DEIB Event Report

~Unlocking Authenticity. Shaping the Future.~
Featuring a lecture by Sputniko! titled “Beyond 130 Years:
Shaping SAKATA INX's Future Through DEIB” and a special discussion with our company executives

At SAKATA INX, we believe it is vital to recognize and leverage the diverse skills, experiences, values, cultural backgrounds, and differing norms among our employees from various countries. We also prioritize creating an environment where everyone can thrive regardless of circumstances. To achieve this, we are advancing initiatives aimed at building an organization that respects diversity and where each individual can work with pride. To coincide with International Friendship Day on July 30, 2025, we held our first“DEIB WEEK” (July 28 - August 1) under the theme “When Differences Become Strength” — Learn More, Connect More. Throughout the week, we shared daily DEIB-related information organized by theme to deepen employee awareness and understanding. On July 31, we hosted a lecture by Suputniko!, an artist exhibiting globally, a professor at multiple universities, and President and CEO of Cradle Inc., which provides corporate DEIB advancement support services. The first half of the lecture focused on “Equity, Fairness and Unconscious Bias.” The second half featured a special discussion with Sputniko!, joined by our Director and General Manager of Production Management Div., Minoru Tateiri; Executive Officer and General Manager of the Sustainability Dept., Makoto Kasuya; and Executive Officer and General Manager of Corporate Relations Div., Shigemi Kanazawa. They discussed the importance of advancing DEIB and the possibilities for our future that lie beyond realizing these initiatives.

Lecture Content:

Comparing the Japanese traditional Showa-era work style with the new approaches now required, she explained what equity means from the perspectives of differing values and diversity in society.
Using specific examples, including her own experiences, she provided insightful commentary on “Structural Inequality” – the unconscious ways systems disadvantage specific genders or individuals – offering valuable perspectives on the future of workplaces and small yet significant realizations.

Special Discussion:

①How did SAKATA INX evolve from DE&I to DEIB and what are the initiatives to cultivate “Belonging?”

Sputniko!:

To foster “belonging,” ensuring psychological safety is crucial—not just institutional frame works. We must also address unconscious biases lurking within good intentions and create environments for open, level-headed dialogue.

Tateiri:

We introduced internal job posting systems and HR policies that broaden career options. We aim to cultivate an environment where employees feel that they want to grow with the company fostering pride and unity.

Kasuya:

We reflect the “We Love You” spirit from our corporate philosophy in daily management. By spreading a culture of mutual respect, we want to cultivate an environment that encourages taking on challenges.

Kanazawa:

We aim for a state where both inside and outside the company, people genuinely feel that we are a “good company.” We want to actively expand well-being initiatives to enhance employees' sense of security and pride.

②What kind of workplace in manufacturing allows diverse talent, such as women and senior workers, to work comfortably and thrive?

Sputniko!:

The perspective of reviewing equipment and rules to ensure safe and secure workplace regardless of gender or age is crucial.

Tateiri:

While advancing automation and labor-saving measures, we incorporate diverse perspectives to build an environment where everyone can work safely and securely.

Kasuya:

We promote improvements starting from the voices in the workplace. We create systems to resolve small daily inconveniences and anxieties, such as uniforms and work environments.

Kanazawa:

We expand opportunities for communication and interaction across locations reflecting the voices of diverse employees in management decisions.