Code of Conduct

      (1) Preservation of cultural legacies and consultation regarding its conservation.
      (2) Publishing of books.
      (3) Trading of publications from China and America.

At Shuppan Bunka Sha, we engineer the planning, editing, issuance and sales of our publications while attempting to gain a balanced profit of growth and stability. With a reputation that leads the industry of corporate history profiles, the future position of our Heritage Service Division will not only be in the production of corporate histories. We plan on creating a business which documents the cultural assets of our clients for their future leaders. Furthermore, we are taking steps to progress our own editing and planning skills to increase the quality of our commercial book publications and we plan to do this by securing the quality and quantity of our talent base. In the publishing industry, the source of sales and profits lies within its people. We aim to create an office where employees can spend their time working in a healthy and lively environment, and through the feedback of employees and stakeholders we implement clear and efficient changes in order to create a cooperative working environment.

Table of Contents

General Provisions

      1. Scope of Application
      2. Implementation System
      3. Internal Reporting and the Protection of Informants
      4. Disciplinary Actions and the Dismissal of Employees

Section 1— Code of Conduct : In the Workplace

      1. Respect for Customers
      2. Code of Conduct for Employees and Executive Staff
      3. Engineering, Production, and Quality and Safety Assurances
      4. Sales
      5. Procurement
      6. Environmental Awareness
      7. Inappropriate Expenditures
      8. Intellectual Property
      9. Accounting

Section 2— Code of Conduct : Between the Company and Individuals

      10. Respect for Individuals
      11. Respect for Company Information and its Intellectual Property

Section 3— Code of Conduct : Disclosure of Information

      12. Public Relations
      13. Advertising

Section 4— Code of Conduct in Relation to Society at Large

      14. Relating to Society
      15. Political Contributions

Main Text

General Provisions

In the broad scope of our business, we will respect the law and observe social standards and business ethics. We will also carry out our responsibilities in the areas of environmental protection, corporate social responsibility, and human rights as defined by the basic policies of our company. The Code of Conduct of the Shuppan Bunka Sha Corporation (hereafter referred to as the Code of Conduct) will be implemented as the basic policy for both employees and executive staff alike.

2. Implementation System

        (1) Each office in this company will appoint a person responsible for the enforcement of the Code of Conduct (hereafter the Code of Conduct Responsible).
        (2) The Code of Conduct Responsible will ensure the enforcement of the Code of Conduct and will be responsible for driving the implementation of all of the basic standards in their area.
        (3) Others also responsible for the Code of Conduct in their jurisdiction (i.e. the employees of that department who are not the Code of Conduct Responsible) will implement them, and where necessary support the implementation and enforcement of the legal measures, engage in education on these matters, and above all support the Code of Conduct Responsible for its overall implementation.
        (4) The office of the executive president will stand as the management office for the implementation and enforcement of Code of Conduct.

3. Internal Reporting and the Protection of Informants

        (1) Wherever action is taken that is incongruent with the Code of Conduct or there is information indicating that this is so (hereafter referred to as risk compliance information), the employee or executive who discovered it should employ the internal communications systems and take their concerns straight to the Code of Conduct responsible within their department. Using our internal communications systems (the use of e-mail, telephone, and face-to-face interviews) we will initiate and manage a risk discussion hotline system.
        (2) The Code of Conduct Responsible who receives risk compliance information will ensure swift and appropriate communication on the matter.
        (3) We will not disadvantage the employees and executives who send sincere, well-intentioned risk compliance information in any way.

4. Disciplinary Actions and the Dismissal of Employees

      Disciplinary action, including the dismissal of employees, is applicable wherever the Code of Conduct has been transgressed.

Section 1: Code of Conduct: In the Workplace

1. Respect for Customers

1. The Basic Policies of Shuppan Bunka Sha

      (1) We shall respect our contractual and legal obligations at all times, while listening to our customers and providing them with satisfying products in what we refer to as our products services.
      (2) As part of our products services we are happy to earnestly discuss the customer's requests.

2. Code of Conduct for Employees and Executive Staff of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) We shall attempt to offer high-quality goods and comprehensive service to ensure the satisfaction of the customer.
        (2) As well as ensuring the appropriate and swift dispensing of information related to our products services, we will ensure that our discussions with customers is honest, swift and correct.

