On December 13, 2016, five students in the 7th to 9th grades from four junior high schools in Icheon, South Korea (Icheon, Changhowon, Hyoyang, and Sadong junior highs) visited Hitachi Construction Machinery Tierra in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Tierra offers factory tours to local preschoolers, elementary students, and junior high school students. This tour was part of a junior high school exchange program undertaken by the City of Koka and the Koka International Society. The City of Koka has a sister city partnership with Icheon, South Korea based on their respective background in traditional pottery and ceramics.

The five junior high school students interacted with students at four junior high schools in Koka City, and visited the Shigaraki Pottery Village, which is a kiln with a long history. The students then visited Hitachi Construction Machinery Tierra, which is a Koka City company, and took a tour of its factory.

This was the first time in four years that an exchange was conducted with Icheon City as a part of the Koka City junior high school exchange program. Hitachi Construction Machinery Tierra was selected to represent Koka City. Going forward, Hitachi Construction Machinery Tierra aims to continue to contribute to society through initiatives that are deeply-rooted in the community.