Shareholder Benefits in Japan
In Japan, there is a system called “Kabunushi Yūtai” (株主優待), or shareholder benefits.
It allows shareholders who hold a certain number of shares in a company to receive various types of rewards, such as products, gift certificates, discount coupons, or meal vouchers. Through this system, companies aim to encourage long-term shareholders and enhance their corporate image, while investors enjoy tangible rewards beyond dividends in their everyday lives.
However, not all companies offer shareholder benefits, and the conditions for eligibility—such as the minimum number of shares or the required holding period—vary by company.
Personally, I usually invest based on a company’s growth potential and reliability, but if a company offers attractive shareholder benefits and has a trustworthy reputation, I sometimes buy its shares for the benefits themselves.
Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. was established in 1949 and is one of Japan’s leading comprehensive paper manufacturing companies, with a capital of approximately 104.8 billion yen. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company operates group companies in 15 countries worldwide. With a long history and advanced technological expertise, it produces a wide range of paper products, including printing paper, industrial paper, and packaging materials, maintaining a leading position in Japan’s paper industry.
Focusing on the Asia-Pacific region as part of its global strategy, the company has expanded beyond manufacturing and sales into diverse areas such as raw material imports and afforestation projects. This multifaceted approach aims to achieve sustainable resource cycles and enhance global supply chain stability. Nippon Paper also places great emphasis on environmental protection and social responsibility, striving for business operations that harmonize with nature.
The company’s slogan, “Opening up the future with trees(木とともに未来を拓く)”, reflects its corporate philosophy of creating a sustainable future based on natural resources. Its main business areas include paper, paperboard, chemicals, energy, cellulose nanofiber (CNF), wood and building materials, leisure, and agriculture. In particular, through the development of eco-friendly materials such as cellulose nanofiber and its biomass energy business, Nippon Paper is taking on the challenge of creating new value beyond the traditional paper industry.
Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. Shareholder Benefit Conditions
●Record Dates: March
●Benefit Details: An assortment of Nippon Paper Group’s products (tissue paper, toilet paper, etc.)
●Eligibility: 100 shares or more
Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. offers shareholder benefits once a year, with eligibility determined around the end of March. Shareholders who hold 100 or more shares at that time can receive a set of daily necessities—such as tissue paper and toilet paper—produced by the Nippon Paper Group.
In addition, since the minimum requirement to receive shareholder benefits is set at 100 shares, investors can enjoy the perks while holding shares in a stable company without needing a large investment. Receiving everyday items like tissues and toilet paper as a shareholder benefit provides a sense of satisfaction that goes beyond simple investment, offering the joy of “investing in everyday life.”
Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. Shareholder Benefit
Around the end of March, I became eligible for the shareholder benefit, and about three months later, in early July, a shareholder benefit package arrived from Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. When I opened the package right away, the first thing that caught my eye was a letter addressed to shareholders. The letter contained an explanation of Nippon Paper’s shareholder benefit program along with a message of appreciation.
Interestingly, the letter also mentioned that the paper used for printing was produced by Nippon Paper itself. Even in such small details, I could sense the company’s pride in its own products and its strong brand identity. Through this simple yet thoughtful gesture, the company’s philosophy and sincerity were naturally conveyed to its shareholders.
The delivery box was slightly large, but when I picked it up, it felt surprisingly light. It must have been because most of the items inside were paper products such as tissues and toilet paper.
Under the information letter were a variety of daily goods from the well-known Scottie brand, including facial tissues, toilet paper, kitchen towels, wet wipes, and paper cloths. I was pleasantly surprised by how many products were included, and even happier because each one was something I could use in everyday life.
To be honest, Scottie products are of excellent quality, but they’re not exactly inexpensive, so I don’t buy them often. That’s why I was especially happy to receive these high-quality essentials as shareholder benefits while holding shares in a stable, long-established company like Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
Every time I use the Scottie products I received through Nippon Paper Industries’ shareholder benefit, I feel a growing sense of attachment to the company—and I can’t help but look forward to what the next benefit will bring. Japan’s shareholder benefit system is special in that it allows shareholders not only to hold stock but also to experience the company’s products firsthand, deepening their understanding and appreciation of the business.
■Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
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