Contributions and Donations

CITIZEN WATCH has donated 300,000 euros (about 39 million yen) to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as humanitarian aid for those affected in Ukraine and those who have fled to neighboring countries.

Since 2013, CITIZEN WATCH has been supporting the lives of women and girls in developing countries by donating a portion of CITIZEN XC sales to Plan International, an international NGO. CITIZEN WATCH will also continue its efforts to support girls around the world in the future.For these efforts, we received the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon from the Cabinet Office in 2020.

In FY2023, we participated in the "Eliminating Child, Early and Forced Marriage in Laos Project" through support activities for Plan International, an international NGO, aiming to establish a girl-friendly school environment in local middle schools and enhance awareness of gender equality among people, thereby supporting efforts to reduce early marriage and pregnancy. Within the Citizen Group, we support the Japan Committee for UNICEF's "Children's Rights and Business Principles" (CRBP) and engage in activities aimed at avoiding child rights violations in our operations and promoting the realization of children's rights.

• Campaign Details

Plan International

Plan International is an international NGO working in more than 70 countries to promote children's rights and realize societies free of poverty and discrimination. Girls and women in developing countries are often bereft of the chance to acquire an education, being compelled to do housework from an early age. In addition, many girls are forced to marry in their teens, and some lose their lives due to premature pregnancy and childbirth. Plan International endeavors to provide educational opportunities for girls and women in difficult circumstances, thereby addressing the global problem of poverty.

• Plan International

CITIZEN WATCH donated wristwatches to be presented at coming-of-age ceremonies to support a project conducted by Bridge for Smile, an NPO that helps children leave children's homes. This project is designed to provide knowledge necessary for living in society in the form of seminars for high school students from children's homes, who will leave the homes upon graduation from high school and will have to live on their own. CITIZEN watches are sent as a gift to the seminar participants and given also to those who have reached the age of adulthood after leaving the facility.

CITIZEN WATCH has launched Q&Q SmileSolar, a cost-effective, functional watch with a colorful design, and donates a portion of its sales to TABLE FOR TWO International. Since its launch in 2013, we have continued to make donations and have received a letter of appreciation from TABLE FOR TWO in 2022. We will continue to contribute to society and enhance the value of SmileSolar through our donation activities.

CITIZEN WATCH launched a wristwatch model for people with visual impairments in 2020, adopting an inclusive design approach to ensure that all people can use it comfortably. From the planning and development stages of the product, not only able-bodied people, but also visually impaired people, people with low vision, and others who are expected to use the product were involved.

We donated 100 wristwatches to the School for the Blind and the Blind with Multiple Handicaps Lopburi in Thailand, which cooperated with CITIZEN WATCH in the development of this product, and since then, we have continued to support the school by donating wristwatches to its graduates every year.

• Website of the wristwatch for people with visual impairments, “watch that tells time by touch”

As a participant company in the United Nations Global Compact, The CITIZEN Group is working to eradicate poverty around the world. In 2023, the Group company executives and employees participated in the activities held by Helloalson which is conducting free dental care in the Philippines’ slums to send 4,107 toothbrushes, towels and stationeries to the site.

CITIZEN ELECTRONICS donated 50 UV sterilization air purifiers equipped with its UVC LED modules to Fujiyoshida City, hoping for the health of citizens and an early end to the threat of the new coronavirus infection that the world was facing.

Upon launching a project to refurbish the puppet clock tower constructed in Iida City, Nagano, in 1988 as a symbol of the “Puppet Play Town,” a large donation was made by city residents in the hope of increasing the appeal of the landmark. As part of their community contribution efforts, CITIZEN WATCH and CITIZEN T.I.C. cooperated in the construction of a new puppet clock tower called Hamming Pal, together with CITIZEN WATCH MANUFACTURING, which is based in Iida City. The clock tower was completed on August 1, 2018.

CITIZEN WATCH MANUFACTURING provides opportunities to sell handmade products for companies that support the social participation of people with disabilities and has been expanding the circle of harmonious coexistence with communities every year. The products are mostly food items such as bread, sweets, and miso. All products are of very high quality, and some employees look forward to the sales event. Such products sell well, and are sold out on some days. Christmas cakes are also sold by order at the event, thereby expanding the company’s welfare activities.

CITIZEN WATCH and CITIZEN WATCH CO. OF AMERICA have become members of 1% for the Planet*¹ and have begun an initiative to give back to the earth 1% of annual sales of CITIZEN brand products in Japan*² and 1% of sales from direct e-commerce sales in the US and Canada.

