The Komatsu Group acknowledges that a company, as a good corporate citizen, should live up to the expectations of the society by promoting harmonious relations with, and contributing to the benefit of, the community in which it operates. Accordingly, we shall be proactively and continuously engaged in reginal activities for social contribution. Nurturing the next generation of children is one of these initiatives.
Komatsu no Mori was established on May 13, 2011, in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, to commemorate Komatsu's 90th anniversary. It aims to foster the healthy development of children in local communities and preserve the natural environment through activities such as nature observation in the satoyama (undeveloped woodland near populated area), science and manufacturing classes at the Waku-Waku Komatsu Kan, and social studies field trips for elementary schools. The Waku-Waku Komatsu Kan and the NPO Midori-no-Komatsu Sukusuku-kai jointly operate Komatsu no Mori, with over 290 volunteers, including former employees of the Komatsu Awazu Plant, participating in these activities.
Satoyama event committee
This committee plans and executes events that allow children to experience the joy of playing in nature through activities such as observing plants and animals in the satoyama and rice cultivation in the fields.
Satoyama green committee
This committee assists in maintaining the satoyama by cleaning up lawns, collecting fallen leaves, tending to flower beds, and planting seasonal flowers in the Satoyama, Plaza, and Stream Zone. They also conduct floral education activities in collaboration with local preschool and daycare center children.
Sukusuku classroom committee
At the Waku-Waku Komatsu Future Pavilion, we organize and implement curriculums for elementary school children that inspire interest in science and manufacturing through learning, crafting, and experiments.
Support committee
This committee supports the operation of Komatsu no Mori and Waku-Waku Komatsu Kan by organizing activities such as rides on the ultra-large mining machines 930E and PC4000, and operating the electric mini shovel, as well as assisting visitors and events.
In May 2023, Komatsu Australia (KAL) volunteered in the Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC) held in New South Wales, Australia. The SEC is a nationwide STEM* outreach program presented by the University of Newcastle in partnership with communities, Rotary clubs, universities and sponsors. Through the SEC, students experience aspects of science and engineering which they would not usually see in their school environment.
This is the second year KAL sponsored the event and KAL employees volunteered to assist students with the Bridge Challenge for Year 10 students and the Get Over It Challenge for Year 6 students. This event not only provided learning opportunity for the students but also offered significant fulfillment for the supporters. One of the KAL employees commented, "I feel fortunate to be working for an organisation that is dedicated to guiding future students towards STEM. It's inspiring to see the passion and commitment of our team!"
