Social Contributions
Mizuho believes that, through our social contribution initiatives as a good corporate citizen, we contribute to the sustainable development of society, which in turn allows us to better serve client needs, enable our people to flourish, and help improve society and the communities where we do business. Based on this awareness, to ensure that we undertake our social contribution initiatives uniformly, we have issued Policies for Social Contribution Initiatives.
Policies for Social Contribution Initiatives
- We align our own profit–making activities with initiatives that benefit society, and as a good corporate citizen strive to support and develop together with society, thereby fulfilling our responsibilities for contributing to the betterment of society.
- Mizuho believes that, through our social contribution initiatives, we contribute to the sustainable development of society, which in turn allows us to better serve client needs, enable our people to flourish, and help improve society and the communities where we do business. This thinking is why we actively engage in social contribution activities.
- We believe the social contribution initiatives of Mizuho employees contribute to personal growth and development of a sense of being members of society. Accordingly, we actively support these initiatives.
- Mizuho proactively discloses information regarding our corporate stance toward social contribution initiatives and our actual activities. In addition, we will continue to improve these initiatives, by encouraging close communication with society through dialogue with stakeholders to ensure that our corporate activities conform to social standards and expectations.
Specific Initiatives
Scope of Initiatives
- Social Welfare
- Education, Research, International Exchanges
- Arts and Culture
- Health and Sports
- Environment
- Humanitarian Activities
- Revitalization of Local Communities and Creating a Safe Society
Method of Conducting Initiatives
Priority Initiatives
- Initiatives that take full advantage of our management resources and promote initiatives that contribute to regional and social development
- Initiatives in collaboration and cooperation with regional societies that form the foundation for the activities of the Group as well as government organizations, NPOs, regional communities, and others
Standards for Determining Implementation
Initiatives are undertaken based on the comprehensive consideration of the following viewpoints:
- Public Interest
- Continuity
- Originality
- Effectiveness
Results of Social Contribution Initiatives
Corporate Citizenship Outlays (FY2023)
Yellow Safety Badges
Delivering Yellow Badges to First Graders across Japan
With the aim of ensuring children stay safe on their way to school every day, we present yellow badges linked to traffic accident insurance to first graders across Japan.
This project began in 1965, motivated by a letter that appeared in a newspaper. The letter, which was written by a mother whose child was killed in a traffic accident, was addressed to the Prime Minister at that time and called for the prevention of traffic accidents.
This project, which entered its 60th year in 2024, has distributed over 70 million badges, and we now hear stories of them being worn by three generations of families (in cooperation with Sompo Japan Insurance Inc., Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company, and The Dai–ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited).
The history of the yellow badges
| 1965 | The Yellow Badges Project began from a letter written by a mother whose child was killed in a traffic accident. |
| 1968 | Linked traffic accident insurance coverage to badges. |
| 1974 |
Design changed from an arm band to a badge. |
| Jan, 2010 |
Through the Yellow Badges Project, Mizuho and other collaborating companies were presented with a letter of appreciation by the Japan Traffic Safety Association for our long-running contribution to the promotion of traffic safety and prevention of traffic accidents among new first graders.
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| 2014 |
The Yellow Badges Project celebrated its 50th anniversary   |
| Jan, 2023 |
In the 59th year of the campaign, Mizuho and the other collaborating companies were presented with a letter of appreciation by the Japan Traffic Safety Association for the second time for our long-running contribution to the promotion of traffic safety and prevention of traffic accidents among new first graders through the Yellow Badges Project.    |
| 2024 |
The Yellow Badges Project celebrated its 60th anniversary.   ポケットモンスター・ポケモン・Pokémon は任天堂・クリーチャーズ・ゲームフリークの登録商標です。 |
Presentation ceremony
Mizuho and the other involved companies hold presentation ceremonies all over Japan.
After the presentation ceremony in Tokyo, a traffic safety class is conducted with the cooperation of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Representatives of new first-grade students learn how to cross pedestrian crossings and more.
Coming–of–Age Day Concert
Organizing the Coming–of–Age Day Concert Every Year
Mizuho holds a concert on Coming–of–Age Day every year. This started in 1990 to support young artists and expose young people to classical music as part of our efforts to nurture the next generation. Young artists are invited to perform, and young people who have turned 18 in the last year are invited to attend.
