Canon formally introduced its corporate philosophy of kyosei in 1988. Kyosei aspires to a society in which all people, regardless of culture, custom, language or ethnicity, harmoniously live and work together for the common good. Based on the concept of kyosei, and in pursuit of the “excellent global corporation” ideal defined by this philosophy, Canon endeavors to bear the responsibility for the impact of its activities on society, not only in its business but also in other human endeavors.
First and foremost, Canon must provide customers with increasingly superior products to ensure continued customer satisfaction while also returning profits to its various stakeholders. Guided by its corporate philosophy of kyosei, Canon, as a good corporate citizen, focuses its efforts on diverse activities that help to build a society where all people can comfortably and peacefully live together, while also making meaningful contributions to society through its business operations.
Social Contribution Activities as a “Good Corporate Citizen”
Under the corporate philosophy of kyosei, Canon provides products and services with the aim of contributing to society through its technological excellence, while at the same time promoting Social Contribution Activities in response to the various needs and problems facing communities worldwide. We tackle a range of important social issues, including protection of the global environment, relief activities for disaster-stricken areas, the growth and development of the international community, educating and nurturing young people, social welfare, and development of the arts, culture and sports.
We will continue to promote our Social Contribution Activities in accordance with the local needs of each community. Through these activities we aim to fulfill our social responsibilities as a good corporate citizen, contributing solutions to various social problems for the benefit of the Earth and humanity, and striving to be a company that is appreciated, trusted, and respected worldwide.
With the progress of globalization, corporate social responsibility is an increasingly important issue.
Under our corporate philosophy of kyosei, the range of Canon’s Social Contribution Activities has expanded to cover such areas as humanitarian aid and disaster relief, conservation of the environment, social welfare, local communities, education and science, and art, culture and sports. In the past several years, many parts of the world have suffered natural disasters. In response, Canon has made and collected monetary donations, while its employees have volunteered in a range of support activities, including visiting afflicted areas to offer assistance.
In its activities, Canon’s support, not limited to short intervals of time, provides ongoing assistance to people and organizations in need. Its aim is to provide wide-ranging support by working in partnership with groups that have a broad outlook and inclusive values.
Canon will continue to make the best possible use of the resources it has built up over many years, such as its personnel, capital, technologies and infrastructure, working as a good corporate citizen to tackle problems and contributing to a society in which all people can live their lives to the fullest.
Homepage addresses for “Social Contribution Activities” of our regional headquarters overseeing their local operational bases are as follows:
- Canon U.S.A.
- http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/about_canon/community_environment
- Canon Europe
- http://www.canon-europe.com/About_Us/About_Canon/CSR/index.asp
- Canon (China)
- http://www.canon.com.cn/corp/csr/overview.html
- Canon Australia
- http://www.canon.com.au/en-AU/About-Canon/Community
Canon’s first president was originally a medical doctor, and shortly after the company was founded, it developed the first indirect X-ray camera to be manufactured in Japan. In 1974, Canon set up its Audiovisual Prosthetics Division with the aim of promoting the “Optacon,” a U.S.-made electronic reader for the blind. These beginnings exemplified the company’s dedication to returning corporate profits to the community. Later, the role of this arm of the business declined with the increasing use of voice input devices and personal computers, but it was these activities that gave rise to Canon’s subsequent interest in programs that contribute to the community. In the years to come, Social Contribution Activities tailored to local needs or the requirements of the time will continue to play an integral part of Canon’s business operations.
