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Respect for Human Rights (Policies and Governance Structure)

Management Policy

We respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the labor-related international code of conduct, including labor standards defined in the ILOʼs fundamental conventions. We also recognize, support, and put into practice essential values expressed in the UN Global Compactʼs Ten Principles in four areas (human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption), which the international community supports and recognizes as globally adopted and agreed universal values.

We comply with all labor-related laws and regulations in the countries where we operate, which cover working hours, compensation, the right to choose and join trade unions, collective bargaining rights, working conditions, and more. Since our founding in 1906, we have adhered to the values of fair play, aiming to create a workplace where individuals are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect, without discrimination based on race, creed, gender, social status, religion, nationality, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical or mental disability. We have established the “Mizuno CSR Procurement Code of Conduct,” incorporating the perspective of ISO 26000, the international guidance on social responsibility, to communicate our values to suppliers and request that they adhere to these principles.

The Mizuno Code of Conduct for Suppliers has been translated into the language of the respective countries where major factories are located, and we request that they post it so that workers in the factories can understand its content

Formulation of the “Mizuno Group Human Rights Policy”

Since Mizuno initiated CSR audits in 2004, the Mizuno Group has continuously worked on "responsible procurement with due respect for human rights" as a materiality (important issue). However, we had not formulated a policy corresponding to the "Human Rights Policy”. As Human Rights Policy is listed as Step 1 in the Guidelines for Respecting Human Rights in Responsible Supply Chains, published by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in September 2022, we formulated it in April 2023.
In formulating this policy, we based it on the Mizuno Code of Ethics and the CSR Procurement Code of Conduct, which have long articulated our group's approach to compliance with international norms and standards on human rights. The contents of the policy, such as items and wording, were carefully considered with reference to materials from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Keidanren, and examples from other companies.
The content of this policy was reviewed not only internally but also by third-party experts, namely lawyers. After drafting and verification in the Sustainability Operations Council, it was approved by the Board of Directors and then announced.
We also strive to communicate this "Human Rights Policy" both internally and externally through training programs organized by the Human Resources and General Affairs Department and briefings hosted by the Legal Office.

We will continue to carry out human rights due diligence in accordance with this policy. If changes in the external environment make it necessary to update the content of this policy, we will discuss it in the Sustainability Operations Council, obtain approval from the Board of Directors, and then disclose the revised content.

Mizuno Group Human Rights Policy PDF

Mizuno Code of Ethics

Mizuno CSR Procurement Code of Conduct

Management system

The Cross-departmental Products Committee is responsible for promoting CSR procurement activities. This committee, chaired by the Senior Managing Executive Officer, consists of members selected from the planning and production departments for apparel, footwear, equipment, factory departments, the Quality Assurance Office, and various management departments throughout the company. The committee not only reports on the progress of CSR procurement audits but also discusses promoting compliance with the 'Mizuno CSR Procurement Code of Conduct' and the global response to CSR procurement activities.

Human Rights Due Diligence

The Mizuno Group has been promoting CSR procurement since 2004, based on the belief that "good manufacturing" is not only about producing safe, reliable, and high-quality products, but also about ensuring that human rights, labor, and environmental aspects of the production process meet international standards. We believe that the continuous implementation of CSR procurement contributes to the exercise of human rights due diligence and the prevention of human rights violations.
As the Mizuno group aims to expand its business further globally, we recognize that implementing human rights due diligence with respect for human rights at the forefront is one of the most critical issues, and we formulated the "Mizuno Group Human Rights Policy" in April 2023.

Additionally, to respond to the accelerating legislative trends in Europe, we established the Sustainability Council at our European headquarters in August 2023.

In fiscal year 2024, the Sustainability Council received requests for cooperation in responding to a bid from the Irish military, as well as inquiries regarding the status of human rights due diligence conducted by suppliers producing products sold by Nordic business partners. By responding within the required timeframe to survey items such as certification status of our business sites, certification status of products and materials, and audit implementation status of finished goods factories, we contributed to maintaining strong relationships with our customers.

Multi-Stakeholder Policy

In our corporate management, we have formulated the "Multi-Stakeholder Policy" to appropriately collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including not only our shareholders but also our employees, business partners, customers, creditors, and the local community.

Multi-Stakeholder Policy