New Year's Greetings at Domestic Bases

This year, again in early February, I visited our domestic bases in cooperation with Chairman Matsui to reiterate the content of my New Year's greeting.

I spoke about my gratitude to our employees for your "flexible response to change" over the past three years, when the environment has changed dramatically, and about the upward revision of our earnings forecast for the current fiscal year because of the positive signs that have emerged as a steady result of your efforts.

I also informed them that we are taking careful steps to respond to changes in the environment.

On the other hand, the outlook for China and other regions is uncertain, and there are reports of continued supply shortages of semiconductors and other products, so we cannot be optimistic about the situation. Therefore, I told them, "Let's continue to be flexible while maintaining a sense of urgency.

Activity Report

One of the things I was looking forward to during the visit was to hear about the activities at the factory sites.

Again, there were many powerful activities, and my comments were filled with enthusiasm.

The examples of quality measures at the Matsusaka Plant and DX using digital technology in the inspection department of Tokai Chemical Industries, Ltd were not only excellent, but also conveyed the enthusiasm of the reporters.

In Oita (SRK-AE, SRK-K, TCIK) and Kyoto (Sumitomo Riko Hosetex, Ltd), we were able to take infection control measures and hold get-togethers with the reporters for the first time in many years.

It was a meaningful opportunity to hear directly from everyone about their difficulties, frustrations, and hopes.

The accumulation of our daily efforts leads to our steady growth.

This is exactly what "Banji-nissei" means.

Let's continue our efforts at each of our bases and departments from now on!