Health Management Initiatives

Health Management Initiatives
Health Promotion Manager Message
Health Management Targets
Health management KPIs and other indicators
Health Management Strategy Map
Basic Measures
Examples of Major Measures
Health Management Dissemination Activities
External Evaluation

As per its corporate philosophy that aims to "Contribute toward the improvement of people's health and progress in society through the development of innovative products", the Company believes that its human resources form the driving force behind its corporate activities. By prioritizing the health of its employees from a managerial perspective and working towards both health management and work style reforms, the Company aims to enhance its productivity and creativity while ensuring sustainable growth.

*“Health and Productivity Management” is a registered trademark of the Nonprofit Organization Kenkokeiei Kenkyukai (Japan Health and Productivity Management Research Institute).

Health Management Declaration

Based on the Company’s corporate philosophy of "contributing to people's health and tomorrow's society through advanced drug discovery," ASKA Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd. believes that human resources are the driving force behind its corporate activities.

We hereby declare that we will realize health management in order to maintain and promote the mental and physical health of all our employees.

April 1, 2021
Health Promotion Manager
Atsushi Maruo
Senior Managing Member of the Board of Directors, Representative Director

Health Management Declaration of ASKA Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japanese version only)

Health Management Declaration of ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Japanese version only)

Health Management Declaration of ASKA Animal Health Co., Ltd. (Japanese version only)

Health Management Declaration of ASKA Pharma Medical Co., Ltd. (Japanese version only)

Health Promotion Manager Message

Atsushi Maruo
Senior Managing Member of the Board of Directors,
Representative Director

ASKA Pharmaceutical has been implementing health management since 2018 and has been working on various health measures to maintain and promote the health of our employees and their families. In April 2021, ASKA Pharmaceutical Holding Co., Ltd. was newly established, and in line with this, all group companies will promote health management with the same aspirations.

ASKA Pharmaceutical Holdings' health management is not limited to employee health management, but also aims to achieve the autonomous growth of employees who are physically and mentally fulfilled, as well as to further improve the productivity and creativity of the organization.

We will promote health management from various viewpoints so that employees, the organization, and society can mutually share the valuable happiness of good health.

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Health Management Promotion Structure of ASKA Pharmaceutical Holdings

Health Management Targets

With the aim of further increasing productivity and creativity, the Company aims to improve presenteeism (a condition in which work productivity declines owing to some kind of physical or mental illness, even though the employee is present at work) and increase employee engagement through a variety of health management initiatives.

The Company has positioned the stages of health management as "STEP," and while maintaining the STEP 1 initiative through FY2020 will implement the new STEP 2 initiative from FY2021.

In the new STEP 2 initiative, measures to maintain and promote health, the Company will implement measures focusing on six lifestyle items (exercise, sleep, diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, and mental care), as the number of employees with findings in health checkups has been increasing. In addition, since the rate of employees receiving a medical examination requiring close examination has been declining, we aim to improve the rate by strengthening recommendations for medical examinations by occupational health staff.

In terms of work style reform, looking ahead to the post-pandemic world, the Company will work on internal arrangements for diverse and flexible work styles and measures to improve the engagement of each and every employee.

Maintenance and promotion of good health, prevention and early detection of disease, and thorough periodic health checkups

The Company's medical checkups are conducted with additional examination items in addition to the legally required medical checkup items to help prevent diseases and detect medically unexplained symptoms at an early stage. For those employees who, for whatever reason, have not undergone medical checkups or are overdue for reexamination, our industrial physicians and industrial health nurses contact them directly to urge them to see a doctor.
A series of cycles have been established in which the results of health checkups for all employees are verified by industrial physicians and health guidance is provided as necessary, and the health checkup implementation rate has been maintained at 100% since FY2020.
Based on the results of the health checkups, employees who are eligible for specific health guidance are encouraged to participate in specific health guidance in cooperation with the health insurance association in order to review basic lifestyle habits such as exercise habits, dietary habits, and smoking. We aim to create a corporate culture in which employees themselves become more aware of the causes of risk factors for lifestyle-related diseases and are willing to make improvements to their own health issues.

Improvement of lifestyle

ASKA Pharmaceutical, the core of the Group, has reached the STEP2 stage of its health management goals and is implementing initiatives to improve lifestyle habits, setting numerical targets to be achieved by 2025 and implementing various measures related to exercise, sleep, diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, and mental health care. We are fostering a culture in which employees themselves recognize health management measures as their own business and act independently.

