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Watami Corporation's Milestone in Sustainability

Watami Corporation, headquartered in Ota, Tokyo, has recently achieved a four-star rating in the "Nikkei SDGs Management Survey 2025," marking itself as the leader in the food service sector. This awarding reflects the company's dedication towards sustainability and their commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Nikkei SDGs Management Survey has been conducted by the Nikkei Inc. since 2019 and evaluates listed companies and prominent private firms across Japan. By assessing businesses in four categories consisting of "SDGs Strategy and Economic Value," "Social Value," "Environmental Value," and "Governance," this survey aims to define and promote practices that contribute to achieving SDGs while enhancing corporate value.

In response to the growing emphasis on sustainability, Watami established its SDGs Promotion Headquarters back in October 2019. A cross-organizational task force team was created from selected members of different business units to work collectively towards integrating SDGs into their operations. By 2020, this team identified the company's critical sustainability issues, known as SDGs materiality, and adopted Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Goal Indicators (KGIs) to drive their efforts toward these objectives across the organization.

SDGs Materiality Issues Identified by Watami Group

Watami's commitment is further detailed in their Sustainable Report. For a comprehensive overview, please visit their official site at Watami Sustainable Report 2025.

In terms of employee involvement in sustainability, Watami has organized various experiential learning activities that emphasize the importance of nature and community.

Notable Events in 2025:

• - November 2025: Watami hosted the "27th Watami Nature School" in Sanmu City, Chiba Prefecture, which was attended by 28 students from grades 4 to 6. The program focused on themes like life, nature, friendship, lifestyle habits, and dreams, providing insights into the natural world.

• - May 2025: The company kicked off the "Forest Opening Ceremony" at Watami no Mori in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, marking their first significant forest revitalization activities. Employees from the restaurant industry participated, managing tasks such as underbrush cutting and environmental enhancement.

• - January 2025: Watami actively engaged with the public interest foundation, School Aid Japan, which oversees orphanages and schools in Cambodia. Volunteers visited to interact with children, gaining first-hand experience of the challenges of poverty and hunger, while witnessing the joy their support brings.

• - August 2024: During a designated meal event at Miraisaka near Yokohama Station, approximately 20 children from the Yokohama School for the Blind were treated to a special dining experience. Employees contributed by preparing the venue, handling the meal orders, and interacting with the children, fostering a spirit of hospitality.

About Watami Corporation

Founded in May 1986, Watami Corporation has been expanding its business interests beyond the dining sector, engaging in various fields such as home delivery, agriculture, and human resources. Under the leadership of CEO Miki Watanabe, the company continues to build on its mission of enhancing social value through sustainable business practices.

Address: 1-1-3 Haneda, Ota, Tokyo

Website: Watami Official Website