TOKYO, January 25, 2024 — In the wake of the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has taken a compassionate step by deciding to dispatch WOTA BOX + Outdoor Shower Kits to the affected areas. The initiative aims to provide a glimmer of relief to those grappling with the aftermath of the natural disaster.
Developed by WOTA Corp., a Tokyo-based company headed by CEO Yosuke Maeda, the WOTA BOX is a portable water reclamation system designed for use in regions without a water supply. The revolutionary system recycles over 98% of wastewater, ensuring safe and secure water reuse in times of crisis.
MOL’s wholly owned corporate venture capital arm, MOL PLUS Co., Ltd., led by CEO Takuya Sakamoto, has invested in WOTA Corp., making this endeavor a synergy of innovation and corporate social responsibility.
The WOTA BOX is complemented by the Outdoor Shower Kit, a portable solution that can be assembled in approximately 15 minutes. This kit allows individuals to take hot showers privately, offering a sense of normalcy in evacuation centers and disaster-stricken areas where conventional water supplies have been disrupted.
MOL President & CEO Takeshi Hashimoto expressed the company’s empathy, stating, “MOL Group prays that everyone affected by this disaster can return to their normal lives as soon as possible.” The company is dedicated to supporting the victims through various means, contributing to the comprehensive reconstruction of the affected regions.
This endeavor is not merely a corporate gesture but a testament to MOL’s commitment to societal well-being. By providing practical solutions for basic needs like water and hygiene, MOL aims to assist in the restoration of normalcy for those impacted by the earthquake.
In times of crisis, the significance of corporate entities extending their reach beyond business operations cannot be overstated. MOL’s initiative underscores the pivotal role companies can play in supporting communities during their most vulnerable moments.
As the WOTA Shower Kits make their way to the affected areas, MOL sets an example for the maritime, breakbulk, project freight, cargo, and logistics industries to go beyond their conventional roles and actively contribute to the welfare of society.
