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Local Communities

Local Communities

In each materiality, the Benesse Group grows together with the community and creates new value with the people who live in that community, utilizing Benesse's knowledge and expertise.
Another distinctive feature of Benesse's community activities is its contribution to community revitalization through art such as the Benesse Art Site Naoshima, that embodies "Benesse = Well-Being," and to sports, which give children dreams.
By promoting collaboration with local communities, Benesse will respond to their unique needs and contribute to solving social issues.

Benesse's Materiality on Local Communities

“Supporting diversified and multilayered learning experiences to provide motivational education services”

In cooperation with the community, we aim to increase the number of children who have the ability to thrive in the future by delivering an education that is aware of the educational opportunity gap and diversity in our society.

Example Initiatives:
Benesse Alternative School
UP Inc.

●Providing diverse learning spaces in collaboration with the community

Benesse Corporation established "Benesse Alternative School" primarily for elementary and middle school students facing non-attendance, aiming to offer a multitude of safe and secure spaces where children with unique personalities can spend their time and acquire various learning opportunities and experiences outside of regular school settings. In June 2023, in collaboration with local academies in Okayama Prefecture, we launched this program by utilizing vacant classrooms. Using Shinkenzemi tablet materials with individual support from staff, enrolled students attended school two days a week, commuted online two days a week, and dedicated the remaining day to experiential programs that utilize their own interests.

Similarly, UP Inc., which provides continuous education from kindergarten to high school as part of the Benessee Group, is planning to open "UP Senior High School" in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, in April 2024. This school serves as a support institution for correspondence high schools, addressing the current need for high school students who find it challenging to attend school and envisioning their future place in higher education in college.

Moving forward, we will continue to take on the challenge of adapting to the diversity of educational opportunities, so that children and students in the community can utilize their individuality and build their "place where they can be themselves."

ぶひんさがし
読み書きスキル

●Conducted a demonstration test of ICT learning that takes into account the developmental characteristics of reading and writing with Shinagawa Ward

Benesse developed an ICT learning application tailored to the developmental characteristics of reading and writing at public elementary schools and compulsory education schools in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, and conducted a demonstration in regular classes, day classes, and support classes. This learning application is characterized in that it is not individually optimized for "comprehension" based on correct or incorrect information, but is optimized for each child according to his or her "cognitive characteristics and reading and writing strengths and weaknesses.
We analyzed test results and questionnaire evaluations after 4 months for approximately 90 2nd grade students of an Elementary School who utilized this learning app more deeply, and found that

  1. 1. Reading and writing skills of the entire group improved. The number of low-performing students, who were considered to be particularly troubled, decreased markedly.
  2. 2. The percentage of low-performing students decreased in all classes, showing the effect of raising the level of reading and writing skills.
  3. 3. Teachers gave high marks to the application for improving the quality of instruction and support, for its effectiveness in teaching not only children with special needs but also those who are overlooked in regular classes, for reducing the workload of teachers, and for increasing children's motivation to learn.

【Implemented object】

  • 11 out of 37 public elementary schools and compulsory education schools in Shinagawa Ward
  • 675 2nd grade students in regular classes, 163 students in special needs classes 1-4, 69 students in special needs classes 1-4

Following the above demonstration tests, the service now offers MARUG Land for School, a learning application for children with developmental disabilities and difficulties in reading and writing.

In the future, while actively seeking to expand the provision of the app to municipalities nationwide, we will envision children using this app, walking confidently towards a future where they aim for independence within society, and continue to challenge ourselves.

"Supporting sustainable corporate growth and personal career development through learning experiences"

We provide support to local governments and small to medium-sized enterprises to empower regions and companies for sustainable growth through fostering 'individuals' who navigate their careers and lives with a sense of self.

