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Japan Road Company Supports Local Initiatives in Kochi's Yusuhara Town

Japan Road Company, headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, recently made headlines by contributing to Yusuhara Town, Kochi Prefecture, under the corporate hometown tax system. This initiative aims to enhance employment opportunities and promote sustainable local practices. The donation was acknowledged during a ceremony held on March 26, 2026, at the town hall, attended by Takashi Takahashi, the town mayor, and Toshihiko Kawasaki, a senior executive director of Japan Road.

The collaboration between Japan Road, Kochi Prefecture, and Yusuhara Town dates back to 2008 when the three parties signed a partnership agreement focused on environmental initiatives, particularly forest conservation. The 'Japan Road Forest' in Yusuhara has played a pivotal role in combating global warming and fostering a rich environment crucial for local industries.

Every autumn, local residents join Japan Road in experiential exchange programs at the 'Japan Road Forest', enhancing community ties and promoting environmental awareness. This commitment to community engagement is further exemplified by a recent project in Yusuhara, which revitalizes abandoned farmlands into grape vineyards, significantly contributing to local vitality.

The corporate hometown tax donation for the fiscal year 2025 is aimed at expanding the vineyard project in Yusuhara. This endeavor not only seeks to enhance the local economy through job creation but also involves employees from Japan Road actively participating in planting grape saplings and harvesting. This hands-on engagement is anticipated to improve employee satisfaction and contribute to the overall corporate value.

On March 27, just a day after the donation ceremony, employees from Japan Road's Shikoku branch, along with four members, planted approximately 50 grape saplings in the Kawanishi area. The first harvest is slated for three years later, with aspirations to eventually produce 1,000 bottles of wine per year from this project.

The grape varieties planted include Boudet-Mansan, renowned for their quality in wine production, as Japan Road envisions this vineyard becoming a cornerstone for local agriculture. The continued participation of Japan Road Group in the 'forest-building' initiative signifies a long-term commitment to not only regenerate forests that act as CO₂ sinks but also to tackle the pressing issue of abandoned farmland in the region.

Through collaborative efforts, Japan Road looks forward to contributing towards sustainable community development, ensuring future generations of Yusuhara Town benefit from these environmental and economic endeavors.

Related Information

For those interested in biodiversity conservation, refer to the activities related to Yusuhara Town’s Forest Volunteer Collaboration Project.