< List of Award-Winning Companies in FY2025 >
2025 Examination Results
As a result of examining the excellent efforts for product safety by companies and organizations that applied in FY2025, 7 companies have earned awards.
Click here for the list of FY2025 judges
Manufacturers and Importers Category
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Major Company Manufacturers and Importers Category
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Small and Medium-Sized Companies Manufacturers and Importers Category
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Retailer Category
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Major Company Retailer Category
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Small and Medium-Sized Companies Manufacturers and Importers Category
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Special Award
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Businesses Category
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Manufacturers and Importers Category
Major CompanyDirector-General for Technology Policy Coordination and Industrial and Product Safety’s Award
FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.
| Established | 1962 |
|---|---|
| Representative | President and CEO, Representative Director: Naoki Hama |
| Number of employees | 31,577（consolidated）（As of March 2025） |
| Location: | Minato, Tokyo |
| Business | Providing products and services of Business Innovation (Business Solutions, Office Solutions, and Graphic Communications) |
| URL | https://www.fujifilm.com/fb/en [external link] |
Reason for Winning
●Strengthened verification processes for component and production-process changes, as well as incoming inspection processes for safety-critical parts
To ensure that changes made by suppliers to component designs or manufacturing processes are reliably identified, the company systematized its in-house process for confirming structural and process changes. In addition, parts critical to accident prevention are registered as safety-critical parts, and the company built a process using a proprietary algorithm based on AI character-recognition technology to verify that delivered parts match purchasing documentation. These measures help ensure reliable production launch, prevent unauthorized undocumented changes (“silent changes”), and reduce quality risk.
●Active use of digital tools to prevent human error in manufacturing processes
With the goal of eliminating human error as a key element of product safety, the company has introduced various digital tools throughout its manufacturing processes. For example, it uses systems that monitor each worker’s skill level and work status to prevent incorrect component combinations before they occur. This has created a system that helps prevent defective products from reaching the market.
●Development and operation of a globally unified product trouble information management system
To ensure product safety, the company has established a globally unified system for managing product trouble information. Cases classified as accidents are centrally monitored by the product safety organization, and escalation is carried out through the same system both in Japan and overseas. By comprehensively managing accident information and response progress worldwide, the company has improved the accuracy of information sharing and accelerated accident classification.
Major CompanyExcellence Award (Judging Committee Award)
Zojirushi Corporation
| Established | 1918 |
|---|---|
| Representative | President: Norio Ichikawa |
| Number of employees | 1,322（As of 2024） |
| Location | Osaka, Osaka |
| Business | Manufacturing, marketing, and other activities related to cooking appliances, household appliances, household and thermal products, and other products for living |
| URL | https://www.zojirushi.global/ [external link] |
Reason for Winning
●A wide range of initiatives to prevent silent changes
When changes are made to parts, the company conducts risk verification based on its “criteria for determining whether a specification change request is required.” To prevent silent changes, it also carries out annual on-site quality audits using checklists and requires regular visits to parts suppliers, including secondary suppliers. In addition, it visits suppliers as needed and takes a proactive approach to preventing silent changes before they happen.
●Preventing defective products from reaching the market through rigorous inspections and on-site verification
To confirm that mass-produced products present no safety issues, the company performs a full teardown inspection of production models once every six months before shipment. In durability testing during the new product development process, it conducts both robot-based testing with increased units and repetitions and manual testing under actual load conditions. Its inspection and improvement processes are well established and are carried out reliably.
●Leveraging market data and continuously improving and collaborating from the user's perspective
Use of market data and continuous improvement and collaboration from the user’s perspective Customer complaints, VOC (Voice of Customer) information, and input from sales and repair sites are collected by the CS Promotion Department and immediately shared with the relevant business divisions. The same applies to customer complaints and inquiries received overseas. By continually viewing issues from the user’s perspective and feeding back incident information to the development division in a timely manner, the company drives ongoing improvement.
