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- Social Contribution
Sustainability
Social Contribution
Global Initiatives
Smile Cacao Project
Cacao beans are required to make chocolate. They are primarily produced in West African countries, and many children in those areas are forced to work instead of attending school. The Smile Cacao Project was launched to eliminate child labor and deliver smiles to all. We are continuously working to eradicate the social issues surrounding chocolate.
Educational Support in Ghana
While Ghana has seen rapid development in recent years, producing not only cacao beans but also diamonds, gold, and crude oil, education disparity by area is widening as well, particularly in rural areas.
To that end, we have supported efforts to improve education for children by constructing libraries and kindergartens in rural areas where educational infrastructure is lacking, including Agbakope Village in South Tongu District. We also provided equipment such as bookshelves and desks.
Organizations We Support
Action against Child Exploitation
A Japanese-based NGO working to defend children from child labor and create a society where the rights of all children are protected. Active in Ghana, India, and Japan.
Japan International Cooperation Agency
Carries out international cooperation with developing countries as the implementing agency responsible for Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA).
Local Initiatives
Comprehensive Initiatives for Regional Revitalization
We are also active in regional revitalization through multifaceted approaches.
As part of our collaborative regional revitalization efforts with local governments, we actively engage in initiatives to energize local communities. For example, in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, where our main factory is located, we operate streetcars adorned with “Black Thunder” designs. Similarly, in Sapporo, Hokkaido, home to our Sapporo Factory, we do the same but with “White Black Thunder” based vehicles.
In Toyohashi, we contribute to to the promotion of sports and culture by participating in the traditional “Toyohashi Gion Festival” held every July, sponsoring the professional basketball team called “San-en Neo Phoenix,” and supporting “Nonhoi Park,” a local recreational space. Furthermore, we consider the stable operation of our factories and the continuous creation of employment through new factory construction as vital activities supporting the foundation of the local economy.
Finally, we also collaborate with local educational institutions to provide workplace experience opportunities and lectures for the children who will shape our future.
At the Black Thunder Waku Zaku Factory, our SDGs initiatives, including the Smile Cacao Project, are displayed along the factory tour route.
Toyohashi and Black Thunder
Appointed as Toyohashi Tourism Ambassador
Black Thunder has been appointed as Toyohashi's tourism ambassador, dubbed the “Toyohashi Ambassunder,”marking the first time a product has held this role.
Collaboration with Local Businesses
Our exclusive collaboration with Higashi Mikawa was born from Black Thunder's deep love for Toyohashi.
Black Thunder Waku Zaku Factory
The first-ever Black Thunder factory tour facility, Black Thunder Waku Zaku Factory, opens in Toyohashi!
Directly Operated Stores
We manage stores directly at the WAKU-ZAKU shop (inside Toyohashi Yume Factory) and the Tokyo Factory as a way to give back to the local community and express our gratitude.
Sustainability
Brand Site
The official Black Thunder brand site! Everything related to Black Thunder can be found here.