We held the 34th concert on Coming–of–Age Day, Monday, January 9, 2023 at Suntory Hall.
Program for the 34th concert
Part 1
Milstein: Paganiniana
- Lina Nakano
Lina Nakano, the brilliant 18-year-old new adult who won the 90th Music Competition of Japan in 2021, made an appearance. The young violinist with excellent technique and expressivity delivered Paganiniana by Milstein with her utmost performance.
Part 2
Highlights of Les Misérables based on the novel by Victor-Marie Hugo
The highlights of Les Misérables, based on the novel by Victor-Marie Hugo, featured an original arrangement and direction for the Coming-of-Age Day concert, with narration added to the music from the world-renowned musical and opera pieces.
- Cast
- Jean Valjean (narration): Kojiro Oka (actor)
- Enjolras: Kento Kinouchi (actor)
- Javert: Shunsuke Imai (baritone)
- Marius: Yasuhiro Yamamoto (tenor)
- Cosette: Rie Miyake (soprano)
- Grantaire: Ren Yoshida (tenor)
- Eponine: Rie Shimozono (mezzo-soprano)
- Thenardier: Naoki Ikeda (bass-baritone)
- Madame Thenardier: Ai Ishii (mezzo-soprano)
- Director: Tetsu Taoshita
- Conductor: Ryuichiro Sonoda
- Orchestra: Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra
- Chorus: Tokyo City Phil Chor
Donations and Sponsorships
Relief for Disaster Victims
Information on donations and emergency assistance provided when major disasters occur in Japan and overseas is posted.
Donations for Victims of Natural Disasters in FY2023
Donations for Victims of Natural Disasters in FY2022
Donations for Victims of Natural Disasters in FY2020
Donations for Victims of Natural Disasters in FY2019
Donations for Victims of Natural Disasters in FY2018
Donations for Victims of Natural Disasters in FY2017
Donations for Victims of Natural Disasters in FY2016
Donations for Victims of Natural Disasters in FY2015
Supporting the Recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake
Noto Peninsula Earthquake
Gansu Province, China Earthquake
Afghanistan Earthquake
Libya Floods
Morocco Earthquake
Maui Hawaii Windfires
Turkey-Syria earthquake
The Heavy Rain of July 2020 in Japan
Bushfires in Australia
Typhoon No.19 in Japan
Typhoon No.15 in Japan
The Heavy Rain in Northern Kyushu
Cyclone Idai in Southern Africa
Tsunami Selat Sunda 2018
Indonesia Sulawesi Earthquake
The 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake
Indonesia earthquake Lombok
The Heavy Rain Event of July 2018
The earthquake in northern Osaka Prefecture
Iran–Iraq earthquake
Central Mexico earthquake
Hurricane Harvey
The 2017 Torrential rains in northern Kyushu
Hurricane Matthew
Earthquake in Central Italy
Ecuador Earthquake
The 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake
Earthquake in Taiwan
Earthquake in Afghanistan and Pakistan
Flood Victims in Southern India
Flood Victims in Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Earthquake in the Republic of Nepal
Mizuho is continuing its initiatives to support recovery in the regions stricken by the Great East Japan Earthquake by engaging in various social contribution activities.
Supporting the Recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake
Supporting the Recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake
To contribute to recovery in the disaster–stricken areas, Mizuho is mobilizing its group–wide resources, including the provision of volunteer workers from among its employees as well as materials, seedlings, and other items.
Working in cooperation with partners including members of the Fuyo–Group Social Contribution Network, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and the Tokyo Council of Social Welfare, Mizuho has sent employee volunteers to provide assistance in disaster–stricken areas.
Summary of volunteer activities in the disaster–stricken areas
Mizuho Forest Project
Through the Mizuho Forest Project, Mizuho is committed to regenerating the coastal disaster prevention forest in Fukushima Prefecture, which was heavily damaged by the tsunami. In April 2013, Mizuho signed an agreement with Fukushima Prefecture, Iwaki City, and the owner of a local disaster prevention forest, and will work on regenerating 1.3 hectares of forest for coastal disaster prevention in Iwaki City by March 2022. As of March 2016, we have carried out tree–planting activities three times, during which a total of about 400 Mizuho employees together with local officials and residents planted around 14,000 Japanese black pine seedlings.
