Jul. 9, 2025
Tadano employees, union members, and families unite for beach cleanup, learning session on the impact of litter
Tadano cranes, aerial work platforms, and special purpose vehicles build and shape projects all over the globe. We help our customers complete projects with a strong corporate philosophy of Sozo (Creation), Hoshi (Contribution), and Kyoryoku (Cooperation).
This philosophy also extends to the Earth we share. The company continues to innovate new ways to minimize environmental impacts. Tadano cranes offer features like Eco-mode that save fuel and reduce emissions; some newer, battery-powered crane models like the EVOLT GR-1000XLL offer zero emissions through advanced battery systems.
On the human side, Tadano established a Sustainability Committee that created ways employees of the company can contribute to a more harmonious relationship with our planet, natural resources, and immediate surroundings.
Beach cleanups are a significant part of these efforts.
In early June, Tadano employees along with members of the Tadano Labor Union joined together at Kitahara Beach in Kagawa for a day of learning, collaboration, and cleanup efforts.
Employees from Kagawa were joined by other Tadano associates from Tokyo and Kagoshima. All in all, 61 employees and their families participated.
The day began with an instructor from the Kagawa Guide Association discussing and showing the types of trash normally found on the beach. People then split into groups to remove such trash, recording the type and quantity, essentially conducting a marine trash survey. Frequently found trash included tubular parts used in oyster farming, plastic trash including lighters, and many cigarette butts.
It only took about half an hour to fill five 45L size garbage bags.
Following the pickup, participants reflected on what they saw – and realized. Observations included “At first glance the beach looked clean, but when we actually picked up litter, we found more litter than we thought," and "There was a lot of litter from tools used in cultivating the oysters we eat." Another one noted "Picking up litter is important, but we each need to be mindful not to produce litter in the first place."
The instructor also conducted a post-pickup marine lecture that illustrated the larger impact from such trash. Realizations included how "Japan's litter washes up on the Midway Islands in the United States, and the albatrosses that live there mistakenly ingest it," "Litter from the Seto Inland Sea also washes up there. It's not just someone else's problem," and "Today's activity was not just about cleaning up this beach, but also about collecting litter that could have flowed overseas. In other words, we have engaged in an activity to save our fellow Earth creatures."
Following the cleanup and post-cleanup lecture, the participants partook in a “Sato-umi (which translates to ‘village and sea’) Lunch." People brought their own lunch boxes and chopsticks, enjoying the lunch they earned after all the physical activity and knowing that by bringing their own containers and utensils, they reduced potential waste as much as possible.
Tadano has a deep connection with the Seto Inland Sea through the location of our factory and product shipments. Activities like beach cleanups, working on reducing trash generation, and sorting existing trash to reduce marine litter all help to illustrate how our corporate philosophy of Sozo (Creation), Hoshi (Contribution), and Kyoryoku (Cooperation) extends not just to our dealings with customers, but also with our Earth.
