Establishment of the "ZOZOdeaf Community" for Employees with Hearing Disabilities and the Hosting of Sign Language Workshops for Staff

In November 2023, we launched the "ZOZOdeaf Community," a community for our employees with hearing disabilities, and have been regularly conducting sign language workshops for interested employees.

The ZOZOdeaf Community was established to allow individuals with hearing disabilities, working across various locations and departments, to share their experiences and insights with one another. Through this community, members exchange information on challenges they face and share creative solutions to facilitate smoother operations within their work, fostering a culture of open communication and knowledge sharing. This active exchange of information has made the community a valuable resource for individuals with hearing disabilities.

In preparation for the 'ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP,' a PGA TOUR tournament for which our company was the title sponsor, held from October 19th to 22nd, 2023, members of the ZOZOdeaf Community led sign language workshops for employees responsible for customer service and guidance on the day. These workshops were tailored by the community members to meet specific needs, offering employees the chance to learn sign language.

＜Founder's Vision＞

Driven by my own experiences with hearing disability, I founded this community with the hope that no one would give up on their aspirations due to their disabilities. After sharing "sign language songs" set to my favorite music internally, the initiative received a significant response, leading to the establishment of club activities and a growing interest in sign language. Through these efforts, I aim to spread the joy of sign language to more employees, fostering an enjoyable work environment for everyone, regardless of whether they have a disability.

Moving forward, our company will continue to strive to create an environment where every individual can realize their potential, through the promotion of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI).