The first president’s dedication in philanthropy
Birth & child care hospital and infant center as well
Ikuei Society Hospital
President Ohga, who thought that children’s health and happiness were always most important, opened Yodobashi Birth and Child Care Hospital in Tokyo in 1933. Mr. Ohga made a large donation in 1936 to extend services at Yodobashi Birth and Child Care Hospital. The project included, in addition to the maternity hospital, extension of the pediatric ward and other floor improvements, and enhanced medical staffing in collaboration with Tokyo Imperial University Medical School. The name of the facility was also changed to Ikuei Society Hospital, which had a separate infant center from the maternity hospital, to provide child care service for infants.
If a patient was from a low income family who had difficulty paying medical care fees, the hospital was said to provide care at the absolute minimum fee, or, in some cases, for free of charge. The eruption of the war between Japan and China soon after opening of the hospital caused problems with shortage of hospital equipment and skyrocketing consumer prices. However, each difficulty was overcome by private funding by President Ohga or donation from Wakodo.
Although President Ohga was involved in various corporate philanthropy projects, he was also aware that building facilities could only benefit the people in a limited region. As he wished for the happiness of infants and young children everywhere in Japan, Mr. Ohga also placed an emphasis on the education of the masses through promotion of child care knowledge delivered by printed matter and was engaged in the publishing business.
The first issue of “Ikuei” (child care public education journal),
published in 1927
His achievement in publishing included the institution’s journal “Ikuei” since establishment of Ikuei Society, as well as books such as “For Expectant Mothers” and “Diary of new child care method.” In addition, he was involved in publication of Ikuei Book Selection Series 1 “How to teach and discipline your precious child” in 1942, and Series 2 “Science of early childhood education and instructions.” Both series were very popular, so popular that Series 1 needed reprinting in the year it was published.
As President Ohga used everything he had for young children and society, it was not that he had money to burn and spent it on donations. Despite being president of a company, he never even owned a car. He always walked with a walking cane in hand, to his company, to the hospital, to the childcare center, and so forth. That was how he saved the money that he then spent in his mécénat.
ASAHI GROUP FOODS,LTD. become an owner of WAKODO brand products. （As of 1, July 2017）