Initiatives for Maintaining and Promoting Mental Health

As a measure to prevent employees from overlooking mental health problems, we recommend that they take a stress check once a year and have maintained a 100% implementation rate since FY2021.
The Company provides all employees with e-learning education and training on how to prevent, reduce, and cope with stress. In cases where employees do suffer from mental health problems, the Company has prepared a program to help them return to work, and industrial physicians and medical specialists work closely with each workplace to support a smooth return to work.
The Company has also introduced an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) service to provide support for all employees and their families, including free 24-hour counseling by professional staff.

Enhancement of work-life balance
(harmony between work and life)

The Company aims to enhance work-life balance (harmony between work and life) through both the maintenance and promotion of good health and work style reform. We believe it is essential to respect diverse values. We are committed to developing an inclusive work environment where all human resources, regardless of age, gender, or attributes, can thrive.

Support for balancing both work and private life to enhance work-life balance

Full-flexible work system with no minimum working hours: three or more days off per week possible
Annual paid leave in increments of one hour
Unlimited work-from-home
Telecommuting, remote work, and work location limited system
Shorter working hours and staggered working hours
Infertility Treatment Support System
Paid childcare leave: five consecutive days after taking leave
Male employees taking childcare leave Target: 100% or more
Extension of the period of leave for family care [one year from the start of leave]
Annual paid leave utilization rate Target: 75% or more
Refreshment leave, leave for morning sickness and for menstrual periods, bone marrow donor leave, volunteer leave
Consultation services by occupational health staff and introduction of external EAP (Employee Assistance Program) services
Regular employees' cancer insurance enrollment
GLTD insurance for regular employees
Initiatives for early detection of medically unexplained symptoms
(thyroid function test, ferritin level measurement, uterine ovarian cancer tumor marker test)
Work Support Bonus

Enhancement of work engagement

The Group has conducted an engagement survey of all employees since FY2021. The response rate has remained high at 100% and continues as a measure to hear the real voices of our employees. Among the various engagement-related indicators, we have established indicators for work engagement, which consists of "vitality, enthusiasm, and commitment" to work, and for mental toughness, which focuses on the "ability to solve problems" when faced with difficulties. We focus on the fact that both of these abilities can be developed through organizational efforts, and aim for the autonomous growth of employees and the further enhancement of creativity in the organization as a whole.

Health management KPIs and other indicators

* Click on the image to enlarge it. (Japanese version only)

* Click on the image to enlarge it. (Japanese version only)

Health Management Strategy Map

ASKA Pharmaceutical Holdings promotes health management by implementing a variety of measures.

Health Management Strategy Map

Basic Measures

Examples of Major Measures

Corporate Identity Project

ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., the origin of ASKA Pharmaceutical Holdings, is a company that has been in business for 105 years. In order to continue the heritage that we have built up to this point into the future together with our employees, we are implementing a corporate identity project.
This project focuses on our company's identity and is an initiative that links to the health of our employees. Every year, we set a theme and conduct optional tests during regular health check-ups, with the company covering all costs. We are working to improve health literacy by raising awareness of diseases related to the theme, holding lectures by medical professionals, and providing e-learning, etc., to enable early detection of medically unexplained symptoms and disease prevention among employees.

FY	Theme	Details of the test	Initiatives
2021	Thyroid	Thyroid function tests （TSH･FT3･FT4）	Distribution of disease awareness pamphlets and provision of information from in-house specialist departments
2022	Anemia Reprpductive cancer	・Measurement of ferritin levels (stored iron levels) ・Cervical and ovarian cancer screening (tumor markers) ・Prostate cancer (PSA) screening (for those aged 50 and over)	・Mint+ anemia improvement menu recipes served in the staff cafeteria ・Lecture “Iron-deficiency anemia -the effects of iron on the body and mind-”Dr. Chieko Musha, Director of the Chieko Otsuki Clinic
2023	Stomach cancer Reproductive cancer	・ABC antibody test (stomach cancer risk test) or blood-based Helicobacter pylori antibody test ・Breast cancer and cervical cancer tests ・Prostate cancer (PSA) test (for those aged 50 and over)	・Lecture: Employees and their families participated “Let's prevent cervical cancer!”
2024	Thyroid glandReproductive cancer Female body and health	・Thyroid function tests （TSH･FT3･FT4）・Prostate cancer (PSA) test (for those aged 50 and over)	・Lecture: Employees and their families　participated “Understanding thyroid function and disease - Key points to know”Dr. Ai Yoshihara, Chief of Internal Medicine, Ito Hospital ・Regular employees are covered by cancer insurance ・Menstrual pain experience event ・Introduction of “Mint+ femknowledge”, a video service related to women's health

