Third Party Message

I was deeply impressed by this year's interview conducted with Nintendo Co., Ltd. President, Mr. Iwata, in which he mentioned that he is striving to instill Nintendo's CSR message to "put smiles on the faces of everyone Nintendo touches" in every employee's mind, and that he regards this message as a code of conduct. Also, it was surprising for me to realize that games have grown into a communication tool which transcends the differences in languages, and at the same time, my expectations grew for games to solve various problems and lead us to a peaceful world. The possibility is growing especially in the fields of health and learning-support. In addition to this, I would like to propose one thing. How about providing a space for personal growth by sharing messages amongst users? It could be an advanced version of Flipnote Studio, by which, in addition to user-generated content (UGC), users could share their personal messages via the Internet. This would offer a broader chance to the people who are not blessed with a creative environment, as well as facilitate their empowerment.

On the other hand, there are various problems such as crimes and defamation on the Internet, for anyone can easily go online. I greatly appreciate Nintendo's efforts to protect consumers from being offended while playing games, but in parallel with this, I think it is important to continue providing information for the enlightenment of educators, parents, and guardians.

Regarding product safety, Nintendo has adopted strict standards and is striving to advance product quality. Also, its management of the supply chain such as field research on production partners has surely progressed. From now on, considering that ISO26000 is planned to be introduced in October 2010, Nintendo should concentrate on advancing their system of audit in order to prevent problems by taking into account social risks such as labor and human rights risks revealed by field research. Another important thing to do is to set mid-term plans regarding actual management of the production partners, at the same time making clear the range of the "production partners."

The section concerning the environmental-friendliness of the products has more thorough coverage than the 2008 report. I hope all companies will formulate long-term goals (2020-2050) or official visions relating to environmental protection, in light of accelerating environmental policy such as the Post-Kyoto Protocol international conference to be held in December 2009, and the Japanese government's target to "cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25% from 1990 levels by 2020." In parallel, the public is becoming more aware of environmental issues, so I think now is a good time to consider calculating the carbon footprints of products.

The sustainability of a company is: first, to fulfill its responsibility to future generations by understanding that the earth is home to various life forms and by conserving limited resources; and second, to raise its corporate value by growing into a useful presence in society through its main business field to co-exist with a diverse society. In order to accomplish these goals, the important thing is to draw clear images of a sustainable society in the future, and keep seeking ways to contribute to realizing that future. I hope Nintendo continues to be a company which provides possibilities and hope to children and future generations through its products and services.

Our response

Ms. Sonoda, who supports our CSR propulsion, has provided us with her comments in regard to our CSR activities and the contents of the report. We will take her comments into consideration and would like to improve our future CSR activities, and make them more fruitful.

Secretariat of CSR Promotion Project