Together with Pfizer's Nagoya plant, every year we hold a "science school" for nearby elementary and middle school students to show them that science is fun. We offer a range of activities, including lectures and laboratory tours to explain the process of making medicines, and mini-experiments such as fluorescent chemical reactions, slime-making and blowing giant bubbles.

These programs aimed at elementary and middle school students have the full support of the local education board as a helpful part of the schools' curriculum.

This is a valuable effort that conveys the fun and importance of science to the community, along with creating opportunities for children to participate in science.

The Ministry of Education and Science has designated high schools that focus intensively on math and science education as "super science high schools" as a way to foster future scientists and technology experts. Every year, RaQualia Pharma takes in students of these designated schools in Aichi Prefecture, where we are located, and introduces them to the pharmaceutical-making process and gives tours of laboratories outfitted with the latest research equipment. We also arrange forums for discussions with senior researchers, and talk about the appeal, dreams and value of the work of creating new medications. We hope these visits are useful and perhaps lead to more students choosing the path of science.

In response to a request from the nuclear safety unit of the Ministry of Education and Science's Science-Technology Education Policy Bureau, we provided devices that measure radiation (three gamma ray survey meters and two beta-gamma ray survey meters) to assist the region that suffered the effects of the earthquake off the coast of northeastern Japan in March 2011.

We offer our sympathies to those who were affected by the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, and pray for the speedy recovery of the disaster zone.