In 2023, with the cooperation of local government officials, bank employees at Mizuho's Iwaki branch carried out underbrush cutting.
Initiatives to Assist Children in the Stricken Areas
Mizuho Picture Book Project
For children in the disaster–stricken areas, Mizuho employees worked to implement a project for providing children's picture books as well as messages from donors. From May 2011 through March 2013, a total of 23,000 books were donated to 288 kindergartens, primary schools, middle schools, and other locations in three prefectures.
Donation of Traditional Dolls and Carp Banners for Festivals to the Cities of Soma and Minami–Soma
Between February and April 2012, Mizuho obtained around 600 traditional hina dolls and carp banners for festivals from a customer and donated them to elementary schools in the cities of Soma and Minami–Soma in Fukushima Prefecture.
Financial and Economic Education in Ofunato City and Rikuzentakata City
With the aim of providing opportunities for career planning to all junior high school students in Ofunato City since 2012 and Rikuzentakata City since 2016, Iwate Prefecture, Mizuho has participated in an annual career education event.
Public Soccer Viewing in Kamaishi City
In May 2014, Mizuho held a public viewing event for a game of the Japan National Football Team in Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture, and children from the disaster–stricken area were also invited to view the game.
Support for Marathon Events in Rikuzentakata City
In Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture, Mizuho has revived the holding of marathon events, which had been discontinued since the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster, and co–sponsored the first Rikuzentakata Support Marathon from FY2015.
Flowers and Seedlings Were Presented to the Disaster–stricken Areas.
As part of its "Asset Management and Housing Loan Campaign," since July 2011, MHBK has collaborated with the "Hana Ippai Campaign Conducted by Green Advisers," which is sponsored by the Japan Home Garden Association and engaged in activities to send flowers to the disaster–stricken areas.
Hamagiku chrysanthemums were donated to Shichigahama Town.
As part of Mizuho volunteer activities to support recovery from the disaster from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2013, Mizuho donated and planted hamagiku chrysanthemums in Shichigahama Town in Miyagi Prefecture.
Recovery Support Initiatives Included Sales of Products.
Sales Events for Offering Goods from Disaster–stricken Areas to Our Employees
Since the disaster, Mizuho has held many sales events, mainly at our Tokyo offices, to sell goods from the disaster–stricken areas to our employees. As of March 2017, these events have been held about 50 times, and sellers have been invited from Aomori Prefecture, Iwate Prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture, and Fukushima Prefecture.
Menus Featuring Food from Disaster–stricken Areas Offered at the Employee Cafeteria
At our cafeterias, we have been offering a menu featuring food from disaster–stricken areas, particularly at Mizuho's Tokyo offices.
Effective Utilization of Wood Thinned from Forests of Disaster–stricken Areas
At a career fair for new college graduates organized by Mizuho, we distributed notebooks made especially by Mizuho from wood thinned from the forests of the disaster–stricken areas. For the front and back covers, cedar trees thinned from Minami–Sanriku Town, Miyagi Prefecture, were used. As manufacturing and other tasks such as packaging and wrapping for the notebooks were carried out in Minami–Sanriku Town, we supported reconstruction and employment promotion in the disaster areas.
Sponsorships
The Environmental Art Contest
Mizuho cosponsors the All–Japan Elementary and Junior High School Students' Environmental Art Contest. This contest is held annually to provide elementary and junior high school students with the opportunity to address the importance of nature and the development of towns where we can live comfortably.
Some of the art selected in the contest is featured in cover and poster artwork for the Japanese versions of the white papers issued by Japan's Ministry of the Environment.
Others
Participated in the TABLE FOR TWO Program
MHFG participated in the TABLE FOR TWO Program, which addresses the issues of starvation in developing countries and obesity and lifestyle related diseases in developed countries. For each healthy product purchased from a company cafeteria and vending machine, a portion of the proceeds is donated to the school lunches of students in developing countries through TABLE.