Example Initiatives:
Japan's first 'National Local Government Reskilling Network' launched, with participation from 76 local governments nationwide

●Japan's first "National Local Government Reskilling Network" launched, with participation from 76 local governments nationwide

(As of the end of September 2023)

In municipalities across the country, addressing digital transformation (DX), supporting local industries, and dealing with labor shortages have become urgent challenges. There is a growing movement to promote DX in small and medium-sized enterprises and local governments. On the other hand, our survey has revealed challenges such as difficulties in advancing and uncertainty about how to proceed. Due to the need for sharing these challenges and the opportunity to learn from prior cases of DX talent development, as well as the necessity for information exchange among municipalities, Benesse established the 'National Municipal Reskilling Network' in May 2023 as the first platform specialized for municipalities in Japan.
In the same month, we held a kickoff event and organized online case-sharing sessions in September, providing regular opportunities for information exchange.
In addition, we disseminated initiatives of each municipality and the latest information from experts through dedicated websites and email newsletters.
To date, this network has been joined by staff from 76 municipalities, including 40% of the prefectures.
Benesse, together with municipalities nationwide, will continue to strengthen the promotion of DX in small and medium-sized enterprises and municipalities across the country, as well as support the reskilling of citizens, aiming to address social issues through learning.

[Examples of Participating Municipalities]

  • Tohoku Region: Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture
  • Kanto Region: Saitama Prefecture, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, Niiza City, Saitama Prefecture, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo
  • Chubu Region: Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Ena City, Gifu Prefecture, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Miyoshi City, Aichi Prefecture
  • Kinki Region: Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture
  • Chugoku Region: Tottori Prefecture, Okayama Prefecture, Hiroshima Prefecture, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
  • Kyushu/Okinawa Region: Kumamoto Prefecture, Kanoya City, Kagoshima Prefecture
Udemy × Local Government and Municipal Workforce Development

●Udemy × Local Government and Municipal Workforce Development

Benesse believes that the growth of individuals is the driving force for evolution when considering the future of local communities. Since December 2020, Benesse Corporation has been providing workforce development programs for local governments and municipalities utilizing the online video learning platform "Udemy Business". In fiscal year 2023, this program has been utilized by over 60 municipalities and organizations, including Tottori Prefecture, Saitama Prefecture, and Nagoya City. Here are a few examples from different municipalities:

1. Workforce Development for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in the Local Community [Itoigawa City]

In the midst of accelerating digitalization in society, the urgent need has arisen for the development of a capable workforce as local businesses are also required to promote DX and business model transitions. Benesse collaborates with local governments to support the learning of employees in small and medium-sized enterprises, aiming to revitalize local businesses.
In Itoigawa City, participating companies were recruited with the aim of developing DX talents in local small and medium-sized enterprises, and learning opportunities utilizing Udemy Business were provided. In addition to the core industries of manufacturing and construction, various industries, including agriculture and food services participated and addressed challenges faced by the region such as workforce shortages and contributed to regional development.

2. Reskilling of Local Workforce [Tottori Prefecture]

In recent years, the skills necessary for employment have become diverse, and local governments closely connected to their communities have taken on the role of supporting and mediating between companies and job seekers. Benesse, together with local governments, considers and provides learning opportunities tailored to the individual needs of job seekers, offering a wide range of learning experiences.
In Tottori Prefecture, to meet the diverse learning needs of job seekers, Udemy Business is utilized to provide online learning opportunities. This supports the acquisition of new skills for employment. There have been cases where individuals, particularly women, have learned a range of skills from basic Office software to web design at home, enabling them to make career changes.

3. Developing DX human resources within the local government [Oita City]

As DX advances rapidly, local governments are also being called upon to change. Through Udemy Business, Benesse is working to support the development of human resources that do not stop at implementing DX as a means to an end, but rather design services from the residents' perspective of "what should be provided" and realize it by leveraging the power of IT.
In Oita City, which is actively promoting the cultivation of digital talents within Oita City Hall, training utilizing Udemy Business is provided for staff members who express interest. They customize learning paths (learning curricula) to align with the digital talent profile that Oita City aims to foster, allowing each staff member to learn content based on their preferences.

"Respecting the unique individuality of the elderly while resolving structural nursing care issues"

We actively engage in initiatives aimed at valuing a 'life true to oneself' in familiar surroundings and community, enhancing the quality of life for the elderly, and strengthening the relationship between homes and the community.

