Apr 16, 2009

Support for raising literacy rates among refugee children Takings from 2nd set of Toppan Charity Concerts donated to the Japan Association for UNHCR

Following concerts held in 2008, Toppan Printing (hereafter Toppan Printing; Head office: Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo; President & CEO: Mr. Naoki Adachi) held a 2nd set of Toppan Charity Concerts on Friday the 6th and Saturday the 7th of March, 2009 at Toppan Hall, and donated 2,465,000 yen to the Japan Association for UNHCR, a specified non-profit organization. The Japan Association for UNHCR is the official point of contact in Japan for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which provides protection and support for refugees.

The Toppan Charity Concerts are concerts held to support efforts to raise literacy rates among children for whom access to education is limited. Performances were given on March 6th by violinist Ai Okumura, well known for wide ranging activities including commercial, television and radio performances, and pianist Takehiko Yamada. On Saturday March 7th, a performance was given by pianist Izumi Tateno, who creates a rich expressive sound through using his left hand only. On both days the hall was filled with various beautiful sounds in a warm atmosphere.

Aware of the objective of holding theses concerts, the performers also asked for cooperation with donations in the intervals between pieces of music. The collected money was combined with contributions from the concert and will be used for literacy education for Rohingya refugee children displaced from Myanmar and living in 2 refugee camps (*) in Bangladesh.

Violinist Ai Okumura and pianist Takehiko Yamada
Copyright 2009 TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD. Pianist Izumi Tateno
Copyright 2009 TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.

Toppan Printing would like to contribute broadly to the development of information and culture through operations centered around printing. In marking 100 years since the company’s founding, the Printing Museum and Toppan Hall, a venue for classical music, were established in the Toppan Koishikawa Building in Bunkyo Ward in the year 2000. These facilities are the focus of activities to contribute to society and culture that include the holding of free lunchtime concerts for nurturing young musicians in addition to regular concerts.

In September 2006, Toppan Printing announced its participation in and support for the Global Compact advocated by the United Nations. The company recognizes that it is now more important than ever to take a global perspective in addressing social issues and will promote activities to contribute to international society in various forms. Website for 2nd Set of Toppan Charity Concerts

* An area designated as a focus of support by the UNHCR in 2009. Literacy rates within the camp are low and therefore the need for literacy education is high.