Commitment to Communities

Key Issue

Contributing to the sustainable development of local communities

  • 8 DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
  • 9 INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
  • 11 SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

Action Policy

  • Contribute to establishment of sustainable communities through development and improvement of infrastructure indispensable for them

Corona-induced decentralization spurs regional revitalization business

In 2016, SMFL established a project team to tackle regional issues. Since then, we have pursued various initiatives, including participation in a project involving conversion of traditional Japanese houses to hotel accommodation in Dazaifu in Kyushu and a winery project in Hokkaido, establishment of the Regional Revitalization and Inbound Tourism Council in collaboration with the ANA Group, and establishment of a community development fund in collaboration with local financial institutions, thus focusing our efforts on supporting projects that lead to regional revitalization and on business matching.

The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating the trend away from concentration in major cities toward greater regional dispersion. This trend is expected to lead to upgrading of regional infrastructure and an influx of manufacturers to the regions, thus creating a tailwind for SMFL, which has cultivated a network of relationships and a track record in regions nationwide and is increasing its involvement in regional revitalization projects.

In order to capture these business opportunities, we will promote in-depth collaboration with local public bodies, regional leading contenders, destination management organizations (DMOs), local financial institutions, etc., reflecting regional needs.

Providing solutions for sustainable urban development

Strategy
  • Contribute to next-generation community development and industrial infrastructure development responding to the needs of a society whose population is declining, with “mobility” as the watchword
  • Contribute to regions by utilizing real estate owned by SMFL as disaster-prevention centers
  • Develop real estate responsive to environmental certification and BCP
Concrete measures
  • Participating in a business involving conversion of traditional Japanese houses into hotel accommodation
  • Capital participation in a winery
  • Structuring a fund for traditional Japanese houses in Nara
  • Establishment of the Regional Revitalization and Inbound Tourism Council
  • Contributing to community development through government business in the infrastructure and healthcare fields

Heat supply project for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan will be based on the concept “People’s Living Lab: A laboratory for a future society.” The venue will serve as a showcase for future society with the incorporation of advanced technologies and systems. Moreover, the exposition aims to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs and Japan’s national strategy, Society 5.0.

SMFL MIRAI Partners, alongside its affiliate company SMART and other partner companies, will provide key infrastructure supporting a range of events at Expo 2025. Services provided include design and construction of heat supply facilities at the site (equipment delivery, installation, and construction supervision), as well as their operation and management, and removal when the exposition concludes.

Support for Expo 2025 will contribute to the development of Osaka and the broader Kansai region and help achieve the SDGs, thereby helping to bring about a sustainable society.

Rendering of the finished venue for Expo 2025
(Provided by: Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition)

Cooperation with local communities through the NEWNO real estate brand

In its rental real estate business under the NEWNO brand, SMFL MIRAI Partners conducts real estate development of properties that offer excellent comfort and show consideration for the environment and the health of office workers. NEWNO is an expression of our desire for co-creation with our customers and business partners to generate unprecedented new value, including our wish to foster coexistence with local communities.

To this end, we engage in an array of cooperative activities targeting regional disaster preparedness. At NEWNO Jiyugaoka, we provide emergency rations and other emergency supplies. At NEWNO Nagoya-eki Nishi, we provide equipment including fire extinguishers, toilets and AEDs. At NEWNO∙GS Shinjuku, local evacuation sites and routes can be displayed on a large external billboard. We have also drawn up a proprietary rulebook regulating the use of building advertisements and adornments, and work toward greening of wall spaces, thereby helping to create a more attractive and pleasant cityscape.

NEWNO Jiyugaoka

Examples of Initiatives

Investment into Helicopter Leasing Partner "LCI Investments Limited"
SMFL and LCI to launch joint helicopter leasing

Contributing to the development of the economies of all countries by supporting capital investments on a global basis

Strategy
  • Further develop business by enhancing vendor finance functions and strengthening local operations
Concrete measures
  • Expanding vendor finance transactions in China and the ASEAN region

Community participation and support

Strategy
  • Maintain existing systems and establish new systems in which officers and employees continuously participate, such as matching gift schemes and voluntary activities
Concrete measures
  • Sales fairs
  • Blood donation
  • Participation in a contact lens case recycling initiative