When we think about the future of society, local communities still hold vast untapped potential. By connecting people and bringing together knowledge across different fields and perspectives, the range of possibilities for the future can continue to expand. Today, forward-looking initiatives that embrace this potential are emerging across many regions. The future of a community is not shaped by a select few. Many people feel a desire to "do something for their community." However, turning that intention into sustained action often comes with practical challenges, such as planning capabilities, operational know-how, and securing sufficient human resources.

NEC's pro bono activities aim to ensure that these aspirations do not fade away. By leveraging the diverse expertise of its employees, NEC helps transform the desire to act into tangible, sustainable initiatives. One such example is the support provided to "Shibahama Cruise," a seminar and networking event held at Mita Library in Minato City.

Turning community activities into sustainable momentum

"Shibahama Cruise" is a platform designed to bring together people engaged in community activities under the theme of "creating a vibrant and inclusive local environment where everyone can thrive."It provides opportunities for participants to learn from one another and build meaningful connections. At the same time, the initiative faced challenges in areas such as event management expertise and staffing capacity, making it difficult to fully realize its vision despite strong motivation.

From April 2025 to March 2026, NEC Pro Bono Club members provided hands-on, collaborative support across a series of six seminars. Their involvement went beyond simple assistance; they worked alongside organizers in a co-creation approach, supporting the entire process, including speaker selection and outreach, promotional flyer design, venue setup, event facilitation, and participant engagement on the day of each event.

Strengthened on the ground: the capabilities of NEC employees

Through this initiative, NEC Pro Bono Club members had the opportunity to engage with speakers active across diverse fields, broadening their perspectives while also strengthening their ability to respond flexibly in real-world settings with limited resources.

They also learned from the skills of local partners, such as graphic recording, which visually captures discussions in real time. By making conversations visible, this approach deepened mutual understanding among participants and served as a valuable tool for reflection afterward. Experiencing its impact firsthand brought new insights into how employees approach their own work and collaboration.

Unlocking new possibilities in a public space: the library

For the Minato City Mita Library, the Shibahama Cruise initiative represented a new and ambitious step forward.

By introducing themes and formats different from conventional library programs, the events attracted a new and more diverse group of participants. This revealed the potential for libraries to evolve—from places primarily for borrowing books into spaces where people connect, learn, and engage with one another. The experience demonstrated that, with the right content, libraries can become vibrant hubs for community learning and interaction. These insights are expected to inform future community programs and library operations.

NEC's Purpose comes to life through action

The NEC Group's Purpose is to "create the social values of safety, security, fairness, and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential."

As seen in initiatives like the Shibahama Cruise pro bono project, this Purpose takes shape through the actions of each employee engaging directly with society. By listening to community voices, embracing challenges as their own, and working together to co-create solutions, employees help generate new possibilities for local communities. At the same time, the dialogue and connections formed through this process expand the perspectives and values of NEC employees themselves.

The experience cultivated through Shibahama Cruise does not end with a single initiative. The desire to "do something" is transformed into action and carried forward as a driving force for future steps by each participating employee. 
 
NEC will continue to put its Purpose into practice through pro bono initiatives, supporting the future of both people and society.

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In 2010, NEC became the first company in Japan to launch a pro bono program. 
A decade later, in 2020, employee volunteers from the NEC Group established the NEC Pro Bono Club, a pro bono community helping to address challenges faced by local communities, NGOs, NPOs, educational institutions, and others. Today, the NEC Pro Bono Club comprises approximately 900 employees.