Major CompanyExcellence Award (Judging Committee Award)
Noritz Corporation
| Established | 1951 |
|---|---|
| Representative | President and Representative Director: Masayuki Takenaka |
| Number of employees | 6,128（consolidated）（As of 2024） |
| Location | Kobe, Hyougo |
| Business | Manufacture and sale of household appliances and equipment, particularly hot water heating and air conditioning systems, and provision of related services |
| URL | https://www.noritzglobal.com/ [external link] |
Reason for Winning
●Initiatives such as “HIITO” aimed at reducing bathing accidents
To reduce dizziness-related accidents caused especially by prolonged bathing among older adults, the company conducted joint research with a university on the relationship between bathing and core body temperature and introduced a new technology called “HIITO” (Human Body Heat Model). It also introduced new features such as “Hotto Yuagari Mode,” an enhanced bath timer, and “At-Home Alert,” which helps address delayed awareness by family members living together. These features help prevent overheating from long baths and encourage users to leave the bath at an appropriate time depending on the bathing environment, thereby preventing accidents before they occur.
●Stronger measures to enable rapid recall responses
The company conducts “recall simulations” that assume an actual recall event in order to identify issues in its recall rules and revise them as needed. This helps ensure a smooth response even when there are organizational changes or personnel transfers. In addition, it uses data entered into its emergency contact system together with R-Map for initial risk assessment, improving its ability to respond quickly to recalls.
●Introduction of an AI-powered fault diagnosis support app
For repair diagnosis and other after-sales support activities that had traditionally depended on the experience of individual service engineers, the company has introduced an AI-powered fault diagnosis support app. By analyzing and sharing past service reports, it strengthens the transfer of technical know-how and reduces variations in work accuracy caused by differences in knowledge and by product diversity and complexity. This has helped standardize decision-making among service engineers while improving the speed and accuracy of on-site response.
Small and Medium-Sized CompanyMETI Minister's Award
Iura Co., Ltd.
| Established | 1973 |
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| Representative | President and Representative Director: Yoko Watanabe |
| Number of employees | 179（As of 2025） |
| Location | Toon, Ehime |
| Business | Manufacturing, and sale of a wide range of welfare and nursing care equipment, including wheelchairs, lifts, and bathing systems |
| URL | https://iura.co.jp/ [external link] |
Reason for Winning
●Effective use of accident cases and similar information to prevent recurrence
When developing new products, the company first compiles an “input list” that includes applicable laws and regulations, safety precautions, and past complaint and defect information, and then begins development based on that list. It has also established and reliably operates a process in which risk assessments are conducted at structural evaluation meetings using the compiled list.
●Product safety initiatives through a qualification certification system and training programs
The company designates critical processes that affect manufacturing as “special processes,” and only personnel certified through its qualification certification system are allowed to perform the relevant work and inspections. By using this certification system to ensure a consistent level of work and inspection quality, the company helps ensure safety. In addition, information on major complaints with a high impact on product safety is posted in the cafeteria to raise awareness among all employees and pass on knowledge.
●Active external engagement and efforts toward industry standardization
The company actively engages with relevant industry associations, nursing-care facilities, and business operators to promote the safe use of nursing-care bathing equipment and improve safety. It has also participated in developing the “Guidelines for Maintenance of Nursing-Care Bathing Equipment” through the Japan Bathing System for nursing care Association, thereby contributing to improved safety for similar products across the industry.
Retailer Category
Major CompanyExcellence Award (Judging Committee Award)
Daiso Industries Co., Ltd.
| Established | 1977 |
|---|---|
| Representative | Representative Director and President: Yasuji Yano |
| Number of employees | 25,495（As of 2025） |
| Location | Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima |
| Business | Retail and wholesale of household goods and other everyday products through variety stores in Japan and abroad. |
| URL | https://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/ [external link] |
Reason for Winning
●Thorough product safety initiatives led by the industry’s first dedicated
Quality Control Department Driven by strong leadership from top management, the company has steadily developed systems and rules to ensure product safety and has allocated the necessary management resources quickly. It has also fostered a product safety mindset throughout the organization. Particularly noteworthy is the establishment of the industry’s first dedicated Quality Control Department. In addition, the company created a “Product Quality Standards Manual” and conducts tens of thousands of product tests each year based on those standards. Products that do not meet the standards are not approved for commercialization, ensuring that only products confirmed to be safe are offered to customers.
●Ensuring safety through stronger control and supervision of overseas business partners
The company conducts CSR factory audits at thousands of factories that manufacture its private-brand products. It works to accurately identify final processing factories, enforces strict change control, and prohibits factory changes without approval. It has also strengthened its systems by establishing organizations responsible for local production management, helping ensure the safe manufacture of products at overseas factories.
