizing free web hosting services and using Facebook to spread and collect information.
Summer IT Support Camp – 2nd Term
(August 24-30, 2012)
We participated in the Summer IT Support Camp hosted by the NPO Support Center for Program Development and gave a lecture at a temporary housing site in Ofunato. The theme was “Preserving ‘important things’ using IT.” We helped participants learn how to preserve “important things,” such as by saving video records, using Facebook, and transferring data from digital cameras to PCs.
Summer IT Support Camp – 4th Term
(September 7-13, 2012)
We participated in the Summer IT Support Camp hosted by the NPO Support Center for Program Development and videotaped interviews with residents regarding their experiences at the time of the earthquake disaster. This was in support of a project to leave records of the earthquake disaster on video to be made widely available through the general website of Nagahora Genki Mura (temporary housing community in the Nagahora district of Hirotacho, Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture). We also gave a much-requested lecture on how to use social networking services (Facebook and Twitter).
Volunteerism to Communicate the Charm of Onagawa
(October 6-8, 2012)
Through the coordination of the Peace Boat Disaster Relief Volunteer Center, we visited such locations as Marine Pal Onagawa as well as the shops at Onagawa Container Village Mall and other areas to produce a slideshow commercial as well as webpage introductions. We are delivering the voices of local residents who want to express their appreciation for the nationwide support as well as let people know that they are doing their best.
Project Yui
(July 23-27, 2012)
Earth One subscribes to the action policy of the Project Yui Consortium, a general incorporated association. Since fiscal 2011, Earth One has been making donations to the project, promoting the participation of SCSK in local volunteer projects, and providing other support.
Once again this year, we carried out activities that provide opportunities for children in disaster-stricken areas to learn and play. It included offering learning assistance at elementary schools in Ishinomaki as well as supporting the operation of the “Minna no Ba (place for everyone),” which is set up at assembly halls in temporary housing communities.
Medium-term Project: PC Room Being Constructed at Dontey Lower Secondary School in Cambodia
To provide opportunities for children of developing countries to receive education in information technology, Earth One planned the construction of a PC room, reserving money over the past three years for this purpose. We hope that acquiring IT-related knowledge and skills as part of secondary education will improve advancement to higher education and the employment rate, and help the region escape poverty. Earth One is supporting the project for construction of a PC room at Dontey lower secondary school in Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia, through Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Plan Japan.
(Scheduled for completion in spring 2014.)
Photos, etc., courtesy of Plan Japan
Volunteer Activities
PARA CUP2012
(April 8, 2012)
We participated as runners in the PARACUP 2012 charity marathon jointly hosted by PARACUP (a general incorporated association) and more than a dozen NGOs and other organizations that support children around the world in various areas, including education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid.
Next-day Cleanup for the 24th Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
(August 5, 2012)
On the day after the 24th Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival, we participated again in the cleanup activity along the Yodogawa riverbank hosted by Junior Chamber International Osaka.
28th Nagoya City Handi Marathon
(October 8, 2012)
We participated in the 28th Nagoya City Handi Marathon as steering committee volunteers. The aim of the event is to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between persons with severe disabilities – who do not normally have many opportunities to engage in sports – and volunteers through the marathon.
Clean Fukuoka Campaign 2012
(October 28, 2012)
We jointly hosted Clean Fukuoka Campaign 2012 with NPO Groundwork Fukuoka and the Fukuoka Overseas Students Association (FOSA). The Clean Fukuoka Campaign, originated by international students, is a program carried out with the aim of contributing to the local region as well as carrying out international exchange through the cleanup activities. SCSK has been participating in this project since 2009. This year, again, we carried out exchange with the international students after the cleanup activities through lunch and recreational activities.
Special Olympics Nippon Kinki Block Tournament
（2012年11月3日）
We participated in the Special Olympics Nippon Kinki Block Tournament as volunteers to help with event operations. The tournament was held to provide Special Olympics athletes with further goals by offering them an opportunity to show the results of their daily training and compete.
Special Olympics Nippon Aichi’s 2nd Jogging Festival
(November 4, 2012)
We participated as runners for the Special Olympics Nippon Aichi’s 2nd Jogging Festival, in which citizens run alongside Special Olympics Nippon Aichi athletes.
9th Great Minoh Mountain Cleaning Effort
December 1, 2012
We participated again this year in the 9th Great Minoh Mountain Cleaning Effort hosted by the Minoh Mountain Patrol Team and retrieved rubbish that had been illegally dumped in the area.
Marathon Festival Nagoya-Aichi 2013
(March 10, 2013)
We participated as volunteers in the Marathon Festival Nagoya-Aichi 2013, a coming together of two major marathon events in Nagoya, and assisted with event operations. We helped distribute commemorative T-shirts to general participants who successfully finished the Nagoya Women’s Marathon.
Special Olympics Nippon Fukuoka’s Ohori Special Smile Run
(March 20, 2013)
We participated as volunteers to help with event operations for the “Special Olympics Nippon Fukuoka Ohori Special Smile Run,” which was held to achieve interaction between athletes and citizens.
Donations
Donations were made to support the activities of the following organizations.
- Special Olympics Nippon Aichi Public Service Corporation
- Toyokawa Fukushikai Social Welfare Corporation
- Specified Non-Profit Organization Special Olympics Nippon Fukuoka
- Specified Non-Profit Organization Special Olympics Nippon Osaka
- Certified Specified Non-Profit Organization Katariba
- Minoh Mountain Patrol
- Momo-Kaki Orphans Fund (Scholarship Fund for Orphans of the Great East Japan Earthquake)
