Itami area

Promoting Harmonious Coexisting in Nature at Our
Business Sites by Initiating Studies on Living Creatures

Continuing conservation efforts for rare and local native species

The Itami area is located in an urban area of southern Hyogo Prefecture. We conducted our first wildlife survey there in May 2016. Based on the results, we currently focus on creating an environment accessible for the local native insects, such as dragonflies and butterflies, as well as aquatic life and flora.

A biotope (nicknamed Itatope) filled with native plants has been set up near the facility’s main entrance so that it can be used as a breeding ground for dragonflies. We monitor the types of living organisms that visit the area and hold observation events in which employees participate, which helps educate and raise awareness. All business sites located in the area cooperate in the management of Itatope.

The biotope that has existed for some time on the south side of the area is managed in a way that makes the most of the existing environment. In 2022, this biotope was nicknamed South Itatope, and a sign was installed at the entrance to explain the activities and the fauna that live there.

Employee volunteers recruited from among the participants of the observation events help to carry out maintenance work. We will continue to undertake similar initiatives in the future and expand the scope of activities.

In addition, we continue our conservation efforts for the rare species of Chinese soapberry, which was discovered during a wildlife survey conducted in the area in 2016. When the flowers were found in bloom in 2025, a sign was installed announcing it to all.

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  Itatope

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  Itatope’s signboard

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  Chinese soapberry, which was confirmed to have bloomed

Focusing on study sessions for employees

Every year in the Itami area, we invite external experts to lead the Biodiversity Study Session consisting of wildlife observation events and remote study sessions. The purpose is to inform employees about the significance of biodiversity conservation and the efforts being made in the Itami area.

The number of participants in these study sessions has been increasing year by year. A total of 29 employees took part in the wildlife observation event held at Itatope in June 2025. Participants were split into three groups of about 10 people each and observed the fauna in Itatope.

During the observation event, we also explained the content and policies of biodiversity conservation efforts in the area. An employee survey conducted after the event revealed positive responses. Feedback included, "I wanted to observe wildlife in a natural setting" and "I want to participate in conservation activities myself."

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  Explanation of flora by an external expert

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  Participants during the Itatope observation