MORISHITA JINTAN: A Legacy of Health in the Taisho Era and Beyond

Celebrating Health and Tradition: MORISHITA JINTAN's Walk & Shoot Tour

On November 22nd, MORISHITA JINTAN, a company deeply rooted in its commitment to health and well-being, hosted a unique health event titled "Walk & Shoot Tour in Nara" for its employees and their families. This gathering highlighted the company's dedication to "family culture," a value it has upheld since its founding in the Taisho era.

Historical Significance of Family Culture

Founded in 1893, MORISHITA JINTAN has woven family-centric values into its corporate fabric, prioritizing the health of its employees and their families. The company has been recognized as a "Health Management Excellent Corporation" for seven consecutive years by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Japan Health Conference, reflecting its ongoing initiatives to enhance the wellness of its workforce.
In 2009, in its pursuit to encourage physical activity among its employees, the company introduced the "Walking Rally"—a program aimed at promoting walking habits and enhancing connections among family members and coworkers. The recent event was a continuation of this initiative, merging physical activity with a communal experience.

The Day's Activities at Nara Park

The event was held against the backdrop of splendid autumn scenery in Nara Park, where employees and their families enjoyed walking at their own pace. Participants marveled at the vibrant autumn foliage and the tranquil scene of deer as they made their way towards Todai-ji Temple. The highlight of their journey was a leisurely viewing of the Great Buddha in the Daibutsuden, allowing families of all ages to enjoy the historical and cultural significance of the site entirely.
As participants reached Sarusawa Pond, many were seen checking their step counts and conversing with one another, marking a moment for cross-department communication that typically doesn't occur in the workplace. The relaxed environment fostered a sense of connection among employees, demonstrating the power of shared experiences in building relationships.

Deepening Historical Understanding

During the event, participants learned about the company's lengthy history in health management and its focus on family values. Feedback indicated that many felt a renewed insight into their company’s heritage; 70% reported an increased understanding of the health management culture that has evolved over a century. In a post-event survey, 90% of attendees felt that the event had been worthwhile, and over 75% expressed a heightened motivation for regular exercise.
Some of the comments reflected the success of the outing:

- "Thank you for allowing my family to participate. Both adults and kids enjoyed learning about Todai-ji and had a great time walking together."
- "I often visit Nara Park, but discovering the location where the historic Tenjin Sports Festival was held brought back wonderful memories."
- "The food was delicious, and it was fun to talk with coworkers I rarely get to see outside of work."

Future of Health at MORISHITA JINTAN

According to Mayumi Nakai from MORISHITA JINTAN's health insurance union, the mantra "Let's enjoy walking and health!" encapsulates their approach to embedding walking habits into their company culture. The event, which began in 2022, will continue to adapt themes, ensuring enjoyable and enriching experiences for participants of all ages.
Looking ahead, MORISHITA JINTAN remains committed to the health of its employees and their families as a core corporate mission. By leveraging the success and feedback from this event, the company aims to strengthen its initiatives that encourage consistent healthy behaviors while promoting an engaging environment for ongoing wellness practices.
MORISHITA JINTAN, now celebrating its 130th anniversary, recognizes the importance of these traditions in building a sustained legacy of health management culture for generations to come.

For more information on health initiatives and corporate history, visit MORISHITA JINTAN's official website.