TOKYO, March 24, 2026 — Kirin Holdings Company, Limited has been officially certified as a “Health Management Excellence Corporation 2026 (White 500)” by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Japan Health Council, following the announcement made on March 9. The recognition highlights companies that demonstrate outstanding commitment to health management practices in close cooperation with health insurers, and it places Kirin among the leading organizations in Japan promoting employee well-being as a core management priority.
The certification is part of Japan’s broader initiative to encourage corporations to embed health-focused strategies into their business operations, not only to enhance productivity but also to improve quality of life for employees and their families. By receiving the White 500 designation for 2026, Kirin is acknowledged for its structured, long-term approach to employee health management and its consistent efforts to build a workplace culture centered on well-being.
Kirin Holdings Company, Limited has been advancing its corporate direction under the long-term vision “Innovate2035!” which aims to energize global society by positioning the company as a leading CSV (Creating Shared Value) enterprise. This vision emphasizes continuous innovation powered by both human capital and technological advancement. At the heart of this strategy is the belief that corporate growth should go hand in hand with positive contributions to society.
As part of this vision, Kirin has identified three key focus areas that define its long-term societal contribution: “Health and Well-Being,” “Community Engagement,” and “The Environment.” Among these, health and well-being play a foundational role. The company emphasizes that a healthy workforce is essential to achieving sustainable growth and fulfilling its broader mission of contributing to a more vibrant and prosperous society.
Given its strong presence in the alcoholic beverage industry, Kirin has also underscored its “Responsibility of Kirin Group which runs Alcoholic Beverage Business,” recognizing the importance of promoting responsible consumption and health awareness. This responsibility extends beyond product development into corporate culture, employee engagement, and community outreach.
The company believes that employee health—covering physical, mental, and social well-being—is the most important foundation for achieving its long-term objectives. In line with this philosophy, Kirin has implemented a wide range of workplace initiatives designed to support healthier lifestyles and improve overall employee wellness. These include flexible working arrangements, mental health support programs, preventive health checkups, and lifestyle improvement campaigns aimed at encouraging balanced daily habits.
In recent years, Kirin Holdings Company, Limited has further strengthened its internal health governance framework. The company has expanded its wellness programs globally, ensuring that employees across all regions benefit from consistent standards of care and support. These initiatives are designed not only to address existing health concerns but also to prevent future risks by promoting proactive engagement with health science and data-driven wellness solutions.
A significant milestone in this journey came in February 2026, when Kirin renewed its previous “Kirin Health Declaration” and upgraded it to the “Kirin Group’s Well-being Statement.” This updated declaration reflects a broader and more holistic understanding of employee well-being, incorporating physical health, mental resilience, social connection, and workplace fulfillment. The statement serves as a guiding principle across the entire Kirin Group, both domestically and internationally.
Through this renewed framework, the company aims to create an organizational environment where employees can experience greater fulfillment and joy in their work. It also reflects Kirin’s commitment to fostering a corporate culture that values diversity, flexibility, and inclusion, enabling individuals to thrive regardless of their role or location.
Looking ahead, Kirin plans to continue advancing its “Health Management” initiatives by leveraging its expertise in the Health Science domain. This includes integrating scientific research, data analytics, and behavioral insights into its wellness strategies. By doing so, the company aims to develop more personalized and effective health support systems for employees.
The company also places strong emphasis on improving health literacy across its workforce. As a major beverage manufacturer, Kirin encourages employees to take an active role in understanding health-related information, particularly in areas such as nutrition, lifestyle balance, and responsible alcohol consumption. The company believes its employees should serve as role models for society by demonstrating informed and responsible choices.
Furthermore, Kirin Holdings Company, Limited is working to establish safe, supportive, and flexible working environments that enable employees to maintain both productivity and well-being. This includes workplace safety improvements, mental health awareness programs, and initiatives that encourage open communication between employees and management.
The certification by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Japan Health Council underscores Kirin’s achievements in aligning corporate performance with employee well-being. Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (Japan) plays a key role in promoting industrial policy and corporate responsibility frameworks in Japan, while Japan Health Council supports national efforts to advance workplace health standards and recognize companies that excel in health management practices.
In addition to internal improvements, Kirin continues to emphasize its broader social mission. The company seeks to contribute to a society rich in emotional and cultural vitality by spreading new value in food, beverages, and health. Its approach integrates respect for nature, sustainability principles, and human-centered innovation, ensuring that its business activities generate long-term benefits for both society and the environment.
Through these efforts, Kirin Holdings Company, Limited reinforces its position as a leading global company committed not only to business growth but also to the well-being of its employees and communities. By embedding health management into its corporate DNA, Kirin aims to create a workplace where individuals can work energetically, live healthily, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Source Link:https://www.kirinholdings.com/
