The Prime Minister Visits Factory of Nihon Rikagaku Industry
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Photograph of the Prime Minister receiving an explanation on a color adjustment process in the factory
Photograph of the Prime Minister observing a manufacturing line in the factory (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister observing a manufacturing line in the factory (2)
Nihon Rikagaku Industry, a manufacturer of stationery and other commodities, including chalk, is known for its active efforts to employ disabled persons. The Kawasaki Factory was established in 1975 as the nation's first Model Factory for the Employment of Physically and Mentally Disabled Persons.
While listening attentively to explanations from Mr. Yasuhiro Oyama, Chair of Nihon Rikagaku Industry, Prime Minister Hatoyama observed employees engaging in operations in the factory.
Following the observation, Prime Minister Hatoyama said, "I saw disabled persons gaining happiness through work. Companies like this, which are doing great jobs in Japan, constitute Japan's latent power. I was really moved by the fact that the company has successfully created a working environment for those [physically and mentally] challenged people, and also that they have developed an area of business more advantageous to the [physically and mentally] challenged. The politics that I aim to realize is politics that supports these people. That is, it is politics that values life. This experience was impressive." The Prime Minister left the factory as the factory employees saw him off.