Example Initiatives:
Be Yourself Where You've Always Lived. Benesse no Ouchi Gohan by Benesse Palette

●Be Yourself Where You've Always Lived
Benesse no Ouchi Gohan by Benesse Palette

Making use of knowledge from the private retirement homes operated by Benesse Style Care, we deliver Benesse no Ouchi Gohan, meals which are the source of healthy living and vitality , to homes. With a desire to support seniors' unique lifestyles in the local communities in which they live, we paid special attention to communication at the delivery point. We communicate with supervising care mangers or family as needed, supporting healthy lifestyles in the community. We also actively participate in the Mimamori framework, and currently have agreements with various Mimamori networks, including with Shinaga-ku, Suginami-ku, Nerima-ku, Bunkyo-ku, and Nakano-ku in Tokyo.

●Holding “Dementia Town Meetings” at homes for the elderly and local venues

●Holding “Town Meetings on Dementia” at homes for the elderly and local venues

Benesse Style Care, responsible for Benesse's care business, held "Dementia Town Meetings" in approximately 80 venues across 9 prefectures in September 2023, as part of dementia awareness activities in line with "World Alzheimer's Month*1". During the event, lectures and experiential/participatory events were conducted by experts in dementia diagnosis and care in the medical field, highly skilled caregivers specialized in Benesse Style Care ("Maji Kami*2"), and functional training instructors at Benesse's elderly homes and community venues.
Drawing on 28 years of experience in operating the care business, Benesse Style Care values the idea of "getting closer to each individual's uniqueness" and will continue to provide information that is useful for elderly individuals and their families.

  1.  *1 The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) established September 21st as "World Alzheimer's Day" in 1994 to promote understanding of dementia and provide support to individuals with dementia and their families. Since 2012, September has been designated as "World Alzheimer's Month," and awareness activities related to dementia have been conducted worldwide.
  2.  *2 Benesse Style Care has established an internal qualification system certifying caregivers with high expertise and practical skills as "Maji Kami". There are four categories: "Dementia Care," "Safety Management and Prevention of Recurrence," "Caregiving Techniques," and "Medical Collaboration & ACP*3."
  3.  *3 Advance Care Planning (ACP). A process where individuals, along with their families, healthcare teams, and others involved, discuss in advance the medical and care aspects of the final stage of life, with the individual taking the lead.
Benesse Holdings, Inc., Benesse Holdings, Inc. Sustainability Promotion, Benesse Holdings, Inc. Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Department, Benesse Holdings, Inc. Administrative Division, Benesse Corporation, Benesse Foundation for Children, Benesse Educational Research and Development Institute, Berlitz Corporation, SIMUL INTERNATIONAL, INC., Tokyo Individualized Educational Institute, INC.,, Ochanomizu Seminar Co., Ltd., UP Inc., Benesse Style Care Co., Ltd., Benesse Business-mate, Inc., Benesse Socius, Inc., Fukutake Foundation, FUKUTAKE EDUCATION AND CULTURE FOUNDATION, CLASSICO Inc.

Living Together with the Community

Benesse, under the fundamental recognition of "conducting business activities that contribute to society as a member of that society," will live hand-in-hand with local communities, support society, and fulfill its role as a "responsible corporate citizen" walking alongside society.

Expanding employment diversity

We collaborate with the community to promote the expansion of employment diversity and work towards promoting the employment of people with disabilities.

Example Initiatives:
Benesse Business Mate concludes a comprehensive partnership agreement with Tama City Silver Human Resources Center regarding regional collaborative services

●Benesse Business Mate concluded a comprehensive partnership agreement with Tama City Silver Human Resources Center regarding regional collaborative services

Benesse Business Mate, a special subsidiary of the Benesse Group that promotes the employment of people with disabilities, began to consider outsourced contracting for outside work because of dramatic reduction in office work due to increased employee telecommuting with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it has been difficult for employees with disabilities to cope with work that requires them to work shifts or outside of working hours as it is important for them to have a stable rhythm in their lives. Then, we aimed to achieve mutual complementarity with Silver Human Resources Centers, which faced challenges in securing and matching tasks that align with the experience and preferences of older individuals while the need is high, and signed a comprehensive collaboration agreement regarding community co-working services with the Tama City Silver Human Resources Center, a public interest corporation that oversees Tama City where the Tokyo headquarters is located. This agreement tasks each party to leverage their respective strengths as both companies are entrusted with their respective operations in the future; for example, Benesse Business Mate can get support for work during hours that are difficult to handle and for work that requires independent travel to remote locations, instead of cooperating in areas where its strength lies, such as hygiene management and the use of computers requiring specialized skills. Our goal is to match and expand operations while covering each other, and to contribute to the community with job satisfaction for both the disabled and the elderly.

