Masterpiece Collection

A unique series from a unique watchmaking studio

Evolution 9 Collection

A new design for a new era

Heritage Collection

Breathing new life into tradition

Sport Collection

Designed for those who love sport and aim high

Elegance Collection

Contemporary elegance for exceptional occasions
Collections
World of Grand Seiko
News
Support
Stores
Language
Aug. 3, 2021 Press Release

Seiko and Iwate Prefecture celebrate a new partnership towards a sustainable future.

Seiko Watch Corporation and Morioka Seiko Instruments Inc. are pleased to announce that they have, together, entered into an agreement with Iwate Prefecture to help protect, sustain and nurture the natural environment that surrounds the home of Seiko's mechanical watchmaking in the town of Shizukuishi. In particular, the agreement will help to ensure the long-term future health of the white birch tree forest on the Hiraniwa Plateau. This is the largest white birch forest in Japan and is renowned for its beauty as well as its environmental significance. The agreement also includes an educational aspect. The two Seiko companies will offer educational programs to visitors to the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi with the aim of demonstrating the high level of craftsmanship for which Iwate is famous.  

The agreement, which was signed simultaneously in Tokyo and the Iwate Prefectural Office in northern Japan, is another step on the way to the achievement of Seiko’s Sustainable Development Goals. At the Iwate Prefectural Office, Takuya Tasso, the Governor of Iwate Prefecture, was joined by Yoshiaki Hayashi, the President of Morioka Seiko Instruments Inc. In Tokyo, Akio Naito, the President
of Seiko Watch Corporation, signed the agreement.

Morioka: Takuya Tasso (center) the Governor of Iwate Prefecture and Yoshiaki Hayashi (right) 
the President of Morioka Seiko Instruments Inc.
Tokyo: Akio Naito, (left) the President of Seiko Watch Corporation.

Morioka Seiko Instruments Inc., one of the main manufacturing facilities of Seiko Watch Corporation, was established in the town of Shizukuishi in 1970. It is the home of Seiko’s mechanical watchmaking and houses the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi which was opened in 2020. The
region, including Morioka, the capital of Iwate Prefecture, is renowned for its history of Japanese traditional craftsmanship and its clean air and pure water make it the perfect location for watchmaking of the highest order. 

For more information on Morioka Seiko Instruments Inc.’s conservation activities, please visit 
http://www.morioka-seiko.co.jp/Eng/eco_biodiversity/.
For details of Seiko’s environmental protection program, please visit
https://www.seiko.co.jp/en/csr/environment/.

The white birch trees of the Hiraniwa Plateau are the inspiration for an important Grand Seiko watch. 
The natural environment is always visible to the craftsmen and women of the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi.