TANAKA Precious Metal Group Co., Ltd. recently participated in the Girls Meet STEM program, an initiative aimed at encouraging female junior high and high school students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The event was organized by the Yamada Shintaro D&I Foundation in collaboration with educational and corporate partners, including TANAKA.
The program, themed “Gold Is More Than Bars and Jewelry! Discover Gold in Everyday Life and Explore Careers in Gold and STEM,” included a plant tour at TANAKA's Shonan Plant on August 6, 2026. Twenty students, selected by lottery, attended the event, which provided insights into the company's operations in precious metal recycling and analysis.
Participants had the opportunity to observe the process of recycling precious metals from scrap materials and engage in hands-on experiences with gold bullion. The event also featured a roundtable discussion with female employees from STEM backgrounds, offering students a chance to learn about career paths and the roles these professionals play within TANAKA.
The initiative is part of TANAKA's broader efforts to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the STEM fields, aiming to inspire the younger generation to pursue varied career paths without being limited by traditional gender roles or educational boundaries.
The DE&I lead at TANAKA expressed a commitment to continuing such initiatives, highlighting the importance of connecting young participants to STEM fields and encouraging them to reflect on their career aspirations. The company plans to maintain its focus on communicating the societal importance of precious metals and creating educational opportunities for future generations.
The Girls Meet STEM program, supported by the Yamada Shintaro D&I Foundation, seeks to address the gender gap in STEM by providing female students with firsthand experiences in real-world STEM environments. The foundation, established by Shintaro Yamada, CEO of Mercari, Inc., aims to promote diversity and inclusion across various sectors.