Collaboration with local communities in environmental conservation activities

We are conducting activities in collaboration with the community that contribute to the conservation of the global environment, ensuring that the children who will live in the future can continue to reside in peace.

Example Initiatives:
Holding an environmentally-conscious general meeting of shareholders using Okayama City's 'Local Circulation Carbon Offset'

●Holding an environmentally conscious general meeting of shareholders using Okayama City's "Local Circulation Carbon Offset"

Since the fiscal year 2014, we have been conducting environmentally conscious annual general meetings utilizing Okayama City's "Local Circulation Carbon Offset."

[Carbon Offset Targets]

  • ・Air conditioning and lighting during the operation of the annual general meeting (including rehearsal)
  • ・Creation and dispatch of the convocation notice
  • ・Transportation of attendees to the venue of the annual general meeting

●Participation in the Creation of Tama City Biodiversity Guidelines

To protect our rich natural environment, coexist with living creatures, and obtain the blessings of nature while building a sustainable society, Benesse Holdings and Benesse Corporation are participating in the creation of Tama City Biodiversity Guidelines. We are also cooperating in the education about biodiversity in Tama City.

Reinvigorating communities through art

Through art and cultural activities, we will bring new energy to individual communities and create communities in which the locals can feel more satisfied.

Example Initiatives:
Benesse Art Site Naoshima, a Place that Embodies Well-being

Benesse Art Site Naoshima, a Place that Embodies "Benesse = Well-Being"

Benesse Holdings works to create communities where people can live good and happy lives based on the idea that our corporate philosophy of "Benesse = Well-Being" is created through good communities. Benesse Holdings and Fukutake Foundation are promoting the creation of good communities through the promotion of modern art and culture. The foundation's activities are mainly funded by Benesse Holdings' dividends, which holds 8% of our stock, and our Group believes that realizing sustainable business growth and stable dividends will lead to continuous support for the community through the foundation.

What is True Happiness? Joint Research by Benesse Art Site Naoshima and Okayama University

What is True Happiness? Joint Research by Benesse Art Site Naoshima and Okayama University

Okayama University, involved in SDG-related research, took notice of Benesse Art Site Naoshima and its many years of creating good communities through modern art. Together with Benesse Holdings, they began a joint research project in 2020 looking into the degree of happiness among island residents on Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima islands. Specialists from Okayama University in economic policy and management strategy, medical experts on epidemiology and others participated, along with researchers focusing on changes to social systems. Multifaceted analysis and research have been conducted on the construction of wellbeing models and their evaluation, the Naoshima model as a corporate strategy and CSR, health and environmental aspects and wellbeing, the Naoshima model ecosystem and social innovation, SDGs and wellbeing, etc., and a final report was compiled in March 2023.

  • * You can read the report in English from "Final Report - Digest Edition" to "Cultural Activities and Health; Fostering Social Capital" on the page linked above.
Benesse Holdings, Inc., Benesse Holdings, Inc. Sustainability Promotion, Benesse Holdings, Inc. Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Department, Benesse Holdings, Inc. Administrative Division, Benesse Corporation, Benesse Foundation for Children, Benesse Educational Research and Development Institute, Berlitz Corporation, SIMUL INTERNATIONAL, INC., Tokyo Individualized Educational Institute, INC.,, Ochanomizu Seminar Co., Ltd., UP Inc., Benesse Style Care Co., Ltd., Benesse Business-mate, Inc., Benesse Socius, Inc., Fukutake Foundation, FUKUTAKE EDUCATION AND CULTURE FOUNDATION, CLASSICO Inc.

Cooperation with Foundations

The Benesse Group works to solve social problems through its businesses, which are supported by our many stakeholders, and we are also involved in education support for the children of the future and support for the creation of good communities centered around education, culture, and art.

Visit the link below for more details.