WWF donation corresponding to the number of non–bankbook accounts opened
On January 17, 2021, Mizuho Bank launched the new, non–bankbook "Mizuho e–Account" as part of moves to provide a paperless, environmentally friendly service that enables customers to conduct transactions "anytime" and "anyplace" without the need to visit branches. Paper bankbooks use the equivalent of five sheets of A4–size paper, so the usage of non–bankbook Mizuho e–Accounts also contributes to forest conservation. Furthermore, to help our customers feel part of these environmental protection initiatives, Mizuho pledged to make a monetary donation to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Japan corresponding to the number of Mizuho e–Accounts opened between January 17 and December 31, 2021. In the end, 588,211 Mizuho e–Accounts were opened during this period, thus saving the equivalent of around 2.94 million A4–size sheets of paper, with JPY 50 million also donated to the WWF. None of this would have been possible without the tremendous support of our customers. The donation to the WWF will primarily support biodiversity conservation initiatives in Japan and forestry protection initiatives in Sumatra, Australia, and other regions facing environmental destruction.
[Mizuho Bank] "It starts: Online bankbooks! Contributing to a better planet, with Mizuho's donation plan."
(The campaign finished at the end of December 2021.)
Giving Back to Communities
As part of Mizuho's commitment to its local communities and society at large, Mizuho encourages direct community engagement by employees. Staff worldwide innovate and implement volunteer activities that address local needs, often in cooperation with local governments and NPOs. Mizuho’s talented professionals offer their time, skills and expertise, connecting with other colleagues and community members to share solutions and support.
In addition, Mizuho supports systems that establish volunteer leaves to enable employees to participate in a wide variety of volunteer activities.
Mizuho Volunteer Day
Mizuho Volunteer Day is Mizuho Financial Group’s largest global corporate social responsibility program worldwide. Since 2006, thousands of Mizuho employees, family members, and friends have participated in Mizuho Volunteer Day. Volunteer team leaders work with colleagues to identify local needs and develop programs in response, demonstrating Mizuho’s commitment to supporting our communities and teamwork
Mizuho Volunteer Day
Since 2006, Mizuho employees, family members and friends have participated in Mizuho Volunteer Day (MVD), volunteering in their local communities as part of Mizuho's global day of community service. Office staff identify and implement hands–on projects that respond to important community needs, unified worldwide through service.
Each year, MVD volunteers respond with creativity, compassion and commitment to help others worldwide. MVD projects are wide ranging and typically include outreach to vulnerable seniors and children, food and clothing donation drives, environmental clean-ups, and financial education initiatives. Mizuho volunteers continuously generate new and innovative project ideas to meet the ever-changing needs of their local communities.
Take a look at recent MVD activities below!
Highlighted Projects
Japan
Engaged over 1,900 employees in financial education and other projects
EMEA
London, England
Sorted and distributed donations at Little Village to support families with young children living in poverty
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Picked up litter on Kite Beach to protect and preserve the local environment
Asia Pacific
Ahmedabad, India
Jakarta, Indonesia
Distributed stationery kits to underserved students at a local primary school
Planted bamboo trees along the Cisadane River
Tianjin, China
Conducted an educational workshop on the benefits of cycling
Seoul, Korea
Painted murals in a low-income neighborhood
Americas
Houston, Texas
Packed thousands of meals for donation to local food banks as part of national 9/11 Day observance
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Offered financial education workshops for youth and young adults
Mexico City, Mexico
Planted trees in San Antonio Street Park
Foundations and Funds
Foundations List
* Note: In fiscal 2002 and after, figures are the cumulative totals.
(However, cumulative totals for the Mizuho USA Foundation began in fiscal 2003, for the Charitable Trust Mizuho Asian Fund in fiscal 2001, and for Mizuho Incentive Funds (China) in fiscal 2006.)
The Mizuho Education Welfare Foundation provides grants for elementary and secondary education, as well as for social welfare businesses. In the education field, the Foundation donates sports equipment and children's books for education in remote areas. The Foundation also provides support for exchange activities among schools of differing sizes and environmental circumstances in differing regions. For children and students with disabilities, the Foundation provides assistance in the special education area. In the social welfare field, in regard mainly to activities on behalf of senior citizens, the Foundation provides grants to voluntary organizations, uses grants to support activities that involve preventive care and the promotion of health, and donates funds to groups that provide food to older persons.
The Mizuho Welfare Foundation provides assistance, grants, and other forms of help to welfare facilities that are working to improve the welfare of people with disabilities as well as assistance for research related to welfare provided for people with disabilities. It also runs donation programs to help people with disabilities extend their range of activities and become more involved in society.