When Mint+ Health Lab for women’s health, Mint+, conducted a survey for their company, the percentage of women who answered that they felt sluggish and tired was 1.7 times higher than the percentage of men, highlighting the fact that many female employees suffer from some kind of medically unexplained symptoms.Since “feeling sluggish and easily fatigued” is included in the symptoms of abnormal thyroid function, we conduct thyroid function tests (TSH, FT3, FT4) on a regular cycle to help detect and prevent medically unexplained symptoms. In response to our efforts to address the thyroid gland, which is one of our corporate identities, 89.6% of employees responded that they thought it was a good initiative.
In addition, participants in the lecture series given by thyroid specialist doctors, which was planned in collaboration with relevant departments within the company, responded that it was “helpful for maintaining their own health (90%)” and “satisfied with the content of the training (93%)”. Furthermore, in FY2024, with the aim of deepening understanding of women's bodies and health, we introduced a period pain experience event and the “Mint⁺ femknowledge” video service on women's health.

Cafeteria Collaboration Project with Health Lab Mint⁺ for Women’s health

ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has established the Health Lab Mint⁺ for Women’s health to provide society with tips on how women can live a healthy and fulfilling life.

The lab provides the general public with accurate information on women's bodies and health by staying attuned to women's unique and painful symptoms for a wide range of life stages.

In FY2021, Mint⁺ developed a variety of activities, including online events on infertility and the distribution of supplementary material for high school health and physical education on sexuality education. In-house, healthy recipes published by the Health Lab Mint⁺ for Women’s health were incorporated into the menu of the company cafeteria and offered to employees.

We will continue to actively disseminate information internally and externally to contribute to women's health.

Health Lab Mint⁺ for Women’s health (Japanese version only)

Introduction of the Health Promotion App “QOLism”

Starting in fiscal 2025, we introduced the health promotion app QOLism for all group employees to encourage improvements in lifestyle habits and to enhance health literacy. At our headquarters, Shonan Research Center, and Iwaki Plant, we also hold regular events such as “Veggie Check” (measuring vegetable intake) and vascular age measurement to further raise health awareness.

Support employee health by recording steps, weight, and meals, measuring sleep, conducting mental self-checks, and distributing periodic information (columns and videos).

Scene of Veg-Check and Vascular Age Measurement Event (Left: Head Office, Right: Shonan Research Center)

Other Measures

Cafeteria entrance
Cafeteria entrance

Let’s Get Healthy Together!
Clinic Collaboration Project
Offering Healthy Menu Options
Let’s Get Healthy Together!
Fresh Vegetable Delivery Project
Supplying vegetables grown on our farm to each workplace
Vending machines - Healthy beverage recommendations

Smoke-Free Recommendation Day
No-smoking day (The day of Swan Swan)）
Intranet
Health website / Infectious disease prevention website

Health Management Dissemination Activities

The Company actively utilizes information exchange with other organizations to plan and promote health management initiatives.
Furthermore, by collaborating with supply chain partners, the Company shares best practices related to the implementation of health management, compliance with occupational health and safety laws, and the acquisition of various certifications, thereby promoting the health and well-being of everyone involved in our business activities.
In addition, leveraging the Company's unique strengths in the fields of thyroid and obstetrics & gynecology, the company is dedicated to promoting health management initiatives to external organizations, including companies and local governments of all sizes.
Through these efforts, the Company particularly advances women’s health support and contribute to raising health awareness across society as a whole.

*Activity record (as of the end of July 2025)
　FY2024: Seminars/Workshops – 6 organizations (6 sessions); Health & Productivity Management Advisory – 3 organizations (3 sessions)
　FY2025: Seminars/Workshops – 15 organizations (17 sessions); Health & Productivity Management Advisory – 13 organizations (13 sessions)

Partnership Building Declaration[PDF](Japanese version only)

In October 2018, the Company joined the KENKO KIGYOKAI corporate community as part of its health management initiatives.

The KENKO KIGYOKAI corporate community was established in 2016 by 14 companies under the leadership of top management that earnestly consider the health promotion of their employees. Sixty-two companies are currently active in the community.

The main focus of the community's activities is for member companies to gather on a volunteer basis to exchange opinions and learn from each other on common health promotion themes (health checkups, exercise habits, diet improvement, and non-smoking, etc.). The results are widely disclosed to non-member companies, with the aim of contributing to the dissemination of health management.