Benesse Holdings, Inc., Benesse Holdings, Inc. Sustainability Promotion, Benesse Holdings, Inc. Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Department, Benesse Holdings, Inc. Administrative Division, Benesse Corporation, Benesse Foundation for Children, Benesse Educational Research and Development Institute, Berlitz Corporation, SIMUL INTERNATIONAL, INC., Tokyo Individualized Educational Institute, INC.,, Ochanomizu Seminar Co., Ltd., UP Inc., Benesse Style Care Co., Ltd., Benesse Business-mate, Inc., Benesse Socius, Inc., Fukutake Foundation, FUKUTAKE EDUCATION AND CULTURE FOUNDATION, CLASSICO Inc.

Contributions to Sports

Benesse Sailing Team

Benesse Sailing Team

The Benesse Sailing Team was founded in 1997. The team has been taken up as a corporate sport entity since 2000.

Fagiano Okayama Football Club

Fagiano Okayama Football Club

Benesse Holdings and Benesse InfoShell have continued to support Fagiano Okayama, a J League Club active in Okayama, as a club sponsor, as these two companies were founded in Okayama. We completely agree with the principles behind the activities Fagiano Okayama takes ("Giving Dreams to Children!"), and work to promote sports and the local area through our support.

Benesse Holdings, Inc., Benesse Holdings, Inc. Sustainability Promotion, Benesse Holdings, Inc. Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Department, Benesse Holdings, Inc. Administrative Division, Benesse Corporation, Benesse Foundation for Children, Benesse Educational Research and Development Institute, Berlitz Corporation, SIMUL INTERNATIONAL, INC., Tokyo Individualized Educational Institute, INC.,, Ochanomizu Seminar Co., Ltd., UP Inc., Benesse Style Care Co., Ltd., Benesse Business-mate, Inc., Benesse Socius, Inc., Fukutake Foundation, FUKUTAKE EDUCATION AND CULTURE FOUNDATION, CLASSICO Inc.

Promoting Volunteer Activities

After the Great East Japan Earthquake, we introduced a salary deduction donation system for any employees who wanted to participate. We began a matching program, where the company donates the same amount of money. We continue to offer matching gifts not only for disaster relief but also for donations from employees to our public foundation working to solve social problems for children (Benesse Foundation for Children). We also offer a volunteer leave system for employees.
In FY2022, 158 employees participated in volunteer opportunities provided by Benesse Holdings.

In each of our businesses, we also provide support through free events and activities for community development activities and learning opportunities that work together with local communities. See below for examples of activities.

Benesse Holdings, Inc., Benesse Holdings, Inc. Sustainability Promotion, Benesse Holdings, Inc. Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Department, Benesse Holdings, Inc. Administrative Division, Benesse Corporation, Benesse Foundation for Children, Benesse Educational Research and Development Institute, Berlitz Corporation, SIMUL INTERNATIONAL, INC., Tokyo Individualized Educational Institute, INC.,, Ochanomizu Seminar Co., Ltd., UP Inc., Benesse Style Care Co., Ltd., Benesse Business-mate, Inc., Benesse Socius, Inc., Fukutake Foundation, FUKUTAKE EDUCATION AND CULTURE FOUNDATION, CLASSICO Inc.

Expenses for Social Action Programs

Total expenses for social action programs (Fiscal 2022) 176 million JPY
Of which are donations 176 million JPY

We also carry out a number of social contribution activities across the Group that are not limited to specific regions, such as reconstruction assistance, support for learning environments and support for people with disabilities. See below for examples of our activities.

Benesse Holdings, Inc., Benesse Holdings, Inc. Sustainability Promotion, Benesse Holdings, Inc. Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Department, Benesse Holdings, Inc. Administrative Division, Benesse Corporation, Benesse Foundation for Children, Benesse Educational Research and Development Institute, Berlitz Corporation, SIMUL INTERNATIONAL, INC., Tokyo Individualized Educational Institute, INC.,, Ochanomizu Seminar Co., Ltd., UP Inc., Benesse Style Care Co., Ltd., Benesse Business-mate, Inc., Benesse Socius, Inc., Fukutake Foundation, FUKUTAKE EDUCATION AND CULTURE FOUNDATION, CLASSICO Inc.

Last updated : 2024/01/29