●Activities to spread safety knowledge through DAISO Anshin Lab and DAISO no Wa
Through DAISO Anshin Lab, the company actively shares external information on product accidents and quality-related issues. The Lab also posts videos and other materials aimed at preventing misuse of products, thereby promoting consumer safety awareness. In addition, the company operates “DAISO no Wa,” a community for users who enjoy DAISO products, and also uses that platform to share product safety information.
Small and Medium-Sized CompanyMETI Minister's Award
Kaino Denki Co., Ltd.
| Established | 1926 |
|---|---|
| Representative | Representative Director: Susumu Kaino |
| Number of employees | 14（As of 2025） |
| Location | Sagae, Yamagata |
| Business | Sales and repair of household electrical appliances, residential equipment installation and home renovation, and computer sales. |
| URL | https://kaino-denki.jp/ [external link] |
Reason for Winning
●Community-based initiatives focused on solving local issues
The company is more than just an appliance retailer; it operates as a full-service neighborhood electronics store. Through its “Tasukaruchaa” service, it solves customers’ everyday problems in the manner of a modern-day go-to helper. By maintaining close communication with customers and building relationships in which they feel comfortable asking about anything, the company contributes to product safety in the community. Its sales approach is not limited to products it has sold itself; it remains attentive to whether customers are using products safely in general.
●Proposals and follow-up that emphasize usability and product safety for older adults
In its local market, 75% of customers are aged 60 or older, and 60% are aged 75 or older. The company operates the “KAINO60CLUB,” which is open to people aged 60 and above. It organizes a variety of events, provides a place for community interaction, and holds classes on how to use products properly, helping communicate correct usage methods and safety precautions. It also helps prevent product accidents by advising customers on product selection and providing attentive follow-up tailored to older adults.
●Contribution to product safety through long-term, sustained efforts
For customers who purchase home appliances and other products from the company, it has for many years sent “How Are You?” postcards encouraging inspections and consultations to prevent age-related deterioration and trouble after purchase. It has also long provided manufacturers with feedback on customers’ usage environments, usage methods, and information and data related to problems when they occur. Together with its past PS Award recognition, these ongoing efforts have helped build stronger trust with manufacturers and contributed to the development of safer products.
Special Award
Businesses Category
YAMATO TRANSPORT CO., LTD.
| Established | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Representative | President: Seiichi Awa |
| Number of employees | 158,295（As of 2025） |
| Location | Chuo, Tokyo |
| Business |
Motor Truck Transportation Business
First-Class Consigned Freight Forwarding Business Motor Truck Transportation (General Business and Courier Business) Second-Class Consigned Freight Forwarding Business Railway Freight Transportation (General Business) Coastal Shipping (General Business) International Shipping (General Business) Air Cargo Transportation Warehousing Business Port and Harbor Transportation Business and other Logistics and related business |
| URL | https://www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/en/ [external link] |
Reason for Winning
●Diverse outreach measures based on verification and effective use of a nationwide network
The company analyzes the characteristics of purchasers and residents associated with recalled products and works to improve collection rates. It combines multiple outreach methods, such as targeted leaflet distribution in specific areas and in-home visits through Nekosapo’s housekeeping service. It also uses information sources available to a logistics company to verify effectiveness. Leveraging its extensive nationwide network, the company can also carry out wide-area recall notifications that would be difficult for other companies to implement.
●Cross-industry sharing of expertise and ongoing awareness-raising activities
To help companies prepare for recalls and voluntary product recoveries, the company regularly holds seminars to share information on the importance of product safety and the need for day-to-day preparedness. It also continuously plans and runs “information exchange meetings” where companies that have conducted recalls can discuss measures to prevent recurrence and improve collection rates, thereby providing practical know-how to many companies. As a result, it has helped build a framework in which companies can work together on issues that are difficult for a single company to address alone, demonstrating leadership in the process.
●Development of safe transport and collection systems, and a long-term commitment
To the issue In handling lithium-ion battery-related products, which pose risks at every stage including storage and transport, the company has established systems to prevent the spread of damage through measures such as securing storage locations, developing internal rules, and implementing fire-prevention countermeasures. It also works with materials manufacturers to introduce and develop the latest safety technologies in anticipation of possible smoke or fire incidents during transport or storage.
