Taking sustainability to the global stage

Founded on the mission of solving society’s challenges through innovation – and with operations that span industries and continents – Hitachi has always been committed to sustainability. However, while its operations are global, Hitachi’s reporting had historically been highly technical, prioritising an expert, local audience. To help bring their sustainability story to a global stage, Hitachi partnered with Flag on a new report that would engage non-experts, appeal to international audiences and enhance storytelling all while preserving the essence of Hitachi’s culture.

Cohesive storytelling built on international collaboration

The challenge

Hitachi wanted to evolve its sustainability reporting to better engage global stakeholders. The goal was to create a more accessible, engaging narrative – one that could speak to internal and external audiences across regions, cultures and languages. In addition, Hitachi wanted a partner that could help coordinate and collaborate with a global operations team, diverse in its ways of working as well as time zones.

A tailored and thoughtful reporting suite

The solution

We worked closely with Hitachi to reimagine their sustainability reporting from the ground up. Going beyond simply translating existing content, we developed original English language messaging suited to a global audience. Our team provided strategic copywriting, editorial direction and design – ensuring the final reporting was both culturally sensitive and globally engaging.

We collaborated with local partners to align on translation, design and cultural nuances – like understanding the symbolism of colour. The result was a report that referenced Hitachi’s Japanese identity while amplifying its global voice.

Harmonized society: Planetary boundaries, Wellbeing, Economic growth

Communication that is both impactful and authentic

The result

Within Hitachi, the reporting process, supported by Flag’s expertise, has helped unify regional teams around a shared sustainability journey and narrative. Externally, the reporting suite positions the company as a purpose-driven brand with a clear and credible voice.

“ It was a pleasure to work with the Flag team on our sustainability report this year. From start to finish, their process was smooth, efficient and well managed. The report’s design, copywriting and overall quality are exceptionally high and stakeholders have shared how much they appreciate the report’s strengthened storytelling.”

Mayumi Watanabe Manager, Group Sustainability Division, Hitachi

Sustainability Report 2025

What we did

Content and narrative strategy
Peer sustainability report benchmarking
Copywriting, editing and proofreading
Original English-first messaging for global audiences
Storytelling page design
Collaboration with Japanese agencies on translation and design sensitivities

About Hitachi

Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totalled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.

Our work in practice

Driving change on the global stage

Extraordinary impact reporting

See more of our work