JFE Shoji employees including Osaka Office general manager Shinji Kitajima participated in the WFP Walk the World 2024 Osaka event on May 19 at Expo Commemoration Park in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture. A charity walk organized by the United Nation’s World Food Programme (WFP), Walk the World has the goal of ending hunger and poverty in developing nations. An all-time high of 1,773 people participated this year, and the 1,354,390 yen donated was enough to provide 45,146 school lunches in developing countries.
While only Kitajima and Osaka Plate Department general manager Shinichi Hagiwara participated in 2023, this year six more JFE Shoji employees and seven employee family members joined them.

Former Hanshin Tigers player Yoshio Itoi was invited as a guest walker to cheer on the participants, who could choose either the 5- or 8-kilometer course.
While it rained on the day, participants were able to enjoy the park’s natural beauty, including Komorebi Falls, the Japanese iris fields, and the rose garden. Even the children who participated were able to walk the whole course without losing interest, making the event popular with the families in attendance.

Commenting about the event, one employee there said: “It made me want to try walking as a hobby,” while another commented: “It was great that we were able to participate with our kids, so we’re definitely coming back next year.”
The Osaka Office will continue contributing to the community while striving to ensure a more sustainable society. We are committed to actively and passionately tackling social issues.