Materiality
Communication related to products
Basic Concepts
For the use of sports equipment, it is crucial for customers to use them properly and to have safety awareness when playing sports.
At Mizuno, we strive to avoid using specialized terms in our instruction manuals as much as possible, instead opting for easy-to-understand explanations with illustrations, to communicate information about safe handling to our customers.
Provision of product information
Mizuno believes that it is important to provide sufficient product-related information to help customers make appropriate choices. In addition to labeling on products and instruction manuals, we actively disclose product information through in-store POP materials and our website.
We ensure that all disclosed information complies with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards related to labeling. In accordance with our labeling management regulations, we verify the accuracy and appropriateness of the content. Specifically, when describing the superiority of a product, we use accurate and easy-to-understand expressions to avoid any misunderstanding. When expressing functionality, we require supporting documentation such as test or experiment results.
If disclosure of information related to material procurement is necessary, we provide it through instruction manuals or product information. Material procurement is guided by our “Sustainable Material Procurement Policy,” which is based on the materiality themes of “Responsible procurement with respect for human rights” and “Responsibility for global environmental issues throughout the product lifecycle.” These guidelines are applied to each material in product development and are revised as needed.
Regarding product disposal, our instruction manual creation guidelines clearly state:
“For products requiring special disposal methods (e.g., those containing substances harmful to human health or the environment), specify appropriate disposal methods, disposal procedures, and relevant organizations. For other products, follow the disposal regulations of the local government.
Instruction manuals are revised in accordance with these guidelines whenever updates are made.
We operate a workflow-based application system that enables all relevant departments—including the Quality Assurance Office and Legal Affairs Office—to effectively and efficiently review and evaluate content. We are also developing a system for pre-application self-checks to reduce errors before submission. For functional claims, we have created an internal Excel-based review tool that allows applicants to verify the appropriateness of expressions before submitting. By utilizing familiar tools in daily operations, we aim to prevent misleading representations.
In fiscal year 2024, one product recall was conducted due to labeling deficiencies. The issue was identified, and the relevant processes were reorganized.
Communication Regarding Defective Products and Recalls
When defective products are identified, Mizuno promptly and accurately announces the issue on its official website. In fiscal year 2024, four such announcements were made. All cases were related to violations of our voluntary standards. Of these, one case involved labeling issues, while the remaining three were related to other matters.
Total number of cases announced as an “Important Notice Regarding Mizuno Products” on the website due to product defects, incorrect quality display, or other reasons
| FY2020 | FY2021 | FY2022 | FY2023 | FY2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 4 |
Communication for the safe use of products
For the use of sports equipment, it is essential for customers not only to use it properly but also to maintain safety awareness when engaging in sports. Mizuno provides product information to customers through various means, including catalogs, instruction manuals, advertisements, news releases, in-store flyers, and customer support via the Mizuno Customer Service Center.
To convey information on safe handling as clearly as possible, our instruction manuals are designed to minimize the use of technical terms and include easy-to-understand illustrations.
We also analyze inquiries received by the Mizuno Customer Service Center and take appropriate measures, such as adding instruction manuals to products that are found to be difficult to understand.
On the User Support page of our website, we have established sections such as “FAQ about Mizuno Products” and “Useful Information,” where we post frequently asked questions and share tips on product selection and care, categorized by product type—such as shoes and sportswear—and by sport.
For products that may lead to accidents if handled incorrectly, we provide more specific usage instructions, including labeling based on the Product Liability Act and other necessary safety information.
Industry Initiatives for the Safe Use of Products
While individual instruction manuals are provided with each pair of sports shoes, Mizuno has taken further steps to promote longer and safer use of these products. We have worked with JASPO (Japan Sporting Goods Association) to develop a shared leaflet titled Sports Shoes Guidebook, which is used by 11 member companies of JASPO. The contents of this guidebook are also available on Mizunoʼs website.
This guidebook provides easy-to-understand explanations, including illustrations, covering important points such as precautions for use, tips for trying on shoes before purchase, guidance on selecting the right shoes, how to properly put on and take off shoes, and advice for long-term use.
Updating Product Descriptions Based on Customer Feedback
In response to the increasing number of purchases made through our official e-commerce platform, we are continuously reviewing and updating product descriptions. This includes addressing unclear expressions and adding information that may help customers better understand our products.
To ensure that customers can make informed purchasing decisions, we actively extract and incorporate feedback received from them as a reference for these updates.
Future Challenges
- To provide customers with timely and appropriate information, we will enhance internal training so that each employee can acquire a solid understanding of the basics of product labeling.
- We will continue to maintain the “Frequently Asked Questions” section of the Customer Service Center on our website in a timely manner to ensure that the latest information is always available.
- In fiscal year 2024, customer inquiry channels were divided among DTC, owned e-commerce, RT stores, and the Customer Consultation Center. Recognizing the benefits of coordinated customer support across these departments, we have taken steps toward system integration. We will continue to promote initiatives that enable efficient collaboration going forward.
- Respect for Human Rights (Policies and Governance Structure)
- Supply Chain Management
- Mizuno CSR Procurement Code of Conduct
- Product Safety and Quality (Policies and Governance Structure)
- Ensuring of the safety and quality of products
- Communication related to products
- Engagement with Customers
- Labor Practices
- Talent Development and Capability Building
- Promoting and respecting diversity
- Health Promotion Initiatives
- Occupational Safety and Health