Yokohama Rubber receives Japanese Embassy in Moscow appreciation

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has received a letter of appreciation from the Japanese ambassador to the Russian Federation, Chikahito Harada, in recognition of its contribution to the support of people affected by the East Japan Great Earthquake. Yokohama held a variety of charity events at InterAuto Moscow 2011, held from 24-28 August. A ceremony was held on 8 September at the Japanese Embassy in Moscow, where the letter was presented to Junichi Okishima, president of Yokohama Russia L.L.C.

At InterAuto Moscow 2011, Yokohama staged Ninja and Oiran (high-ranking geisha) shows by performers from Edo Wonderland in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture. There was also a high-speed drifting exhibition, called the Yokohama Speed Festival, by Team Orange, known for similar shows in Japan. The company also ran demonstrations by drivers from the Russian Touring Car Championship.

Charity activities for the earthquake disaster included collection boxes at a special site of the motor show, and auctions, booths and more, with all proceeds donated to relief efforts. There was also an exhibition of tsunami photographs taken by Satoshi Ueda, who was born in the affected area. Visitors to the show were able to leave messages on a bulletin board to encourage Japanese people.

Recognising Russia as an important, growing market, Yokohama has been expanding its business there in recent years, establishing two companies jointly with Itochu Corporation. In April 2005, Yokohama Russia L.L.C., a tyre sales company (shared 80:20 with Itochu) and in August 2009, L.L.C. Yokohama R.P.Z., a tyre sales and manufacturing company also shared 80:20. The Japanese manufacturer sold more than two million tyres in the region in FY2010, a number that is the result of consistent growth. Local production of tyres will also be launched within the current fiscal year.