JA
PROJECT
Opening the Future Through Technology and People: CASTEM’s CSR
Are you familiar with the term “CSR”?
CSR stands for Corporate Social Responsibility and refers to the roles and responsibilities that companies are expected to fulfill toward society. At CASTEM, we continue to engage in initiatives that contribute to a better society by leveraging the diverse technologies we have cultivated over many years in metal parts manufacturing, along with ongoing organizational innovation.
Here, we introduce CASTEM’s unique CSR activities, including initiatives that utilize technology to promote peace, human resource development, and solutions to regional challenges, as well as efforts to create a workplace where everyone can work with peace of mind, centered on the promotion of women’s empowerment.
CSR Through Technology
■ Passing on Prayers for Peace Through Technology
Eighty years ago, on August 6, 1945, an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, taking countless precious lives. Sadako Sasaki, the model for the Children’s Peace Monument, was exposed to the bombing at the age of two and developed leukemia ten years later. She continued folding paper cranes from her hospital bed with the wish to live, but passed away at the young age of 12.
At CASTEM, we launched a project to preserve the last paper crane folded by Sadako during her lifetime by transforming it into metal using our precision casting technology, so that it may be passed on to future generations as a symbol of the wish for peace.
At CASTEM, we launched a project to preserve the last paper crane folded by Sadako during her lifetime by transforming it into metal using our precision casting technology, so that it may be passed on to future generations as a symbol of the wish for peace.
“As a company headquartered in Hiroshima, we want to share a message of peace through the paper crane.” With this commitment, and with the cooperation of Sadako’s family, we began the challenge in 2021 to preserve the fragile paper crane in metallic form. By combining the latest digital technologies such as 3D scanning and 3D printing with precision casting, we commercialized the stainless steel product “SADAKO” (7 mm H × 23 mm W × 13 mm D).
This peace-themed “SADAKO” was presented to world leaders at the G7 Hiroshima Summit in 2023. It was also delivered to the Pope in 2024 and to former U.S. President Obama in 2025 by Sadako’s nephew, Yuji Sasaki. By reaching people around the world, we hope to spread Hiroshima’s heartfelt wish for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons.
“SADAKO” is available at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Orizuru Tower, CASTEM’s directly operated store “metamate” in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, and through our online shop.
https://www.ironfactory-castem.com/
A portion of the proceeds is donated to the nonprofit organization SADAKO LEGACY.
“SADAKO” is available at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Orizuru Tower, CASTEM’s directly operated store “metamate” in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, and through our online shop.
https://www.ironfactory-castem.com/
A portion of the proceeds is donated to the nonprofit organization SADAKO LEGACY.
■ Weaving a Sustainable Form of Beauty Through Technology
“KOHKOH,” a jewelry brand launched by CASTEM in 2023, transforms mother-of-pearl shells—normally discarded during the pearl cultivation process—into beautiful jewelry. Through manufacturing that wastes no material, we aim to realize a sustainable society.
Furthermore, by utilizing 3D printing technology, we have enabled the cultivation of pearls in free-form shapes that break away from the conventional notion that pearls must be round. Through advanced machining technology, we have also developed cameo pieces intricately carved to reveal layer lines as fine as 0.12 mm, creating jewelry that is only possible in the modern era.
At New Jewelry TOKYO 2024, one of Japan’s largest designer jewelry events, the brand received both the Best Jewelry Award and the Audience Award. In the 2025 event, KOHKOH participated in a project aimed at forest conservation in Borneo, further strengthening recognition as an SDGs-conscious brand.
https://store.kohkoh-jewelry.com/
At New Jewelry TOKYO 2024, one of Japan’s largest designer jewelry events, the brand received both the Best Jewelry Award and the Audience Award. In the 2025 event, KOHKOH participated in a project aimed at forest conservation in Borneo, further strengthening recognition as an SDGs-conscious brand.
https://store.kohkoh-jewelry.com/
■Regional Coexistence — Nurturing the Future Through Craftsmanship
We also introduce our human resource development initiatives that utilize CASTEM’s technologies.
• Next-Generation Education Through the Paper Airplane Program
CASTEM President Takuo Toda holds the Guinness World Record for the longest paper airplane flight time (29.2 seconds). Leveraging this expertise and experience, CASTEM promotes next-generation education through paper airplanes.
