On April 18, 2025, Ito En, a prominent beverage manufacturer, made a significant contribution to Saga Prefecture, donating 250,000 yen derived from the sales of its flagship product, Oi Ocha. This donation marks the 13th installment in a series of contributions aimed at supporting local environmental conservation efforts.
The company has been actively involved in promoting initiatives that protect the natural environment, including forests, rivers, and coastal areas. This latest donation brings the total amount contributed by Ito En to an impressive 3.61 million yen over various campaigns.
The campaign titled "Oi Ocha: Making Saga Beautiful with Tea" was conducted during the summer and winter months of the previous year, specifically from July to August and November to December 2024. During this time, a portion of the sales revenue was earmarked for environmental causes.
In November 2024, as part of the campaign, employees from Ito En, along with local residents, participated in a cleanup activity at Hado Misaki in Chinzei-machi, Karatsu City. This hands-on approach not only fostered community spirit but also emphasized the importance of collective action in environmental stewardship.
At the recent donation ceremony held at the Saga Prefectural Office, Hiroshi Kajiwara, the head of the Kita-Kyushu Regional Sales Department at Ito En, presented a catalog of the donation to Yasuhiko Morooka, the head of the Prefectural Citizens' Environment Department. During the ceremony, Kajiwara expressed the company's hope that the funds would be utilized primarily for water conservation efforts. "We would like to use it especially for water conservation. From now on, we would like to continue working with everyone in the region to engage in environmental conservation activities," he stated.
Morooka responded with gratitude, acknowledging the positive impact of Ito En's contributions on the local community. "It has great significance for the region," he remarked, highlighting the importance of such partnerships in enhancing environmental awareness and protection.
The funds from this latest donation are earmarked for public awareness initiatives related to the upcoming "World Ocean Plastic Planning Center (tentative name)," which is scheduled to open in Hado Misaki next year in 2026. This center aims to address the critical issue of ocean plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices within the community.
As the world grapples with environmental challenges, corporate responsibility and community engagement become increasingly vital. Ito En's ongoing commitment to environmental conservation through its campaigns not only supports local initiatives but also sets a precedent for other companies looking to make a positive impact.
By aligning their business practices with environmental stewardship, companies like Ito En demonstrate that profitability and responsibility can go hand in hand. This approach not only benefits the company’s brand image but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among its stakeholders.
As we look towards the future, the collaboration between businesses and local governments will be crucial in tackling environmental issues. Ito En’s efforts in Saga Prefecture serve as a model for how companies can effectively contribute to sustainability while remaining connected to the communities they serve.
With the increasing focus on environmental issues globally, initiatives like those undertaken by Ito En can inspire other organizations to engage in similar efforts. The ongoing support for local conservation projects not only enhances the natural beauty of the region but also helps to safeguard it for future generations.
In conclusion, Ito En's recent donation and its commitment to environmental conservation highlight the importance of corporate social responsibility in today’s business landscape. As the company continues its journey of supporting local initiatives, it sets a powerful example of how businesses can play a pivotal role in fostering a sustainable future.
