Yokohama Works Contributions to the Local Community through Environmental Protection Activities

Cleanup Activities Around the Yokohama Works (Hamaroad Supporter)

Since 2000, cleanup activities around the Yokohama Works have been conducted as part of its environmental protection efforts. Since 2008, as a certified Hamaroad Supporter^*, the organization has expanded its activities to include the nearest station, contributing to the beautification of the local environment. The “Commuting Route” is cleaned nine times a year (excluding July–September), while the “Works Perimeter Route ” is cleaned three times a year. These activities continue regularly, with participation totaling more than 12,000 people. In 2019, the plant received the Long-Term Service Award from the Mayor of Yokohama in recognition of more than 10 years of commitment.

* Hamaroad Supporter (road foster parent) program: a system in Yokohama City whereby volunteer groups (companies, schools, neighborhood associations, etc.) collaborate with the municipal administration to beautify and clean nearby roads.

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  The Long-Term Service Award was given in 2019.

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  Signboard installed by Yokohama City (Sakae Ward).

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Scene of cleanup activities around the works

Beach Cleanup Activities

Since 2023, Yokohama Works has participated in beach cleanup volunteer activities with the Kanagawa Coastal Beautification Foundation as part of its environmental protection efforts. The foundation specializes in beautifying the coastlines of Kanagawa Prefecture. It conducts year-round cleanup activities along approximately 150 kilometers of natural coastline, from Hashirimizu Beach in Yokosuka City to Yugawara Beach, collecting about 2,000 tons of waste each year.

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  Trash collected on the beach

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  A lot of microplastics mixed into the sand on the beach

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  A crab found on the beach

A 1.3-kilometer stretch from Kugenuma Beach to Enoshima West Beach has been cleaned as part of ongoing beach cleanup volunteer activities. Due to ocean currents, various types of trash wash ashore, with plastic waste being particularly problematic. By fiscal year 2025, seven activities had been conducted, with more than 130 employees participated in total and collected a large amount of trash, including microplastics. As a result, the amount of trash collected has decreased year by year, yielding a cleaner coastline. Plans are being considered to expand the efforts, including extending activities to new coastal areas.

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4th Beach Cleanup Activity (Summer) — July 6, 2024

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7th Beach Cleanup Activity (Autumn) — November 22, 2025

“HA･NA･NI･WA” Project

Since October 2013, Yokohama Works has been involved in garden creation as part of the company-wide Smile Campaign. Located at the heart of the site, the garden—affectionately known as “HA･NA･NI･WA”—has become a beloved relaxation spot for employees since its establishment. While initially aimed at promoting cross-departmental communication and creating an environment where employees can work with a bright and energetic spirit, the initiative has evolved into a program that promotes biodiversity awareness.

Seeds collected from seasonal flowers planted in the "HA･NA･NI･WA" are distributed to employees in the cafeteria, enabling them to enjoy gardening at home. This activity contributes to increased greenery. Additionally, through learning about seasonal flower varieties and maintenance tasks such as weeding, knowledge about invasive species such as the long-headed poppy was gained. Furthermore, after two new ponds were established in 2024 and Japanese killifish were introduced, dragonfly nymphs, dragonflies, and frogs began to appear. Butterflies and birds now visit as well.

"HA･NA･NI･WA" not only expands social circles but also becomes a gathering place for various plants and animals, offering opportunities to reflect on biodiversity. Going forward, these efforts will be further connected to initiatives for maintaining and protecting biodiversity.

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Ecocap Movement

Burning 100 plastic bottle caps releases approximately 730 grams of carbon dioxide. To address this environmental issue, Yokohama Works participates in the Ecocap Movement.

Thanks to employee cooperation, as many as 10,000 plastic bottle caps are collected each month in recycling boxes and donated to the NPO Ecocap Promotion Association. This initiative supports several meaningful activities through the collection and recycling of bottle caps, including promoting recycling, reducing CO₂ emissions, providing medical support for children domestically and internationally, and creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities and the elderly.

It is recognized that a small activity of collecting bottle caps connects to larger activities, such as the effective utilization of resources, the realization of a sustainable society, and the promotion of activities that contribute to society. Yokohama Works will continue these activities in the future.

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Scene of plastic bottle cap collection