We operate and manage the Paper Airplane Museum in Fukuyama City, which displays many of President Toda’s original paper airplanes, as well as the Toyomatsu Paper Airplane Tower in Jinsekikogen Town, built specifically for flying paper airplanes. Through workshops, events, and competitions, we provide opportunities for children to experience the principles of aeronautical science and the joy of taking on challenges, thereby nurturing the seeds of future engineers.
• Next-Generation Education Through the Paper Airplane Program
CASTEM President Takuo Toda holds the Guinness World Record for the longest paper airplane flight time (29.2 seconds). Leveraging this expertise and experience, CASTEM promotes next-generation education through paper airplanes.
We operate and manage the Paper Airplane Museum in Fukuyama City, which displays many of President Toda’s original paper airplanes, as well as the Toyomatsu Paper Airplane Tower in Jinsekikogen Town, built specifically for flying paper airplanes. Through workshops, events, and competitions, we provide opportunities for children to experience the principles of aeronautical science and the joy of taking on challenges, thereby nurturing the seeds of future engineers.
•“Waza-One Grand Prix” in Collaboration with Local Manufacturing Companies
The Waza-One Grand Prix is a festival of traditional children’s games where champions are determined through competitions in paper airplanes, spinning tops, menko cards, marbles, and paper dragonflies. Since 2008, manufacturing and technology companies in the Bingo region, including CASTEM, have led this initiative to foster the next generation of energetic talent. Although temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has been held annually and marked its 15th edition this year.
At a time when digital entertainment such as video games and smartphones is widespread, the event encourages elementary school children and younger to devise their own strategies and compete using their hands. Through this experience, we aim to cultivate the “spirit of ingenuity” and the “discipline of refining skills,” both essential to manufacturing.
The Waza-One Grand Prix is a festival of traditional children’s games where champions are determined through competitions in paper airplanes, spinning tops, menko cards, marbles, and paper dragonflies. Since 2008, manufacturing and technology companies in the Bingo region, including CASTEM, have led this initiative to foster the next generation of energetic talent. Although temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has been held annually and marked its 15th edition this year.
At a time when digital entertainment such as video games and smartphones is widespread, the event encourages elementary school children and younger to devise their own strategies and compete using their hands. Through this experience, we aim to cultivate the “spirit of ingenuity” and the “discipline of refining skills,” both essential to manufacturing.
■Co-Creation and Regional Problem Solving Through Technology
CASTEM also promotes collaborative manufacturing with external partners and initiatives to address regional challenges. In cooperation with medical institutions and universities, we are advancing the development of medical, nursing care, and health-support tools. We are also taking on the challenge of manufacturing that supports people’s health and peace of mind.
In addition, by utilizing idle land and regional resources, we are developing agribusiness initiatives aimed at supporting local agriculture and creating employment. We cultivate strawberries in Jinsekikogen Town, Hiroshima Prefecture, and cherry tomatoes in Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture, while exploring new agricultural models that incorporate IoT technologies. These efforts are being advanced as part of a CSR-oriented business contributing to regional revitalization.
In addition, by utilizing idle land and regional resources, we are developing agribusiness initiatives aimed at supporting local agriculture and creating employment. We cultivate strawberries in Jinsekikogen Town, Hiroshima Prefecture, and cherry tomatoes in Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture, while exploring new agricultural models that incorporate IoT technologies. These efforts are being advanced as part of a CSR-oriented business contributing to regional revitalization.
Promotion of Women and Young Talent — Creating a Workplace Where Everyone Can Thrive
■ Challenges Facing the Manufacturing Industry
Before introducing CASTEM’s workplace initiatives, let us look at the current state of Japan’s manufacturing industry. According to the Business Conditions DI in the 2025 Monozukuri White Paper, after both large enterprises and SMEs suffered significant impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, large enterprises showed signs of recovery but turned downward again in the March 2025 survey. SMEs have shown gradual improvement recently but have not yet returned to 2018 levels.
Approximately 60% of businesses cite labor shortages as a factor affecting their operating environment, following the rising costs of raw materials and energy. In addition, the succession of manufacturing skills—often described as the heart of the industry—remains a major issue.
More than 60% of establishments report a shortage of personnel capable of providing training and development. Furthermore, the difficulty of ensuring flexible work arrangements due to production scheduling is also cited as a factor contributing to employee turnover and labor shortages.
Approximately 60% of businesses cite labor shortages as a factor affecting their operating environment, following the rising costs of raw materials and energy. In addition, the succession of manufacturing skills—often described as the heart of the industry—remains a major issue.
