Having Fun While Contributing to the Local Community

The Daihatsu Satsuki Kai has 16 branches nationwide. In addition to hobby club activities and seasonal events, each branch conducts a wide range of volunteer activities, such as holding shimenawa decoration workshops and bamboo craft classes together with children from the local community.
“I enjoy doing volunteer activities myself. You can’t keep doing anything unless you enjoy it,” said one of the organizers.
The Daihatsu Satsuki Kai, together with the Daihatsu workers union, participates annually in the Ikeda Yume Toka event at the Ikeda Plant No. 1 and No. 2 branches, and has served on the executive committee since the very first event 24 years ago.
Ikeda Yume Toka is an annual event held in September at the Suigetsu Park grounds in Hachizuka, Ikeda City, praying for the peace and safety of children around the world.

On August 23, members of the Daihatsu Satsuki Kai Ikeda Plant No. 1 and No. 2 branches and the Daihatsu workers union youth group gathered to craft bamboo lanterns that will illuminate the venue on the day of the Ikeda Yume Toka event.

—I hear that the Ikeda Plant No. 2 branch participates in the Ikeda Yume Toka event every year.

Tsunoda, Ikeda Plant No. 2 branch

Yes, that’s right. Every year as summer approaches, I think, “Ah, Yume Toka is coming up.” I’m building my stamina by playing table tennis once a week—not that it’s purely for that purpose.
Aside from this Yume Toka event, we at the Ikeda Plant No. 2 branch actively engage in local volunteer activities.
For example, we take part in cleanup volunteer work at Toyoshima Park in Ishibashi. It was a bit hot this year, so the number of participants dropped a little… But we’re continuing the activity in the hope that through the cleanup, we can build connections with the local community.

Tsunoda, Ikeda Plant No. 2 branch

—How many years have you been involved with the activities of Ikeda Yume Toka?

Inada, Ikeda Plant No. 2 branch

It’s been over 10 years now. Making bamboo lanterns is really fun. I also make candles with the elementary school children, which is another great source of fun. It’s a chance to talk directly with elementary school students. I visit about four schools every year. Would you like to join us? You’re more than welcome.

Inada, Ikeda Plant No. 2 branch

—Many members of the Satsuki Kai participate in this event. How do you feel about interacting and working alongside your seniors?

Yamanaka, Daihatsu workers union

This year is my second time participating, so I’m working while recalling my experience from last year. It’s nice to be able to work while interacting with people I don’t usually have much contact with.

Yamanaka, Daihatsu workers union

After the event concluded, we received a few words from Maeda, a member of the Satsuki Kai who served as the executive committee chairperson, and Shima, the event organizer!

Being “One Team” With Daihatsu Even After Retirement

We talked to the Eastern region chairperson Kochibe of Daihatsu Satsuki Kai about the founding of the organization and its future activities!

—When did the Daihatsu Satsuki Kai start?
It seems it originally started in 1954, when the then-management and alumni gathered to establish it (the retirement age at the time was 55). I heard that Ise, the managing director at the time (later president), who supported the purpose, named it “Satsuki Kai” in reference to the season when the fresh green color of spring leaves is at its most vibrant and refreshing.

—Looking back, it has a history spanning over 70 years!
Amid changing social conditions, such as the separation of the Diesel Division and the extension of the retirement age to 60, we reviewed our purpose of activities. As a result, aiming to launch an alumni association with a new direction, the current Daihatsu Satsuki Kai was born. This year marks its 37th anniversary. It now consists of approximately 4,500 members nationwide, and I’m serving as its 9th chairperson.

—Besides the volunteer activities introduced this time, what other activities do you engage in?
Since it’s a group of seniors (laughs), we have plenty of time, so everyone spends it meaningfully on hobbies, local community activities, and the like.
The Satsuki Kai activities are primarily organized by branch, but members also engage in various volunteer activities within their respective local communities.
For the entire Satsuki Kai, there’s an annual headquarters general meeting. With many members participating, it’s like a small reunion. In the fall, we hold hobby exhibitions and golf competitions, and in the spring, we host karaoke festivals and more, all designed for everyone’s enjoyment.
This year’s hobby exhibition will be held at D-Terrace in Ikeda Plant 1st District. This decision was made with the hope that current employees would also have the opportunity to view the exhibits.

Hobby exhibition

After retirement, social connections tend to become sparse. Therefore, in line with Satsuki Kai’s slogan, “Creating Purpose for a New Life,” each branch actively organizes activities centered around its organizers. The goal is to enrich members’ golden years by fostering connections with peers through local community activities and hobbies, even after leaving the workforce.

—Finally, please share a few words about the future of Daihatsu Satsuki Kai.
Even after turning 60, many people still don’t feel like they’ve truly hit retirement age. As they contemplate how to spend their golden years beyond this point, the activities of Daihatsu Satsuki Kai provide a place to interact with many others. I believe the encounters and experiences here will become a powerful force for deepening their sense of purpose and joy in the years ahead.
Daihatsu Satsuki Kai is an organization funded by contributions from both the company and the workers union. In that sense, even after retiring from the company, everyone continues to think about what they can do for Daihatsu.
Moving forward, Daihatsu Satsuki Kai wishes to continue its activities in the spirit of being “One Team” with Daihatsu.

Conclusion

It’s been four years since I became a member of the Satsuki Kai, and what I’ve come to feel is that the members of the Daihatsu Satsuki Kai hold a very passionate affection for “Daihatsu Motor,” the company where they worked for many years and which nurtured them. After leaving the company, they continue to take great pride in it. As one of these members, I’m truly delighted to have the opportunity to share my colleagues’ activities and their feelings toward the company with all current employees!

Thank you for reading until the end!
Well, that’s it from Ishida! Time to head out!