In May 2022, ICHIMARU PHARCOS visited Naha and Miyakojima Cities in Okinawa Prefecture as part of its activities to protect the sea. While there, we listened to a talk from an NPO organization, conducted research and classification of washed-ashore garbage and beach cleaning (coastal cleanup) activities.

Discussion with Mr. Matsui, Chairman of NPO CHURAUMI SHINKOKAI

A Discussion held by Mr. Satoshi Matsui, Chairman of NPO CHURAUMI SHINKOKAI and Mr. Ando, Executive Vice President of ICHIMARU PHARCOS (Naha, Okinawa)

(From the Left, Mr. Ando and Mr. Matsui)

Established in 2004, NPO CHURAUMI SHINKOKAI started its activities as a non-profit organization in 2008, mainly on the main island of Okinawa. And ICHIMARU PHARCOS has been donating to NPO CHURAUMI SHINKOKAI for more than 10 years since 2011.
In the interview, Mr. Matsui talked about the changes to Okinawa's natural and marine environment, the motivation behind the establishment of the NPO, its activities and the outcomes came out through cooperations and contributions and what the NPO plans to do in the future. ICHIMARU PHARCOS will continue to support the activities of the NPO and expand its circle of activities in the future.

Participation in the Activities of the NPO Miyakojima Sea Environmental Network (MSEN)

Employees of ICHIMARU PHARCOS participated in a beach cleanup activity as volunteers, organized by the MSEN in Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture.

The MSEN was established in 2012 to "protect the sea of the Miyakojima Islands and leave this beautiful sea for the next generation".
The survey of beach litter participated in by ICHIMARU PHARCOS employees was based on the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) classification. Based on a globally common data card, litter is collected within a certain area and counted. According to the survey results, the improvement measures are proposed to various industry associations and government agencies. By investigating the types, quantities, and sources of litter, we can call for the regulation of the litter generated by each industry and organization.
In addition, volunteers collected litter that had washed ashore at Maaya Beach as part of the beach cleanup activities.

Visit to an Aloe Vera Farm located in Miyako Island, Okinawa

We visited an aloe vera farm on Miyako Island and listened to the stories narrated by producers.

Miyakojima is an island formed by the uplift of coral reefs, which is rare among the many Okinawa islands. The soil called Shimajiri Merge is well drained and alkaline, rich in calcium and minerals.
The aloe vera grown on Miyako Island is cultivated without pesticides, and each leaf can reach 70 to 80 cm in length, with leaf flesh more than 3 cm thick. The sun of Miyako and the love of the growers produce aloe vera of the highest quality.
We listened to the thoughts of the growers and experienced the harvesting of aloe vera by the employees of ICHIMARU PHARCOS.

Involvement with the SDGs

"It is said that about 90% of Japan's coral reefs are distributed in the waters of Okinawa. However, coral bleaching has been a problem since the 1990s, and the situation remains critical. Global warming and the problem of garbage in the sea have deteriorated the marine environment and damaged biodiversity.
Extracts from agricultural products grown on Miyako Island, Okinawa, contain excellent active ingredients. The quality of these superior products is supported by the unique climate. In addition, the coral-rich soil is rich in minerals and well drained, resulting in the growth of high quality agricultural products.

ICHIMARU PHARCOS supports environmental preservation activities by donating a portion of the sales of the products to an environmental NPO organization that conducts coral reef protection and coastal cleanup activities in Okinawa. In addition, customers who use our products can use the logo of the Okinawa environmental NPO organization on their products and packaging. We are continuing our efforts to preserve Okinawa's natural blessings from its climate for the future, while encouraging our customers to get involved in the activities contributing to environmental protection."