Congratulations, everyone. My name is Kosuke Uemura, and I am the new President & COO of Sojitz Corporation.

Today, we are delighted to welcome a total of 122 new employees to Sojitz, including 101 career-track employees and 21 administrative-track employees. On behalf of all Sojitz Group members, I would like to congratulate and welcome all of you to Sojitz. Today marks your first step forward as a new business professional, and I imagine you are filled with great anticipation and excitement. It is also my first day as President, and I am looking forward to taking on new challenges together with you.

You are entering the company in a special year for Sojitz.

We celebrate Sojitz’s 20th anniversary since the company was founded through a merger between Nichimen Corporation and Nissho Iwai Corporation. The Sojitz of today was built by those who came before you, and these predecessors joined the company with the same high hopes and belief in Sojitz’s potential. Sojitz’s origins can be traced back nearly 150 years to Kobe and Osaka, where Sojitz’s predecessor companies of Suzuki & Co., Iwai & Co., and Japan Cotton Trading Co., Ltd. were first founded. They began by importing cotton, steel, and coal necessary for Japan's modernization at the time. These companies went on to expand overseas through export, import and other international trade. They were also involved driving Japan's industrial revolution during the Meiji (1868 – 1912) and Taisho (1912 – 1926) eras. I would like you to understand that the company you have joined continues to carry on the business pioneering DNA of its predecessors. For over a century, we have continued to fulfill our mission as a general trading company to provide the necessary goods, services, and ideas to places where there is a need.

The business climate and business models of trading companies have continued to evolve over time. Nevertheless, it has become increasingly difficult to forecast the future in recent years as we face changes on an unprecedented scale with the arrival of a decarbonized society, rapid developments in digital technologies, and an increase in geopolitical risks. Yet, general trading companies have continued to adapt by quickly identifying changes and turning points for new business opportunities.

At Sojitz, we will develop insights and forge a new path forward by continuing to create value in order to realize growth over the next 10 to 20 years into the future. I look forward to seeing you all develop into Sojitz professionals who fearlessly take on new challenges, innovate, and see projects through to completion.

That being said, I recognize it may be challenging to immediately communicate your own ideas, develop businesses, or generate value. You will all participate in new employee training over the course of the next three weeks before receiving your placements and beginning work in a new department. As President, I would like to impart the following advice.

I want you to become businesspeople who are considerate and attentive to the needs of others. Some of you might think, “Oh, that’s it?!” Many of you have spent time in school and extracurricular communities in Japan. Starting from today, you will be business professionals at a general trading company who collaborate with partners and customers across a variety of industries worldwide.

To create value as a company and as individuals, it is crucial to exceed the expectations of others both inside and outside the organization. If we can exceed expectations, our efforts will resonate with others and these connections can lead to new business opportunities for Sojitz. To achieve this aim, you must research the other party’s needs, cultivate foresight, and clearly communicate how you will provide solutions. During discussions, you should prepare multiple options to make decisions with flexibility and then take action. In your daily work, do not take a passive approach. Always stay alert and remain attuned to changes, think proactively, and take initiative. Learning through repeated trial and error is important. I believe that through steady efforts, you will develop a self-driven and proactive mindset.

At Sojitz, our vision for 2030 is to become a “general trading company that constantly cultivates new businesses and human capital.” It goes without saying that people are the driving force behind our business. It is essential that we continue to foster diversity and proactive mindsets among individual employees, so that each of our organizations and the company as a whole then reflects these qualities, which will lead to lasting growth for the company. By demonstrating your individual talents, you will bring new energy and strength to Sojitz as we set about ascending to the next stage.

Finally, I would like to remind each of you to appreciate the friends and family members who supported your efforts to reach this point. As you embark on this new journey, remember to show gratitude, and give back by doing your best to achieve great personal growth.

Once again, I would like to congratulate and welcome you to Sojitz.