3. Engineering, Production, and Quality and Safety Assurance

3-1. The Basic Policies of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) We will carry out all contractual and legal obligations in relation to production of goods, product quality assurance, and product safety.
        (2) Regardless of the hardware or software at our disposal, we plan to continuously innovate new ideas and offer safe, high-quality goods produced from the latest and best technology.

3-2. The Code of Conduct for Employees and Executive Staff of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) We will carry out our responsibilities on quality assurance from the point of view of the customer.
        (2) We will strive to constantly review our technological expertise to progress our abilities and strengthen our Research and Development. We will also attempt to accumulate a legacy of technological expertise and accurately communicate changes in the technological environment to plan for the integration of new technologies as and when they occur.
        (3) Through the planning and production stages of our business we will plan for the application of positive measures to protect company's intellectual property. We will also respect the limited legal rights of third parties to this information. We will never use inappropriate methods when acquiring third party information, and we will not show or leak any third party’s corporate information without engaging in appropriate procedures.

4. Sales

4-1. The Basic Policies of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) We aim, in full accordance with the law, to run a fair business which offers excellent products and high quality service.
        (2) We will do our best to protect the knowledge of valuable proprietary information of third parties obtained through business affairs (including information of outside companies as well as information of individuals)

4-2. Code of Conduct for Employees and Executive Staff of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) We will show every customer the fair and just manner in which we conduct business.
        (2) Through observance of the law and sound business practices, we will run a business based on common ideals.
        (3) We will follow the Code of Conduct in complying with the anti-trust legislation and regulation, and we will engage in fair and free market competition.
        (4) We will use fair and legal methods to acquire information of third parties. We will not follow set procedures and we will not show or leak this information to other third parties.
        (5) In protecting personal information, the gathering, use, and management thereof will be done through reasonable and fair methods.

5. Procurement

5-1. Basic Policies of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) In accordance with the law and through fair and appropriate dealings we will procure necessary goods and services within appropriate timeframes, price, and quality.
        (2) Our competitors will have a fair opportunity to compete for our suppliers.

5-2. Code of Conduct for Employees and Executive Staff of Shuppan Bunka Sha

      (1) We will procure necessary goods and services through fair evaluation in accordance with the standards set out below.
      ・Appropriate grade and quality
      ・Economically rational price
      ・In keeping with deadlines
      ・Appropriate services to follow-up
      ・Goods from a secure and stable supply
      ・Goods and services with consideration for the environment
      (2) We will not derive individual profits from our duties arising from our dealings procurements. Furthermore, we will honestly and sincerely fulfill our contractual responsibilities, pay full observance of the law, and behave with proper and ethically sound business practices when fulfilling our purchasing needs.
      (3) We will not acquire sensitive information on third parties (including those with whom we deal with directly) through unfair or illegal means in our procurement activities. We will never use inappropriate methods when acquiring third party information, and we will not show or leak any third party’s company information without engaging in appropriate procedures.

6. Environmental Awareness

6-1. Basic Policies of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) In order to pass down an ecologically sound environment of our “irreplaceable Earth” to the next generation, we must contribute to the creation of a prolific, healthy society which rebuilds the environment.
        (2) We will adhere to the international standards set out in ISO14001, all related laws, agreements, global business indicators as well as voluntary standards.
        (3) We will contribute to society by providing goods and services that are produced with careful consideration on the key points of their environmental impact.

6-2. Code of Conduct for Employees and Executive Staff of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) We will make every attempt to research, develop, and produce goods which are well-suited to the preservation of the environment. Through the appropriate use of energy and resources, we will take positive steps to prevent the progress of global warming and achieve zero emission waste.
        (2) The company, throughout its offices, shall engage in the policies, plans, and practices put in place to protect the environment, and through continuous review shall derive continuous improvement.
        (3) As part of undertaking ISO14001 we are subject to standard measures and inspections, and will take appropriate steps to comply and protect our record. If we are ever found to be incongruent with the standards, then we will act quickly to solve the issue and take measures to prevent future lapses.
        (4) We will participate in local events relating to the environment and undertake the exchange of information relating to this where possible.

