Thank you to everyone working at our overseas bases.

Our group has more than 80 group companies in over 20 countries around the world.

Many of the Japanese expatriates stationed at our overseas bases were unable to return home for a long time due to the corona pandemic.

However, last autumn, when the corona infection situation had calmed down a bit, some of them temporarily returned to Japan and showed their healthy faces.

Therefore, at the end of the year, I tried to have opportunities to talk with the returnees as much as I could find the time.

At that time, I told them that I would like to visit their overseas bases to inspect their factories after the Corona disaster is settled in 2022, and in fact, I had planned an overseas inspection in early February of this year.

In early January, we connected our head office and overseas bases on the internet (twice due to the time difference) to send a message for the New Year and exchanged opinions with Chairman Matsui.

As you all know, at that time the Omicron strain of the new coronavirus was already raging around the world.

In response, the Japanese government tightened its border control, and some other countries extended their quarantine periods after entry and exit. As a result, I told them that unfortunately I had to give up my overseas business trip in February.

The people at each of our bases were understanding and said, "Please come and visit us when the corona pandemic is over. Until then, we will do our best to manage the base." I was very grateful and relieved.

This year, I have been posting on the President's blog and talking to some media about our desire to make this year the year of the "Turn around and go on the offensive”.

In this way, I am reassured and motivated by the fact that my colleagues are working hard not only in Japan but also around the world.