This plant produces advanced Sony "Handycam" video cameras, among other equipment. But stand in the dense forest covering a large corner of the grounds, surrounded by lush foliage, and you'd never guess it's a factory. Sony employees have been committed to developing this forest for more than three decades. Ever since the plant was established in 1972, Sony's Kohda TEC in central Japan has actively promoted the concept of a green industrial park—quite unusual in Japan at the time.

Employees themselves took the initiative in transforming what was once a rather artificial brownish landscape into a welcoming green oasis by planting trees. Over time, the trees grew, but it was not quite the beautiful forest they had imagined. That's when the employees formed an association committed to the project. Study groups were held outside of working hours to learn more about greening. As their conservation skills improved, the forest flourished. More vegetation was planted to give the forest seasonal beauty year-round, and employees tended to thinning to let sunshine and breezes in. The trees thrived, and the land became covered in vibrant greenery. Moss spread over the trunks and branches. The area eventually attracted birds and wildlife, including rabbits and raccoons. Now supporting a diverse forest ecosystem, it has been designated a protected wildlife sanctuary.

As their abundant forest looked more welcoming than ever, Sony employees started pursuing another dream. Wouldn't it be wonderful to share this lovely green forest with the community? In preparation, paths were laid, playground equipment set up, and an observation deck built at a scenic spot. Even this work was done with a regard for the environment. Plastic scrap was used in steps and parts of the equipment. After five years of these preparations, "Sony Forest" was opened to the public. The site is now visited by elementary schools for nature studies, and it has become a favorite spot among local children. In recognition of these efforts to promote greening, Sony received a Prime Minister's Award in 2000, followed in 2005 by the highest certification in the Social and Environmental Green Evaluation System.

The idea has taken root at other Sony plants, too. Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation's Oita Technology Center also practices forest conservation and promotes greening. Here, an area across from a public road is open to the public as Sony Shionoka Park, an unusual gesture among plants in Japan. After Kohda TEC's award, in April 2008 Sony was honored with a second Prime Minister's Award.
Promoting green spaces, from this generation to the next. The Sony vision of a greener future is well underway.