Steps to identifying
the contributing elements
of well-being
Steps to identifying
the contributing elements
of well-being
Identifying how the TOMY Group can impact and contribute to well-being
Assessment and selection
of well-being indicators
To comprehensively assess the issues related to well-being, we referred to documents published by international organizations and governments to identify factors that influence well-being. From among these factors, we selected elements that contribute to well-being and used them as a basis for discussion.
Documents published by the following were referenced:
- ・Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
- ・United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
- ・Governments of various countries
Internal discussion
Based on the elements selected in Step 1, we conducted interviews with the President, members of the Board of Directors, and heads of business divisions, including those of Group companies, about how the TOMY Group can and aspires to contribute to society. Through these discussions, we examined the Group’s potential to contribute to well-being.
Creation of a logic model
Building on the findings from the Step 2 interviews, and considering the Group’s materiality, Purpose, Medium- to Long-Term Management Strategy, related businesses, and the social issues faced in the countries where we operate, we assigned higher priority to elements that are closely linked to the TOMY Group and in which we have a strong potential to contribute. As a result, five factors were identified as priority themes for the TOMY Group, and possible ways to contribute were examined.
Five themes
(1) Social connection, (2) family and home environment, (3) non-cognitive skills, (4) subjective well-being,
and (5) enjoyable and fun life
Drawing on insights obtained from internal interviews, we created a draft logic model outlining how the TOMY Group can contribute in the five high-priority themes.
Expert consultation
We held expert consultations to refine the logic model and the TOMY Group’s contributions. The experts provided generally positive feedback on the above process, along with points for further consideration and expectations for the TOMY Group.
Expert feedback
Research
To substantiate the rationale behind the logic model and the TOMY Group’s contributions, we conducted the following.
- ・Literature review
- ・Questionnaire survey and analysis
The questions below were addressed.
- Does Asobi contribute to well-being?
- Does Asobi contribute to the enjoyment and satisfaction of daily life?
- Does Asobi contribute to increasing connections with others?
- Does Asobi contribute to abilities that make life richer?
Expert feedback
Yoshiki Ishikawa
Founder, Well-being for Planet Earth Foundation
Toshiyuki Shiomi
Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo
Comment (excerpt)
It is important to create spaces and communities where people can speak their minds. This requires that people develop an ability to express themselves in their own words. When it comes to enjoying Asobi, age does not matter.
Expectations for the TOMY Group
I advise you to consider developing toys tailored to purposes beyond whether they will sell or not, for example, educational toys, toys that facilitate self-expression, and toys that showcase craftsmanship.
Akiko Takai
Executive Director cum Secretary General,
Save the Children Japan
Comment (excerpt)
It is of paramount importance that society acknowledges every child’s right to play and ensure that children’s voices are meaningfully heard. Furthermore, in light of the TOMY Group’s Sustainability Vision of being “a creator of quality Asobi that promotes the sustainable well-being of society,” it is equally vital that the company’s commitment to promoting well-being be extended in a comprehensive manner to all stakeholders.
Expectations for the TOMY Group
We hope that the company will proactively communicate the message that play constitutes a fundamental right of every child and contribute to raising awareness throughout society. In addition, we expect the company to give thoughtful consideration to children whose access to toys and opportunities for Asobi is constrained by economic or other circumstances, thereby ensuring that high-quality Asobi—and the well-being it promotes—are accessible to all.
Yasuyo Minagawa
Professor, Keio University and
Leader of Keio Baby Lab
Comment (excerpt)
Communication between parents and a child from infancy to early childhood is vital in forming the foundation for the child’s development. Toys can effectively facilitate this parent-child communication. In this sense, they are indispensable to children’s development.
Expectations for the TOMY Group
I hope the TOMY Group contributes to children lacking opportunities, including those in low-income or single-parent homes, parents struggling with play, and individuals with developmental disabilities. I look forward to their support in ensuring no child is left behind from the joy of play.
Questionnaire survey
and analysis
We carried out research to substantiate the rationale behind our logic model and the TOMY Group’s contributions.
The research was conducted jointly with aiESG, Inc., a company that helps visualize ESG fields, including well-being, from an academic perspective.
The purpose of the research was to shed light on the relationship between Asobi and well-being, and to identify the key elements of Asobi that influence well-being.
The research resulted in the findings below.
- Asobi DOES contribute to well-being.
- Asobi DOES contribute to the enjoyment and satisfaction of daily life.
- Asobi DOES contribute to increasing connections with others.
- Asobi DOES contribute to abilities that make life richer.
For details, please refer to the report.
*The summary version has been edited to highlight the key points of the detailed version.
Comment (excerpt)
Asobi lets you play different characters and connect with diverse communities. This is important. The significance of Asobi does not vary greatly by age or country.
Expectations for the TOMY Group
I encourage the Group to explore not only working alone but also collaborating with partners.