On 1 January 2024, the Noto Peninsula of Japan was struck by a devastating earthquake, prompting a swift response from various sectors. Among them, Philips, a renowned multinational company from the Netherlands, has stepped forward to make a significant contribution to the disaster relief efforts. In response to the earthquake, Ms. Rino Kato, Government & Public Affairs at Philips, and Mr. Tomoaki Ozaki, Commercial Operation Leader, reached out to the Dutch Embassy in Tokyo. Mr. Norimasa Tochibayashi, the embassy's Senior Trade Officer, leveraged his expertise in humanitarian assistance and proposed a collaboration with the Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) to ensure efficient delivery of aid.
Subsequently, on 18 January, an online meeting was held between Philips, the Dutch Embassy, and JRCS. Philips expressed its commitment to supporting the earthquake victims by donating essential products. On 26 January, Philips presented a comprehensive list of items they intended to donate. Responding to Philips' offer, the JRCS identified specific needs and quantities of items required for the disaster-hit region. As of 7 February, the finalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is awaited, after which the donations will be channeled to the victims through JRCS.
This initiative by Philips not only highlights the company's dedication to corporate social responsibility but also strengthens the ties between Japan and the Netherlands. It serves as a testament to the power of international collaboration in times of crisis, and the role of private enterprises in complementing humanitarian efforts.
Source: Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Japan
Published: March 2024