■QITABANKUAI initiatives

1. Commitment to CSR

Fujishoji Co., Ltd. <6257> actively works toward a sustainable society through entertainment and aims to be a company that exceeds stakeholder expectations, as stated in its CSR policy. Specific initiatives are promoted from the perspectives of E (Environmental), S (Social), and G (Governance) as follows.

(1) Environment

As part of efforts to achieve a circular society, product design considers the reuse of components from the development stage, and some used parts collected from the hall are reused in new models, contributing to waste reduction. Additionally, in pachinko machines, the ‘Side Unit System’ is adopted, and for pachislo machines, the ‘Separate Cabinet System’ is used, allowing the main frame and cabinet to remain during model changes in the hall, where only the necessary parts are replaced to contribute to effective resource utilization and waste reduction.

In terms of energy conservation initiatives, energy-saving modes are equipped in gaming machines, eco-cars are introduced at all business locations, and LED lighting and high-efficiency air conditioning units are installed, all aimed at reducing electricity consumption and contributing to CO2 emission reductions as measures against global warming.

※ The energy-saving mode switches on if the gaming is inactive for a certain time.

Additionally, at the Nagoya plant (Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture), which is responsible for developing and manufacturing gaming machines, photovoltaic technology and storage systems (with a storage capacity of 49 kWh) have been newly introduced, and operations began in April 2024. This is aimed at further reducing CO2 emissions and addressing rising electricity costs, with the facility covering about 32% of the annual electricity consumption of the plant. Furthermore, the company entered into a disaster support agreement with Ichinomiya City in June 2023, establishing electrical infrastructure so that local residents can utilize the plant’s premises and buildings during disasters.

(2) Society

For the healthy development of the gaming industry, efforts are being made to develop high-quality gaming machines that comply with laws and regulations, as well as to work on eradicating fraudulent modifications to gaming machines and suppressing addiction through the provision of information to fans regarding PSIO (Gaming Industry Fraud Prevention Organization) and the Recovery Support Network (consultation organization for gambling addiction issues). Additionally, from the perspective of compliance with laws and regulations and mutual coexistence and prosperity, further strengthening of partnerships is being pursued by closely collaborating with supply chain partners and cooperative companies that create new value together.

For employees, efforts are being made to create a workplace environment where each individual can maximize their abilities, aiming for the company's development through employee growth. Specifically, this includes the introduction of a flex time system and staggered working hours, promotion of work-life balance through recommended parental leave and paid vacation acquisition, the introduction of a self-reporting system to support improvement of work satisfaction and personal growth, and the establishment of a basic policy regarding harassment to create a harassment-free workplace.

Regarding contributions to the local community, besides participating in cleaning activities around various business locations to beautify and protect the environment, donations for disaster relief and volunteer activities are also being conducted.

(3) Governance

To achieve sustainable growth and the creation of mid- to long-term corporate value, the enhancement of corporate governance is considered the most important issue, and organizational structures and systems for management to respond quickly and appropriately to changes in the environment surrounding the corporation are being established, along with the implementation of other necessary measures. Efforts regarding compliance and risk management are also being strengthened.

2. Initiatives to Expand the Fan Base

As part of initiatives aimed at fans, the company is participating in various events and conducting promotional activities through social media. In May 2024, the "Misaka Mikoto Birthday Festival 2024" will be held, which has garnered a lot of response. Additionally, a new project called "anime blast" has been launched, where the charm of anime is being communicated through talk formats involving voice actors and others, and is being delivered on social media platforms such as YouTube. Furthermore, a bulletin board titled "Development Room's Monologue" has been established on the company's product site, where explanations of new machine performances, behind-the-scenes stories in development, answers to gamers' questions, and enjoyable information are regularly updated, contributing to the acquisition of the fan base.

(Written by FISCO guest analyst, Jo Sato)