1952

A Spirit of Service that Impressed the Social Entrepreneurs of the World

The success of the Tokusen Metal plant operated by visually impaired people themselves became widely known around the world, and a number of famous people came to visit the factory: these included the renowned social entrepreneur Toyohiko Kagawa and wealthy philanthropist John D. Rockefeller III. Mr. Rockefeller was impressed by the way employees did their jobs with single-minded focus, and moreover, with pride. After he returned to the United States, he sent a letter reiterating those feelings. Tokuji’s support for persons with disabilities to become independent had also impressed global philanthropists. In addition, Tokuji continued to hold exchanges with a wide range of social entrepreneurs, and demonstrated this spirit of service such as by supporting facilities to assist older visually handicapped individuals.