1% for the Planet is a non-profit organization (NPO) dedicated to encouraging businesses to contribute to the conservation of the natural environment. It was founded in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, Inc. and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies, Inc. Companies and individuals can help protect the natural environment by donating 1% of their annual sales to non-profit environmental organizations dedicated to environmental conservation.

• CITIZEN WATCH's participation is from April 1, 2023.
• Sales at CITIZEN's official online store in Japan and CITIZEN Flagship Store Tokyo and Osaka

• CITIZEN × 1% for the Planet

JEWELERS FOR CHILDREN is an organization that provides donations for children suffering from serious diseases and abuse. Supported by jewelry and watch brands, JEWELERS FOR CHILDREN has in turn made donations over years to organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Make-A-Wish® America, and the National Casa Association. Also, employees of CITIZEN WATCH CO. OF AMERICA, INC. who support this activity make voluntary donations to the organization from their monthly salary.

In the aftermath of World War II in 1945, Arde Bulova, the son of Joseph Bulova, established the Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking. This tuition-free institution was created with a significant purpose: to offer rehabilitation and advanced watchmaking training to disabled military veterans, coupled with dedicated job placement assistance. Operating for several decades, the school aimed to empower veterans with valuable skills and opportunities.

Fast forward to 2017, the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative (V.W.I.) was founded by Sam Cannan, a retired Baltimore police officer and Swiss-trained master watchmaker driven by a strong vision and commitment. V.W.I. admitted its inaugural group of students, and its founding sponsor, Bulova, pledged unwavering support to the program, upholding its longstanding tradition. This school devised a unique approach that has been replicated globally and adopted by allied foreign nations. This approach focuses on training disabled veterans, equipping them with essential watchmaking skills, fostering independence, and nurturing their self-esteem. The ultimate goal is to enable them to reintegrate into society as skilled individuals while honing their watchmaking craft to the highest standards.

Everybody Solar is committed to protecting the environment and strengthening American communities through solar energy projects. Everybody Solar provides the gift of clean energy to the organizations that need it most, in other words, non-profit organizations that serve the most vulnerable populations. The installation of solar panels has so far offset more than 1 million pounds of CO₂ from the atmosphere and provided 175 kW of solar energy to non-profit organizations. We have helped them reduce their electric bills and direct their limited resources to the communities they serve.

In an ongoing collaboration with Frank Sinatra Enterprises, CITIZEN WATCH Co. of America is partnering with the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Queens, New York. Together, they craft unique renditions of some of Frank Sinatra's most legendary songs. The project involves students specializing in various fields, such as vocal music, violin, trumpet, French horn, cello, and bass trombone. By harmoniously blending their talents, these students breathe new life into the timeless classics of Frank Sinatra. This creative endeavor has been made possible through the support of Exploring the Arts, a non-profit organization founded by the acclaimed American singer and artist Tony Bennett and his wife, Susan Benedetto.

The Maestro Cares Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of underprivileged children and communities in Latin America and the United States. Mission of CITIZEN WATCH Co. of America is achieved by offering housing, educational initiatives, and vital resources that foster the growth and advancement of children. Through our efforts, we empower children to become future leaders and contribute to the overall strengthening of the communities we serve.

CITIZEN WATCH Co. of America has donated to the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, an organization that supports students, schools, music programs, scholars, and researchers worldwide. Through scholarships, grants, and the provision of musical instruments, the foundation contributes to the advancement of music education and enrichment.

The High Line is a nonprofit organization and a public park on the West Side of Manhattan devoted to reimagining the role public spaces have in creating connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities. CITIZEN WATCH Co. of America is a corporate member and participates in a biannual employee volunteer program to maintain the park. CITIZEN WATCH Co. of America is a corporate member and participates in a biannual employee volunteer program to maintain the park.

Since 1987, Conservation International has worked to highlight and secure the important benefits that nature provides to mankind. CITIZEN WATCH Co. of America continues to donate to Conservation International's efforts to protect the oceans.

The oldest nonprofit conservation organization in the United States, founded in 1875, American Forests is a pioneer in healthy forestation from coast to coast, leading the way in creating healthy, resilient forests that provide vital benefits for climate, people, water, and wildlife, from urban to old-growth forests. CITIZEN WATCH Co. of America continues to donate to American Forests in its efforts to creating healthy and resilient forests.

CITIZEN WATCH ITALY (CWI) donated AED devices to sports facilities and gyms near its offices in the town of Inzago, Italy. At the AED handover ceremony in December 2015, the mayor explained to local students how sudden deaths could be prevented using an AED. In March 2018, another AED was installed in the center of town. CWI is carrying out this initiative to both strengthen its relationship with the local community and improve its brand image.