7. Inappropriate Expenditures

7-1. Basic Policies of Shuppan Bunka Sha

      We will not undertake unfair or unreasonable expenditures which contradict laws or appropriate business conduct.

7-2. Code of Conduct for Employees and Executive Staff of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) We will not pay fees, entertain, or give gifts to employees (including former employees) or political representatives (and candidates) of public resource management groups (including regional public offices, special legal entities, governmental resources and etc.) that contradict the law or proper business conduct. We will never offer these people the opportunity to profit from their position.
        (2) When engaging in proxy offices or representative bodies, we will decide on appropriate and reasonable fees before engaging their services. When paying for these services that are within the law and appropriately regulated, we will follow the applicable laws.
        (3) When offering gifts, entertainment, and other courtesies to customers through the course of business, we will observe the law and respect the established policies of the customer.

8. Intellectual Property

8-1. Basic Policies of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) We will observe all applicable laws relating to patents, publishing rights, and copyrights and any other laws relating to the control of intellectual property.
        (2) We will protect the control of intellectual property that results from engaging companies, and take strong action in the application of these measures. We will also respect the fair and just control of third parties' intellectual property.

8-2. Code of Conduct for Employees and Executive Staff of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) In order to strengthen the market's competitive forces, we will take action to acquire and use intellectual property rights.
        (2) We understand and respect that the functions of invention, innovation, design of compositions, program layout, and other functions relating to book publications and intellectual property rights inevitably revert to the company that owns them.
        (3) Where we undertake the just and fair use of intellectual property from a third party, we will respect that party's ultimate control of the intellectual property.
        * ”Control of Intellectual Property" refers to the control of composition, publication, practical use of patents, design, management secrets obtained through business correspondence (ie. specialist know-how) and etc.

9. Accounting

9-1. Basic Policies of Shuppan Bunka Sha

      We will observe the laws and standards relating to accounting, and employ proper transaction and reporting methods.

9-2. Code of Conduct for Employees and Executive Staff of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) Accounting information will be recorded correctly; we will not record insufficient or misleading information.
        (2) In order to present accounting information quickly, we will maintain and attempt to improve our accounting systems.

Section 2— Code of Conduct : Between the Company and Individuals

10. Respect for Individuals

10-1. Basic Policies of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) We will respect all points of view, acknowledge the value of all humanity, and respect the various personalities that make up society.
        (2) We will observe the law out of respect for humanity and will not discriminate against people. We will not allow child labor or coercive management tactics.
        (3) If we find cases of discriminatory management or the infringement of basic human rights we will undertake immediate and appropriate measures to rectify it.
        (4) We will make every attempt to create a creative, efficient, and above all safe environment for all employees.

10-2. Code of Conduct for Employees and Executive Staff of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) We will respect every individual's basic human rights and acknowledge the value of individual personalities and privacy. We will not allow discriminatory action based on race, religion, gender, nationality, physical disability, or age, nor will we allow violent behavior, sexual harassment, or bullying.
        (2) Our business accomplishments shall be based on our individual results and responsibilities. We must strive to progress our skills through self-reflection.
        (3) Combining our senses, we will make every attempt to be upstanding, independent members of our society.
        (4) We will try to maintain a clean working environment to prevent work-related accidents. To maintain the health of our employees, we encourage them to take a broad-spectrum approach to improving and maintaining their overall health.

11. Respect for Company Information and the Company's Intellectual Property

11-1. Basic Policies of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) We will undertake the appropriate management of company information and intellectual property.
        (2) We will protect valuable information and intellectual property and knowledge through stopping the inappropriate proliferation, leaking, or incorrect use of this information.
        (3) We will take appropriate steps to protect individual information.

11-2. Code of Conduct for Employees and Executive staff of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) Regardless of whether we are an active or former employee, the inappropriate use of company information can damage the company. Individuals shall not act to profit themselves or any third parties in this manner.
        (2) When we undertake an obligation to protect information known to a third party before it enters our hands, we shall not pass the relevant information on to other companies.
        (3) In the protection of personal information, the gathering, use, and management of that information will be undertaken through fair and reasonable methods.
        (4) We will not undertake insider dealings based on undisclosed company information.
        (5) We will not use company equipment or machinery to acquire information inappropriately nor will we undertake inappropriate communication in or outside of the company.
        (6) We will not inappropriately use company intellectual property for our own purposes.
      * "Company Information" refers to information on businesses' best practices (including information pertaining to their competitors) obtained through handling the information through course of our business. When this information is passed on or leaked, we will not derive tangible or intangible profit from it and we will seek to profit from the creators and proprietors of the intellectual property.