The Mizuho International Foundation awards scholarships and aid to international university students in Japan and to Japanese students at universities outside Japan. It supports the development of individuals who will be leaders in international relations to promote mutual understanding between Japan and countries worldwide and contribute to international friendship and goodwill.
The Mizuho Foundation for the Promotion of the Sciences provides grants for high–quality research in the field of engineering to provide encouragement and support for the young people who hold Japan's future in their hands. It also runs essay competitions on themes relating to law and economics, and the winners receive study grants.
The Mizuho Scholarship Foundation provides student loans for university students and others who would otherwise be unable to continue their studies for economic reasons. In addition to an annual gathering for scholarship students, graduates, and university officials, every two months, students in Tokyo attend individual interviews to report their progress and receive advice on various matters. The Foundation aims to give many talented people an opportunity to see the world through these support activities.
The Mizuho USA Foundation, the charitable foundation of Mizuho Americas, has always focused on supporting outstanding nonprofit organizations and programs that strengthen and sustain underserved communities in New York City. Since its formation in New York on January 1st, 2003, the Foundation has made more than USD 15 million in grants for impactful programs that tackle a range of economic and societal challenges. In 2023, the Foundation announced a new grantmaking strategy targeting the intersection of technology and education, supporting innovative and effective nonprofits in New York City that help underserved young adults acquire the technical and professional skills necessary to access competitive-wage jobs. The Foundation also continued to award grants in support of our employee involvement in local communities.
2024 Highlights
FutureReady Grants
- Mizuho awarded NPower New York a three-year USD 450,000 grant to support the launch and development of the Path2Tech: Networking & Systems Administration Program, a new training and job placement initiative. NPower is a national nonprofit organization providing young adults (ages 18-26), military-connected individuals, and women from under-resourced communities with pathways to prosperity through free tech training, professional development, social support services, and job placement assistance with leading employers.
- Mizuho awarded America On Tech a one-year USD 100,000 grant for its Tech Talent Pipeline Powered by AI initiative, an effort to integrate AI across its educational curriculum, helping to ensure its students and alumni remain competitive in the future workforce. America On Tech's mission is to prepare the next generation of technology leaders from underestimated communities in New York City and other US cities.
Opportunity Grants
- The Foundation awarded a total of USD 360,000 in general operating support for ten nonprofits engaged in technology training and job placement in New York City.
Community Involvement Grants
- The Foundation contributed a total of USD 194,225 to 18 nonprofit organizations with which our employees volunteered in the United States.
Total 2024 grant commitments: USD 1,104,225
Visit the Mizuho USA Foundation website for the guidelines of the Mizuho USA Foundation.
Case 1
The Mizuho USA Foundation is a charitable organization that provides grants to nonprofit organizations in New York City. Its current focus is supporting nonprofits that provide technology skills training to young adults from underserved neighborhoods. Prior to 2022, the Foundation supported innovative nonprofits dedicated to creating opportunities for small businesses, entrepreneurs and unemployed and underemployed New Yorkers in low income neighborhoods.
Case 2
Genesys Works is a nonprofit organization that creates career opportunities and pathways for young people in underserved communities. Mizuho Americas has supported Genesys Works New York City since its launch in 2019, and to date has provided 34 high school and college students with internships at our New York City and Chicago offices, and USD 300,000 in philanthropic support. Mizuho also offers employee volunteer workshops with the students on professional skills development.
A fund to support the education of young students who plan to work in China's financial industry. This fund was founded in 1995 in cooperation with the China Institute of Finance (now, University of International Business and Economics). The resources of this fund are used to hold seminars on finance and economics.
To support basic education in China, Mizuho Bank established the Mizuho Incentive Fund in fiscal 2006 for three schools: the junior high schools affiliated with Renmin University of China, Peking University, and Tsinghua University.
A fund to primarily provide support in the areas of education, medicine, and social welfare.
A charitable trust that supports the sound development of local professionals who will assume the role of improving the social infrastructure in Southeast Asian countries.
Activities
- Scholarships for students
- Donation of teaching materials to elementary schools in the northeastern area of Thailand
- Providing opportunities for recreation, such as soccer and volleyball