CITIZEN WATCH EUROPE GmbH donated 50 watches for people with visual impairments to the Education Center for the Visually Impaired in Hamburg in June 2021. The students attending the center, like many others, have had to endure a long and difficult time during the coronavirus pandemic. Their smiles of joy that school had finally reopened and their joy when they received and wore the watches gave us both joy and encouragement. CITIZEN has been active in Germany for more than 50 years and will continue to work together with the local communities.

CITIZEN WATCH (CHINA), A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the limited edition model watch endorsed by Hebe Tian, released in 2019, was donated to the China Children and Teenagers' Foundation. A total of 817 sets of children's guitars were donated to 817 students in five primary schools in Chicheng, Hebei Province, through the Foundation's donation program to support children's musical activities.

Proceeds from the Women’s Health Golf Classic go to support the research efforts of the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, which is known for its cutting-edge breast cancer treatment as well as patient care.

CITIZEN WATCH COMPANY OF CANADA supports the efforts of the center as one of the corporate sponsors of this event.

CITIZEN WATCH Canada supports the pioneering research and exceptional clinical care delivered by the SickKids Foundation, an organization at the forefront of pediatric medicine advancement.

CITIZEN WATCH Canada made donations to the SickKids Foundation through a range of initiatives throughout the year, including a silent auction, summer barbecue events, and various raffles, as well as employee fundraising. All donations collected were used to purchase much-needed medical equipment for the hospital.

Wellspring is a nationwide nonprofit organization in Canada, comprised of a network of community-based centers. Each center offers programs and services free of charge to anyone, without the need for a referral, regardless of the type or stage of cancer.

CITIZEN WATCH CANADA supports Wellspring and sponsors the Well Dressed for Spring event, which contributes essential funding for the implementation of over 50 innovative programs designed to meet the emotional, social, practical, and rehabilitation needs of those living with cancer.

CITIZEN WATCH CANADA employees collect donations and deliver them to the Markham Food Bank, which provides food and other necessities to local residents to help alleviate food insecurity.

CITIZEN WATCH UNITED KINGDOM, LTD. regularly donates food and sanitary items to a local food bank in Wokingham, helping the community and providing essential resources to those in need.

CITIZEN WATCH UNITED KINGDOM, LTD. donated toys to the COWSHED Christmas Project Appeal 2023. Cowshed supports thousands of children every year who would otherwise not receive Christmas presents.

This event brings people together over coffee to raise much needed funds for those battling cancer, hosted annually by Macmillan Cancer Support.

This cause is near and dear to CITIZEN WATCH UNITED KINGDOM's hearts, as cancer affects the lives of many on our team and in our community. Our team pulled out all the stops to make Coffee Morning a success. From delicious homemade treats to freshly brewed coffee, we all banded together to support this worthy cause.

CITIZEN DE MEXICO has been involved in supporting children in their battle against cancer for more than 17 years. Our hope is that our activities will help to deliver necessary medical funding, clothing, and food to these children.

CITIZEN De Mexico has donated to La Fundación Bringas-HAGHENBECK, I.A.P.

The organization consistently seeks strategic partnerships to facilitate the implementation of targeted projects to assist the vulnerable populations it serves and those engaged in its daily operations. Each project undertaken by the organization adheres to environmental, social, and governance (E.S.G.) principles, encompassing the three core areas of community engagement, elderly care, and education.

CITIZEN De Mexico has donated to A.P.A.C., I.A.P. The organization is a private aid agency founded in 1970 that provides specialized care for people with cerebral palsy and related disabilities.

CITIZEN De Mexico has donated to Fundacion Culturaly Social Abraxas. The organization aims to help families of girls and boys between the ages of 0 and 18 who have been diagnosed with cancer, regardless of their country of origin or other factors.

CITIZEN De Mexico has donated to Dar es mas que Ayudar. This organization was created to serve an important function in our society: To provide quality services to those who need help.

CITIZEN WATCH has made donations of stockpiled food to Tokorozawa City Social Welfare Council and a children's cafeteria, Ohisama Kitchen, located in Nishi-Tokyo City.

Our commitment to societal contribution and waste reduction is unwavering. We will continue to play our part by efficiently utilizing stockpiled food, working towards the realization of a sustainable society.

In commemoration of the sale of the CITIZEN Higashimurayama sports ground owned by the CITIZEN Health Insurance Association and its transformation into a disaster preparedness base as "Maekawa Park" in Higashimurayama City, two outdoor clocks were donated to Higashimurayama City to mark this occasion. The system recharges the built-in battery with electricity generated by solar power, which can be used to charge smartphones and other devices in the event of a disaster. The clocks were installed in January 2024, one in Maekawa Park and the other in the rotary at the north exit of Kumegawa Station.