One of the primary pillars of the ACCJ's activities since 2006 has been "corporate social responsibility" or "CSR."

The ACCJ believes that as good corporate citizens, companies must be responsible participants in the communities they serve and support sensible investment in an effective social safety infrastructure as well as balanced and appropriate measures designed to protect consumers, which are vital to the economic well-being of society overall.

We believe that policies that promote market-based competition, including a regulatory process that is swift, predictable and fair, are the best way to achieve sustainable economic growth and enhance the well-being of all citizens. Such policies must be predicated on a sensible and effective social safety net system to support those who cannot help themselves including the poor, very young, very old, and infirm. Such a system, however, must avoid measures that protect vested interests in the name of social welfare, since such measures are inefficient and impede fair and open competition, and should also recognize the contribution that the private sector can make to social welfare. In addition, balanced and appropriate consumer protection rules strengthen consumer confidence and well-being and are vital to a well-functioning market. However, such rules must not be abused to unduly limit competition or consumer choice.

As good corporate citizens, companies must be responsible participants in and contribute to the communities they serve, not only by offering top quality products and services; providing employment; and introducing innovation, but also by ensuring compliance with the law and engaging in philanthropic activities that benefit those in need.

There are many ACCJ member companies that have instituted CSR processes and activities, and we would like to engage in an educational process with our various audiences (i.e., ACCJ members, potential members, Japanese political, government, and business leaders, etc.) about our collective CSR efforts/activities through both speaker programs and a printed publication based on the results of a survey of our members.

The definition of CSR activities is quite broad by international standards--including everything from "employee involvement, training and people development," to corporate governance and transparency, to "community involvement" and "corporate contributions." In the latter two areas, the ACCJ is especially proud of its work each year to support worthwhile organizations and address community needs. The ACCJ provides Chamber members and their companies an opportunity to take part in the Chamber's efforts to give back to the communities in which we live and work. Following are more details:

ACCJ Charity Crystal Ball

Community Service Fund

Published by the ACCJ CSR Committee:　　　　

2009 CSR Overview (English)

2009 CSR Overview (日本語)

2007 CSR "Year Book" (English)

2007 CSR "Year Book" (日本語)