Section 3— Code of Conduct : Disclosure of Information

12. Conduct in Public Relations

12-1. Basic Policies of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) In order to gain the understanding and trust of our customers, suppliers and employees, and stakeholders, we will provide management policies, financial data, and etc. to the market in a timely and appropriate manner.
        (2) We plan to promote ownership and enrich morale to achieve a sense of belonging at the company through precisely conveying information on management policies.

13. Advertising

13-1. Basic Policies of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) We plan to advance the company's image and reputation through undertaking appropriate advertising.
        (2) We plan to establish ourselves as good corporate citizens, with an image of temperedness and open-mindedness.

13-2. Code of Conduct for Employees and Executive Staff of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) We plan to develop the reputation of our firm in areas which conduct business and through gaining the trust and goodwill of people we will develop an environment which encourages business growth and sales.
        (2) We will not engage in political or religious rhetoric in our advertisements. We will not use language which is a reminder of discrimination based on race, physical disability, or other such things, nor will we use language which offends the dignity of human beings.

Section 4— Code of Conduct : Society

14. Relating to Society

14-1. Basic Policies of Shuppan Bunka Sha

      (1) We plan to act in solidarity and cooperation with our section in society by maintaining good relationships and carrying out responsibilities as a member of society.
      (2) We will support the volunteer activities of our executives and employees, and will respect people's individual rights as free citizens.
      (3) The intention of our business is to contribute to the development and progress of our society through the workings of our core business. We will contribute in an appropriate manner with consideration of the urgency, cause at work, and overall effect to the public sector and wider society.

14-2. Code of Conduct for Employees and Executive Staff of Shuppan Bunka Sha

        (1) We will observe the culture and customs of society.
        (2) We plan on communicating our company's management policies and core business to generate and maintain understanding in the wider community.
        (3) Through participation in regional groups and through engagement of community undertakings, we will contribute to finding a solution which is beneficial to all involved.
        (4) We will contribute to community development through participating in and cooperating with volunteer activities realted to community development.

15. Political Contributions

15-1. Basic Policies of Shuppan Bunka Sha

      We will not make inappropriate political contributions to politicians or political groups.

15-2. Code of Conduct for Employees and Executive Staff of Shuppan Bunka Sha

      (1) We will not make any inappropriate contributions to politicians or political groups which run contrary to any applicable laws.
      (2) Our company will not participate directly or indirectly with politicians or political groups that are acting in violation of the law or undermining the rights of society.
      ・Unusual business customs such as favorable trading conditions or loans (including insurance loans).
      ・Offering to profit from gifts or entertainment and so forth.

 

Message from the Executive President on the Code of Conduct

"To become a trusted company in our community, we must honestly and earnestly pay observance to the law as well as to social standards."
In order for Shuppan Bunka Sha to observe the law, social standards, and standards of human ethics, each one of us must pursue the Code of Conduct outlined herein. The globalization of society around us is profound, and we are entering an era that seemed unfathomable to us at one point. Corporations have been subject to increasingly frequent and severe demands from society with calls for greater justice, honesty, and clarity in companies and their dealings. The trust that society places in us is based on our ethical views as well as our dignity and sincerity. If the company makes little response to these demands, no matter how innovative their technology or abundant their products may be they will not gain the trust of society nor fulfill their expectations. This is why we strive to comply with the standards expected of publishers today.
To become a company which is trusted and respected in society it is necessary for us all to understand the complexities of the history and spirit of publishing, and deliver strong compliance through our willingness and actions. We must always carry a sense of urgency so as not to assume our future be stable. Each one of us must act under compliance of the Code of Conduct, and we must all constantly reflect on our policies.
Beginning with me, let us all comply with the law and align with the standards of publishing to carry out an honest and earnest business conduct.

Atsudhi Asada, Executive President, Shuppan Bunka Sha Corporation

 

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