Nakayoku Stories
25.10.22
Collaborations with Partners
Overseas Activities
We create kind connections throughout the world and promote the importance of “Minna Nakayoku” (Getting Along Together).
Sophia Lee
Sanrio Taiwan Co., Ltd. COO
Profile
Ms. Lee joined Sanrio’s overseas subsidiary Sanrio Taiwan in 2006. She began her career in the legal department, which manages intellectual property rights, and later served as manager of the general affairs, human resources, and information systems departments. Since 2013, she has overseen the overall management of Sanrio Taiwan as COO.
*All affiliations and positions presented in this section as of the time of the interview.
Sanrio Taiwan has been actively engaging in social contribution activities since 2010. In a recent initiative, with support from headquarters, the company organized an event with The Children Charity that teaches self-expression through music and dance to children with hearing impairments and intellectual or developmental disabilities. We asked COO Lee about the event and Sanrio Taiwan’s ongoing commitment to social engagement.
For over a decade, we have actively engaged with society as an expression of our gratitude to the communities that support us
Sanrio Taiwan has been visiting children’s facilities and hospitals, donating products and organizing character visits to pediatric facilities and hospitals since 2010 when we visited premature infants and their families at a hospital in Tainan. We also conduct activities to strengthen our connection with local communities, such as charity events with Sanrio fans and joint initiatives with partner companies. We recognize that our business is only possible with the support of the communities we serve, and these activities reflect on our ongoing commitment to giving back and expressing our appreciation.
Every employee participates at least once as a member of the social contribution team that plans and executes the community activities. To ensure a company-wide perspective and smooth coordination, the team is composed of members from every department—including design, sales, general affairs, and legal. Members also encourage others in their departments to participate, helping to build broader awareness and engagement across the organization.
The activities showed me that we can create smiles and connections with people
Sanrio Taiwan regularly donates products and presents Sanrio Character Aid through The Children Charity. The Japan headquarters recently helped us put on a cookie decoration class where children used chocolate pens to draw pictures on cookies, then presented them with thank-you message cards to a person dear to them. The program showed the children a way to express their feelings as well as the importance of sharing their feelings.
The program was very moving. One boy who was previously in the program came back as a volunteer to help his younger brother. After the program concluded, one girl quietly collected the leftover chocolate pens and, with great care and enthusiasm, decorated one final cookie for another person special to her.
The program reminded me how we create smiles and connections between people. I believe contributing to society is not something special, but a way of treating others that is part of our daily lives.
Creating spaces and connections that bring people closer with kindness
In modern society, we face many invisible barriers, such as disparities in educational environments, isolation in an aging population, and fragmented information. In these circumstances, Sanrio characters have the unique ability to gently reach people’s hearts and foster connections of kindness among people with different backgrounds and life situations. While making the most of our attractive characters, we look forward to expanding the scope of these activities by collaborating with senior care facilities, local communities, and educational institutions. Through the Sanrio Nakayoku Project, we are not merely promoting an image of “cuteness,” we are using our characters as bright spots in society that help people feel closer to one another. We look forward to creating more spaces and connections for companies and communities, individuals and society to come together and build meaningful bonds.
Comments
Creating a plan together for the children
In Taiwan, 3 to 5 out of every 1,000 babies are born with congenital hearing impairment—facing greater challenges from the very beginning of life.
The Children Charity has long supported the growth and development of children with hearing impairments. Through music and rhythm-based lessons, we help children improve their ability to perceive sound, build self-confidence, and receive the support they need to grow and thrive.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Sanrio Nakayoku Project for its warm and generous support. Thanks to everyone involved, the children experienced a truly joyful and heartwarming time. They were thrilled to meet the beloved Hello Kitty and delighted to decorate and enjoy the beautifully made cookies. The morning was filled with smiles and laughter, making wonderful and unforgettable memories. As Chairperson, I deeply felt how meaningful this experience was for the children—it gave them confidence, strength, and a sense of connection that will stay with them as they grow.
Again, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Sanrio for joining us and demonstrating through action how warmth and kindness can be shared throughout society. We remain committed to supporting all children and helping them grow up strong and healthy, surrounded by love and understanding.
Association Chairperson
The Children Charity