Employee Health as the Company's Mission: Former Detective CEO Speaks on 'Why He Wants to Protect'—A Commitment to Health Management Born from His Own Cancer Experience

Torch Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nara City, Nara Prefecture / Representative Director: Motoyasu Inaba), which handles the sales and installation of residential solar power generation and storage battery systems, is strengthening its 'Health Management' with employee health as its top priority. Representative Director Inaba was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in October 2025 and underwent removal surgery in March 2026. From that experience, his desire to be a 'company that protects its employees' grew even stronger, and he is proceeding with the development of health measures.

[Background of the Focus on Health Management]
Interest in health management has been rising nationwide, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's 'Certified Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organizations' reached a record high of approximately 18,000 corporations in fiscal 2024. The number of certifications has increased about 2.5 times over the past five years, and effects such as increased corporate value and reduced turnover rates have been reported. Against this backdrop, Torch is advancing its initiatives centered on 'creating a company that protects its employees,' utilizing the perspective of 'prevention' from the CEO's time in the police force.

[Specific Measures of Health Management Prepared 'To Protect']
Scene of treatment at 'Personal Torch'
At Torch, we value creating a daily routine where employees can easily maintain their health. We continuously promote annual health checkups, with the company even supporting schedule adjustments. We provide an environment where employees who need lifestyle improvements can easily receive specific health guidance, and we consistently check in on them so that those needing re-examinations seek early medical attention. Additionally, we have a fully equipped, free-to-use in-house gym called 'Personal Torch,' where employees can do strength training, yoga, Pilates, and receive chiropractic adjustments. As a result of these corporate efforts, Torch was certified as a 'Workplace Whole Health Declaration' business by the Nara Branch of the Japan Health Insurance Association.

[Health Management Supporting the Field and Corporate Culture]
Torch has a construction department responsible for installations, and there are many instances where work is performed in harsh environments, such as the summer heat, winter cold, and rain. In such field settings, the health management of employees directly impacts safety. Working when not in perfect health can lead to accidents, so the mindset of 'don't push yourself too hard' and 'don't overlook physical abnormalities' is shared across the entire company. Another characteristic is that it is a physically active organization, with about 90% of employees having some kind of sports experience. Many employees have a habit of moving their bodies daily and voluntarily engage in walking or strength training. In-house sports events are also active, and a culture of raising health awareness while having fun has taken root. 'Only when the workers' bodies and minds are in order can the best performance be born'—Torch puts this philosophy into practice at the field level.

[The 'Subject of Protection' Changed by the Cancer Experience]
Representative Director Inaba worked as a detective for the Osaka Prefectural Police, handling fraud cases and disaster area rescues, and has always valued the perspective of 'protecting people before incidents occur.' In October 2025, thyroid cancer was discovered during a comprehensive medical examination, and he underwent removal surgery in March 2026. Through this experience, he strongly realized that 'employees' health is something that must be protected in the same way,' which served as an opportunity to rethink the company's approach. Currently, he perceives health management not as a 'system' but as a 'mission.'

Explanation document for total thyroidectomy

[Employee Voice: The Reason I Feel 'I Want to Continue Working Here']
I feel that protecting employees' health leads not only to ease of working but also to creating an environment where we can work long-term with peace of mind. Triggered by the Representative's own experience, it is conveyed that the company is seriously confronting health, and I have come to feel even more that 'I want to continue working here.' As a member of Torch Co., Ltd., I want to continue to be involved in creating a healthy workplace full of smiles.

[The Future of Torch: Making 'Prevention' a Corporate Culture]
Moving forward, Torch will aim to create a workplace where the company and employees work together to build sustainable health habits, and where their families can also feel secure. By leveraging the perspective of 'prevention' and taking root in health management as a corporate culture rather than a temporary initiative, we will continue to be a company trusted by the community.

Group photo at the 2026 entrance ceremony

Torch Co., Ltd.
Company Name: Torch Co., Ltd.
Head Office: 1-5-18 Omiya-cho, Nara City, Nara 630-8115
Tokyo Branch: 17F Ariake Central Tower, 3-7-18 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Saitama Branch: 2FA Chichibu Building, 1-477 Onari-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama City, Saitama
Kyoto Branch: 6-4 Okazaki Saishoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
Nagoya Branch: 3-23-16 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City
Osaka Office: 2-1-1 Edobori, Nishi-ku, Osaka City
Shiga Office: 4-5-1 Kyomachi, Otsu City, Shiga
Representative Director