More than 60% of establishments report a shortage of personnel capable of providing training and development. Furthermore, the difficulty of ensuring flexible work arrangements due to production scheduling is also cited as a factor contributing to employee turnover and labor shortages.
■ Women’s Participation in Manufacturing
While many businesses cite labor shortages as a key challenge, the participation of women in manufacturing has not progressed sufficiently. The proportion of women among employees across all industries increased from 41.1% in 2003 to 45.2% in 2023, whereas in manufacturing it declined from 33.4% in 2003 to 30.0% in 2023 and has remained largely flat in recent years.
Background factors include:
・Heavy workload such as handling of heavy materials
・Lack of female role models in management
・Facility and work environment challenges
・Limited shift flexibility
Background factors include:
・Heavy workload such as handling of heavy materials
・Lack of female role models in management
・Facility and work environment challenges
・Limited shift flexibility
■ Workplace Improvements for Everyone
To overcome these challenges, CASTEM is advancing the development of a work environment where both men and women can work comfortably.
On the manufacturing floor, power-assist devices and dedicated jigs have been introduced to reduce the burden of heavy work such as casting processes. By reducing physical strain, women are now active even in casting operations traditionally considered physically demanding. In addition, through the organization, standardization, and visualization of work processes, tasks once handled only by veteran employees have been redesigned so that younger employees can take charge.
We are also committed to creating bright and clean factories. In particular, the employee cafeteria features an open, café-like space that also serves as a hub for employee interaction. Nutritious meals are provided for 250 yen per serving, ensuring affordability even amid rising prices. The facility is also designed to be family-friendly, allowing employees using the on-site childcare center to dine together with their children.
■ Flexible Work Systems for Different Life Stages
We are also building systems that allow employees to work flexibly according to their life stages.
For example, under the shortened working hours system, employees can select their start and end times based on individual circumstances. When returning from maternity or childcare leave, we conduct pre-return interviews and adjust job assignments. An on-site childcare center for children aged 0–2 is also available to support working parents.
In addition, paid leave can be taken in two-hour units, and unused leave can be accumulated indefinitely, providing security for long-term medical care or family caregiving needs.
For example, under the shortened working hours system, employees can select their start and end times based on individual circumstances. When returning from maternity or childcare leave, we conduct pre-return interviews and adjust job assignments. An on-site childcare center for children aged 0–2 is also available to support working parents.
In addition, paid leave can be taken in two-hour units, and unused leave can be accumulated indefinitely, providing security for long-term medical care or family caregiving needs.
■ Career Development and Growth Support for Employees
Regardless of gender or age, we support the growth and career development of each employee.
・Women’s Council and Age-Based Councils
The Women’s Council is a unique CASTEM forum where employees can directly present their opinions to top management, including the President and Executive Vice President. Women from across departments and age groups gather to openly discuss working styles and system improvements. Similar opportunities are provided through regular age-based councils.
・Promotion of Female and Young Leaders
We provide opportunities such as OJT, role assignments, and project participation so that women can play active roles as improvement leaders and managers. We also conduct management training, external seminars, and leadership education for young and mid-career employees to develop the next generation of management talent.
・Qualification and Learning Support
The company continuously supports the costs of acquiring professional qualifications, quality control certifications, and skills testing necessary for work, thereby establishing systems that contribute to career development.
・Women’s Council and Age-Based Councils
The Women’s Council is a unique CASTEM forum where employees can directly present their opinions to top management, including the President and Executive Vice President. Women from across departments and age groups gather to openly discuss working styles and system improvements. Similar opportunities are provided through regular age-based councils.
・Promotion of Female and Young Leaders
We provide opportunities such as OJT, role assignments, and project participation so that women can play active roles as improvement leaders and managers. We also conduct management training, external seminars, and leadership education for young and mid-career employees to develop the next generation of management talent.
・Qualification and Learning Support
The company continuously supports the costs of acquiring professional qualifications, quality control certifications, and skills testing necessary for work, thereby establishing systems that contribute to career development.
By creating a workplace model where diverse talent can thrive and everyone can work with confidence and advance their careers, we aim to generate positive ripple effects that help alleviate labor shortages across the manufacturing industry.
Guided by our corporate philosophy of being “Half a Step Ahead,” CASTEM will continue contributing to society through technological and organizational innovation.