Ever since YKK was founded in 1934, we have taken our responsibility to give back to our local communities seriously. Based on our corporate philosophy of the “CYCLE OF GOODNESS” – no one prospers without rendering benefit to others – we constantly think of new ways to contribute to the communities we call home. 

In 1977, YKK facilitated the formation of a sister city between Macon, GA and Kurobe, Japan, which is the location of YKK Corporation’s manufacturing headquarters. In the 42 years since the relationship was established, more than 560 students and 352 dignitaries have visited each other’s cities. In addition, the two cities have a unique medical exchange. Each summer, between May and September, three physicians and two nurses from Navicent Health visit Kurobe City Hospital for two weeks each to share their knowledge and experience of the American healthcare system with young physicians and nurses at Kurobe City Hospital and to learn about the Japanese healthcare system. Then, between September and January, six resident physicians and one nurse from Kurobe City Hospital visit Navicent Health and Mercer University for 4-5 weeks to observe American physicians in action and experience American healthcare firsthand. To date, 146 medical residents, nurses and healthcare have visited each other’s cities. 

In 1998, YKK AP helped establish a similar tie between Dublin, GA and Osaki, Miyagi Prefecture, home to a large YKK AP manufacturing facility. Over 152 students and 24 dignitaries have traveled between the two cities to date. 

YKK is also proud of its ongoing partnership with President Carter and The Carter Center. YKK was a contributor to the fund to establish The Carter Center in 1982, and in 1986 YKK donated the funds to build the Japanese garden, which can still be seen at The Carter Center today. In 1997, YKK established the Yoshida Scholarship Foundation-Carter Center Research Scholars Program for Japanese students to work as interns at The Carter Center, and 18 students have participated in the program to date.