Employees of Nissan R&D Department Volunteer for Reconstruction Work

Employees at the Research and Development facility, Nissan Technical Center, and Nissan Advanced Technology Development Center in Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, work tirelessly at local community service as part of a program called “NICE WAVE ACTIVITY.” On a routine basis, they work on beautification projects and various community events.

After the Great East Japan Earthquake, many employees said that they would like to help in the disaster areas. So they launched a new program called “Iwaki City Reconstruction Volunteers” in April 2011, meshing with the Disaster Relief Volunteer Center in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, where a Nissan engine factory is located.

In planning for the program, we took care to ensure that volunteers would not become any burden to local residents. Participants were housed in a company dormitory or bus, and in order to ensure safety, volunteers were accompanied by an onsite supervisor with knowledge of the work to be done, as well as required safety measures.

Starting in September, after key work in Iwaki City was completed, the volunteers relocated to Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, and engaged in the removal of debris and sand, and clearing of storm drains.

Some of the feedback from local residents included, “The volunteers brought not only words of sympathy, but actually came to help,” and “We are so grateful for the continuous volunteer efforts.”

When the program concluded at the end of October 2011, a total of 854 employees had participated in 16 substantial reconstruction projects.