Preservation Activities at Hamura R&D Center
For two years in 2020 and 2021, Casio’s activities to preserve rare species on its grounds were restricted in line with restrictions on movement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, beginning in 2022, while giving consideration to infection risk, it was again possible to carry out artificial pollination and bagging aimed at propagating the Golden Orchid and Silver Orchid on the grounds of the Hamura R&D Center of Casio Computer Co., Ltd. In 2023, the Hamura R&D Center also carried out artificial pollination and bagging, and two new Golden Orchids and one new Silver Orchid were discovered at different locations on its grounds at around the same time.
Two golden orchids found at Hamura R&D center on 21 April,2023
To address aging buildings, reconstruction is planned at the Hamura R&D Center in the near future. Therefore, in preparation for the eventuality that transplantation becomes necessary, young trees (Quercus serrata, Lithocarpus edulis) from species that can form symbiotic relationships with their surroundings were planted, with reference to academic literature. In addition, in order to avoid the adverse impact of Japanagromyza tokunagai and aphids, employee volunteers put up new nets using new methods and improvements.
Planting in rainy weather thought to be good for taking root
New net with new method
Furthermore, in 2022, Japanese sparrowhawks, which are birds of prey, nested in a zelkova tree on the grounds of the Hamura R&D Center. The Japanese sparrowhawks previously nested in a park on the south side of the grounds. However, they nested in the same zelkova tree in 2023, the following year, perhaps deciding they could raise their young more safely on the grounds, and chicks left the nest for the second year in a row.
Location of the Japanese sparrowhawks’ nest
Parent bird and three chicks