#Japan #Sony #Saku #Environmental #So-net

Name Change of Forest Management Site

Sony Network Communications, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has officially changed the name of its forest management site located in the Osawa property area of Saku City, Nagano Prefecture. This change comes as part of their ongoing commitment to environmental preservation and community interaction. Initially established in collaboration with Saku City Mayor, Seiji Yagita, in November 2009, the area was previously known as "So-net no Mori" or "So-net Forest," adopted in April 2010. The new name, "Sony no Mori (Saku Osawa)", aims to reflect the company’s broader commitments and improve involvement in environmental activities.

A commemorative ceremony was held on October 4, 2025, in Saku City to mark this significant change. The event not only celebrated the name change but also highlighted the company’s longstanding efforts in forest conservation, which have spanned over a decade.

A Legacy of Commitment

Sony Network Communications was established in 1995 and began its services under the name So-net in 1996. Now, as the company embraces its 30th anniversary, it is diversifying beyond telecommunications to explore emerging fields such as AI and IoT. However, with increasing technological advancements, there is a growing realization of the environmental impacts of these operations. As a result, since 2010, the company has embraced initiatives to preserve natural environments, creating spaces for employees and their families to engage in forest growth and conservation awareness.

In the fiscal year 2020, the company’s forest management practices were recognized with the highest honor, the Nagano Prefectural Governor's Award, under the "Forests of Hometown Development Award" for their exemplary contributions to promoting forest management. They reported enhanced CO2 absorption levels in the forests due to these efforts, consistently earning the "Nagano Prefecture's Forest CO2 Absorption Certification" in recent years.

Moving Forward

With the name change to "Sony no Mori (Saku Osawa)" marking the 30th anniversary of the company and the 15th anniversary of their forest management activities, the company aims to expand its initiatives. Sony Group has set a long-term environmental plan known as "Road to Zero," aiming for zero environmental impact by 2050, with biodiversity preservation as a key focus area. The company is dedicated to promoting biodiversity through both business and community initiatives, looking to foster environmental awareness and sustainability for future generations.

Ceremony Details

• - Date: October 4, 2025
• - Venue: Usuda Star Dome, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture
• - Activities: Unveiling of the "Sony no Mori (Saku Osawa)" Adopt Sign and exchanging commemorative plaques between stakeholders.

Stakeholders:

• - Parent Company: Sony Network Communications, CEO Noriyuki Nakagawa
• - Local Management: Osawa Property Area, Mayor Seiji Yagita
• - Witnesses: Yuya Takizawa, Director of Nagano Saku Regional Promotion Bureau; Hidetoshi Yanagisawa, Chair of Osawa Property Area Council.

Achievements of the Forest Management Program

• - Initiation: Activity started in April 2010
• - Participation: 38 activities held
• - Seedlings Planted: A total of 19,900
• - Forest Area Managed: 261.76 hectares
• - CO2 Absorption Certification: 450.3 tons (2024 fiscal year)
• - Activities: Support for forest maintenance (planting, removing undergrowth, and thinning), community engagement efforts.
• - Awards: Nagano Prefectural Governor's Award for exceptional contributions to forest development (2020).

About Sony Network Communications

Established as an internet service provider within the Sony Group in 1995, the company offers services such as "So-net Hikari" and "NURO Hikari" alongside ventures in IoT, AI, and solution services. Guided by the vision of "Infrastructure of Change, supporting human transformation," Sony Network Communications continues to leverage Sony’s assets to drive innovation and diverse business development.