- Each individual's challenge will become the strength of the organization

To all of our employees, thank you for your hard work in fiscal year 2024.
During the past year, the business environment surrounding us has continued to change dramatically.
Thanks to your diligence and flexibility in our day-to-day operations, we were able to revise upward our full-year consolidated earnings forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025(announced on January 29, 2025).
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for your efforts in your respective fields.
On April 4, we held an entrance ceremony for this year's new employees at the Chunichi Building（Nakaku,Nagoya-shi）.
I requested the Human Resources Department to plan an initiation ceremony that would leave a lasting impression on the new employees.
I also had the Human Resources Department interview new employees as well, and received feedback from them that “it would be better to have everyone in one place,” “We want to have contact with executives,” and “We want to hear the real voices of senior employees.
Reflecting on these comments, we reviewed the venue for the annual event and changed the program of the ceremony to upgrade it.
I would like to hear the opinions of those who attended, such as what impressions they had of the event later.

Slogan for the Challenge and Request to Everyone

The slogan for fiscal 2025 is “Don't be bound by past concepts, seize change as an opportunity, and boldly take on new challenges.”
In these times of rapid change, it is essential for each and every one of us to take on new challenges in order for our Group to continue to grow sustainably.
Therefore, I would like to ask you to address the following two points.

1. To Key Personnel: Connecting teams to create a flexible organization

2029 Sumitomo Riko Group Vision(2029V) call for “Building a flexible and strong organization.”
First, I would like to ask all key personnel to further promote interaction and integration within and outside the team.
The “building a team that can flexibly respond to change,” which was undertaken in FY2024, will serve as the foundation for future growth.
An organization's ability to respond to change is enhanced when members with various positions and experiences share their knowledge with each other.
In FY2025, let's make our organization even more flexible while connecting internally and externally beyond the boundaries of divisions.

2. To all employees - increase information sensitivity and make change your ally

Next, in order to achieve our 2029V goals of “developing people and peers who pioneer the future” and “creating value for a sustainable society,” it is important for all of you to “enhance your information sensitivity.
Although there are a variety of occupations and working environments, and some of the information may not be directly related to day-to-day work, understanding the world's values and economic trends is the first step toward a positive outlook on change.
Simply sharing “feelings” and “awareness” within the team in daily life, rather than only through contact at the company, should bring about changes in the quality and breadth of work.
The specific expectations for each division are described in a message from me in the April issue of “Mitsukumi,” our company newsletter published the other day.
You can also view it on the web company magazine “Mitsukumi2”, so please take a moment to read it.

The Future Vision of our Group beyond Challenges

“Daring to take on new challenges” does not simply mean starting something new.
For example, we already have strengths that other companies do not have in areas such as “anti-vibration technology” and “environmentally friendly materials,” which are our strong points.
One of our challenges is to further evolve these products and open up new markets and values.
What needs to be changed and what challenges we face are different at each workplace.
That is why each individual's voice and efforts are the driving force of our group.
Our company will continue to place importance on creating a workplace where people with diverse backgrounds can feel comfortable taking on challenges while demonstrating their own strengths.

Prayers and Expectations for the New Fiscal Year

At the beginning of a new fiscal year, I prayed for the safety of everyone in our group at Ise Jingu（Ise-shi, Mie Prefecture） again this year.
Unlike last year's rainy weather, I was able to pray peacefully under clear skies and with the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
After the prayer, the prayer cards were handed over to the person in charge of safety and health at each of our group's domestic bases.
Fiscal year 2025 is the final year of 2025P.
As the final year of “strengthening the management foundation for further profitability and sustainable growth,” I would like to take a solid step toward our next vision, 2029V, together with all of you.
I hope that each and every one of you will continue to take on challenges in your own unique way in the new fiscal year.
I sincerely look forward to your success.

2025.04