— Proposal by SIFT Japan to Strengthen Animal Welfare and Transition to Cage-Free —
Certified NPO Animal Rights Center (hereinafter, “ARC”) hereby announces that Sustainable Investment in Food-System Transition Japan (hereinafter, “SIFT Japan”) submitted a shareholder proposal to Hokuryo Co., Ltd. (Securities Code: 1384; TSE Standard), requesting an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation at the Company’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders to strengthen animal welfare and transition to cage-free housing.
This proposal was implemented as part of SIFT Japan’s efforts to promote a transition to a sustainable, animal-conscious food system from an investment perspective. As an expert organization working to improve the welfare of farmed animals, ARC provided its expertise in considering this proposal.
In recent years, with regard to housing methods for egg-laying hens, the transition to cage-free systems has progressed mainly in Europe and the United States, and many food and retail companies have published their sourcing policies. Similar momentum is spreading in Japan, and it is considered unlikely that this trend will reverse.
ARC recognizes that these changes in the market environment have become a medium- to long-term management issue for companies engaged in egg production. Clarifying a commitment to animal welfare as a management policy and positioning it within the Articles of Incorporation is, from the perspectives of strengthening risk management across the supply chain, securing trust from customers and business partners, and improving adaptability to future market changes, an important initiative for companies.
This shareholder proposal by SIFT Japan calls for the Company to clearly state in its Articles of Incorporation that it will prioritize animal welfare, promote a transition to housing methods including cage-free systems, and disclose the status of its initiatives.
ARC expects that this proposal will contribute to corporate sustainability and the enhancement of medium- to long-term corporate value, and will also serve as an important catalyst for improving the welfare of farmed animals in Japan.
Proponents
This shareholder proposal was implemented by the following proponents (aliases).
■ Iwai Saku (Investment and Corporate Analysis)
An individual investor with approximately 20 years of investment experience. Emphasizing ESG and non-financial information, they make long-term investments primarily in the food, food service, distribution, medical, and nursing care sectors. Completed a graduate program at Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University (Applied Life Sciences). Has experience working on environmental measures at a food company.
■ Kitaho Sayuri (Sustainability / Corporate Engagement)
Senior Consultant, Certified NPO Animal Rights Center. Responsible for dialogue with companies and addressing animal welfare issues in supply chains. Drawing on experience in advertising and publishing, she engaged in activities related to relief for pollution victims and information dissemination on social issues before working in the animal welfare field. She currently promotes responses to social issues through corporate engagement.
■ Okada Chihiro (Animal Welfare)
Representative Director, Certified NPO Animal Rights Center. Since 2001, she has worked on animal welfare issues and has advocated to companies, policymakers, and the public regarding improving animal welfare for farmed animals and transitioning to alternative proteins. Vice Chair, Japan Ethical Promotion Council.
This proposal integrates professional expertise in investment, corporate engagement, and animal welfare, and is structured from the perspectives of enhancing corporate value and managing medium- to long-term risks.
Proposal Overview
- Establish a new clause on animal welfare in the Articles of Incorporation
- Promote a transition to sustainable housing methods, including cage-free systems
- Disclosure of the status of initiatives
Shareholder briefing materials are available here
https://arcj.org/HOKURYO.pdf
About SIFT Japan
Sustainable Investment in Food-System Transition Japan (SIFT Japan) is an initiative that identifies and promotes, through investment, the realization of a transition to a sustainable, animal-conscious food system.
https://siftjapan.org/
About the Animal Rights Center, an authorized NPO
Animal Rights Center is a certified NPO that aims to realize sustainable livestock farming and food systems by improving the welfare of farmed animals. Through ongoing corporate dialogue and research, it has advanced efforts to institutionalize animal welfare as a management issue. While aligning with international trends, it supports structural change among Japanese companies.
12-3 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, New Shibuya Copolas 1009
https://arcj.org/
