Nasta's Commitment to Community Recovery in Noto
In a moving display of corporate responsibility, Nasta, the leading Japanese company in mailbox and delivery box solutions, mobilized its executive team to assist in disaster recovery efforts in the Noto region. On March 14, 2025, a group of 20 individuals, including 18 executives from Nasta and its affiliated companies, gathered at the Shiramizusenmaida, located in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Their main task was to help clear mud from the rice terraces, which had been severely affected by a recent mudslide.
Volunteer Activities Overview
Location: Shiramizusenmaida, Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Date: March 14, 2025
Activities: Removal of mud from rice fields affected by landslides
The team worked diligently to remove over 100 buckets of mud, covering about 30 square meters, which involved physically challenging labor in an area where heavy machinery could not operate due to the terrain challenges. Through collaboration with the Nippon Foundation and disaster NGO, they were able to facilitate impactful volunteer work.
Some participants shared their reflections on this experience, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the local community months after the earthquake. One executive commented on the slow recovery pace due to population decline and an aging demographic, which underscored the need for increased awareness and support for the affected areas.
Another executive noted, "The manual labor required was far more taxing than we anticipated, and the locals truly expressed how difficult it has been for them. Hearing them share their struggles made it clear that even short volunteer visits would mean a lot to them. Understanding the local conditions first-hand revealed the critical need for community engagement."
Background and Purpose of the Initiative
Since 2024, Nasta has initiated its social contribution program known as "Nasta My Action" to encourage its employees to devote 10% of their work hours to volunteering efforts. Remarkably, 291 employees, which is 97% of the total full-time workforce, have participated in various social contributions to date.
In addition to individual actions, Nasta's social contribution team has organized several initiatives to support the Noto region. This includes fundraising through the company version of hometown tax donations and a second-hand book purchase program. In February 2025, they further contributed by providing meals and sports exchange opportunities to local schools.
This recent volunteer effort was driven by the executives' desire to engage directly with the disaster-hit region, understand its pressing needs, and explore potential avenues for further corporate support. By having top management lead such initiatives, Nasta aims to foster a culture that values social responsibility among its workforce.
CEO Junpei Sasakawa's Insights
Nasta's CEO, Junpei Sasakawa, emphasized the unique beauty of the Shiramizusenmaida and the unfortunate circumstances that have forced many people to leave their homes. He expressed the urgency for companies like Nasta to prevent Japan from becoming a nation where people cannot choose their homes.
Moreover, maintaining a high quality of life involves more than just fulfilling basic needs; it requires creating spaces for meaningful communication and joy within communities. Sasakawa reflected on this volunteering experience as a reminder of the importance of fostering opportunities for social interaction through community initiatives.
Nasta's Past Contributions to the Noto Region
- - July to August 2024: Participated in Book Off Corporation's "Kimochi to." program, collecting unwanted books nationwide, resulting in 638 books sold, with proceeds donated to the "ARROWS" medical search team.
- - December 2024: Contributed ¥10 million to Ishikawa Prefecture through the corporate version of hometown tax donations.
- - February 2025: Conducted food charity and sports exchanges at Monzen Junior High School in Wajima City.
About Nasta
Founded 95 years ago, Nasta strives to provide fresh, comfortable living solutions through its diverse products and services. In recent years, the company has actively sought to address logistical challenges, especially the pressing issue of package redelivery, leading to the development of mailbox and delivery box solutions that have garnered a leading market share. With a commitment to improving living conditions highlighted in their corporate mission "To Enhance Living Spaces," Nasta aims to be a leading company that remains essential to the community while tackling pressing social issues.