Resolving Local Community Issues Social Contribution Activities

Kakegawa City is located in western Shizuoka Prefecture, where our headquarters are also based. It has long been known as a production center for kuzufu (kudzu cloth), a traditional textile made from wild kudzu. In the past, when traditional Japanese houses were the norm, kuzufu was widely used for wallpaper and paper sliding doors and was familiar to many as a traditional craft. However, due to the Westernization of Japanese lifestyles, demand has declined in modern times, putting the continuation of this cultural tradition at risk.

In response, long-established businesses are focusing on product development to sustain their business by working to create new demand for kudzu fibers beyond just traditional kuzufu (kudzu cloth). Local companies and organizations are also increasingly collaborating in such efforts. As a company with roots in Shizuoka Prefecture, Yamaha Motor has begun contributing to the preservation of this traditional industry by switching the business card material used by approximately 10,000 employees in Japan from conventional recycled paper to kudzu fiber paper developed by a long-established kuzufu producer, starting in March 2025. We also plan to expand the use of these cards to Group companies going forward.