External Evaluation

In March 2026, ASKA Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd. was certified as a “Certified Health & Productivity Management Organization 2026 (Large Enterprise Category)”, a program jointly administered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Japan Health Council. Through continuous efforts to promote employee health and work style reform, ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has been certified for eight consecutive years (including seven times as a “White 500” company), and ASKA Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd. for five consecutive years (including four times as a “White 500” company).

Year	External evaluation
2026	Recognized as a “Certified Health & Productivity Management Organization 2026 (Large Enterprise Category)” (ASKA Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd.) ASKA Pharmaceutical Holdings Group Recognized as Enterprise in Outstanding Organizations of KENKO Investment for Health Program (Large Enterprise Category) for Eighth Consecutive Year [PDF]
2025	Recognized as a White 500 enterprise under the 2025 Certified Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organizations Recognition Program (ASKA Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd.) ASKA Pharmaceutical Holdings Recognized as White 500 Enterprise for Seventh Consecutive Year[PDF]
	Received Healthy Company Declaration Gold Certificate （ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.） The “Health Company Declaration” initiative is an effort to support the achievement of the Japan Health Council’s “Declaration 2020 for Healthy Communities and Workplace Health Promotion,” which aims to increase the number of companies engaging in health declarations—with support from insurers such as the Japan Health Insurance Association (Kyokai Kenpo)—to at least 10,000 (currently 30,000 or more).
	DBJ Employees' Health Management Rated Loan Program The DBJ Employees' Health Management Rated Loan Program is the world’s first financing menu to incorporate health management ratings. Using a proprietary screening system, DBJ rates enterprises on the quality of their care for employee health and working conditions. In FY2024, the Company was recognized for its "particularly advanced and outstanding in its efforts to consider the health of its employees" and received the highest rating.
2024	Recognized as a “White 500” company under the 2024 Certified Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organization program (ASKA Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd.) ASKA Pharmaceutical Holdings Recognized as a White 500 enterprise for the Sixth Consecutive Year[PDF] *Japanese version only
2024	Received Healthy Company Declaration Gold Certificate （ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.） The “Health Company Declaration” initiative is an effort to support the achievement of the Japan Health Council’s “Declaration 2020 for Healthy Communities and Workplace Health Promotion,” which aims to increase the number of companies engaging in health declarations—with support from insurers such as the Japan Health Insurance Association (Kyokai Kenpo)—to at least 10,000 (currently 30,000 or more).
2023	Recognized as a “White 500” company under the 2023 Certified Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organization program (ASKA Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd.)
2023	Received Healthy Company Declaration Gold Certificate （ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.） The “Health Company Declaration” initiative is an effort to support the achievement of the Japan Health Council’s “Declaration 2020 for Healthy Communities and Workplace Health Promotion,” which aims to increase the number of companies engaging in health declarations—with support from insurers such as the Japan Health Insurance Association (Kyokai Kenpo)—to at least 10,000 (currently 30,000 or more).
2022	Received Healthy Company Declaration Gold Certificate （ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.） The “Health Company Declaration” initiative is an effort to support the achievement of the Japan Health Council’s “Declaration 2020 for Healthy Communities and Workplace Health Promotion,” which aims to increase the number of companies engaging in health declarations—with support from insurers such as the Japan Health Insurance Association (Kyokai Kenpo)—to at least 10,000 (currently 30,000 or more).
2022	Recognized as a “White 500” company under the 2022 Certified Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organization program (ASKA Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd.)
2021	Received Healthy Company Declaration Gold Certificate （ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.） The “Health Company Declaration” initiative is an effort to support the achievement of the Japan Health Council’s “Declaration 2020 for Healthy Communities and Workplace Health Promotion,” which aims to increase the number of companies engaging in health declarations—with support from insurers such as the Japan Health Insurance Association (Kyokai Kenpo)—to at least 10,000 (currently 30,000 or more).
2021	Recognized as a “White 500” company under the 2021 Certified Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organization program （ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.）
2020	Recognized as a “White 500” company under the 2020 Certified Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organization program （ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.）
2019	Received Healthy Company Declaration Silver Certificate （ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.） The “Health Company Declaration” initiative is an effort to support the achievement of the Japan Health Council’s “Declaration 2020 for Healthy Communities and Workplace Health Promotion,” which aims to increase the number of companies engaging in health declarations—with support from insurers such as the Japan Health Insurance Association (Kyokai Kenpo)—to at least 10,000 (currently 30,000 or more).
2019	Recognized as a “White 500” company under the 2018 Certified Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organization program （ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.）

Health Management Initiatives