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Protecting the Ocean with Drones - Selected for METI's "300 Excellent Small and Medium Enterprises and Small Businesses That Shine"

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Hokumei Sangyo Co., Ltd., a member of the Yurihama Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has been selected for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's (METI) "300 Excellent Small and Medium Enterprises and Small Businesses That Shine" for fiscal year 2025. The company is developing a business that significantly improves the efficiency and safety of marine debris collection using drones, and was recognized in the "Growth Strategy and Productivity Improvement" category.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kind of award is the "300 Excellent Small and Medium Enterprises and Small Businesses That Shine" for which Hokumei Sangyo Co., Ltd. was selected?
A: It is a program by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency that selects 300 small and medium-sized enterprises and small businesses nationwide that have achieved outstanding results through unique technologies, services, and regional contributions, overcoming various challenges.
Q: What is unique about Hokumei Sangyo's marine debris cleaning business?
A: It utilizes drones for transporting marine debris, with the company independently developing a system capable of carrying 15-30 kg flexible container bags, thereby improving work efficiency and safety.
Q: How is this business being expanded nationwide?
A: They have established the "Japan Drone Association for Marine Debris Recovery Promotion" and are expanding nationwide by providing drone rentals, know-how, and information sharing.
Q: Are there other applications for the drones?
A: Applications in disaster prevention, such as transporting supplies during disasters and delivering goods to mountainous areas, are also expected. An experiment to air-lift live mackerel was also conducted.
Q: What are the main businesses of Hokumei Sangyo Co., Ltd.?
A: They are involved in the manufacturing and sales of greening base materials and horticultural soil, as well as waste disposal. The marine debris cleaning business is a newly focused area.