2026 Welcoming Statement for New Employees – President’s Address

Today, I am pleased to welcome 138 employees as new members of the Sojitz family. On behalf of all Sojitz Group, I extend a warm welcome to you. I would also like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to your families and everyone who has supported you up to this day.

Looking at our operating environment, we can see that the world is facing a major turning point. The collapse of the traditional world order is being driven by rising unilateralism in certain countries, and tensions are escalating in the Middle East as a result of the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. On the digital front, we see generative AI and other digital technologies beginning to influence not only operational efficiency, but also fundamentally change business structures and transform companies. In this climate, we must regard uncertainty as the new normal.

At Sojitz, our mission as a general trading company is to deliver necessary goods and services where there is a need. While we are continuously pursuing innovation to realize new value creation, one thing remains constant: People are driving force behind our value creation.

Today, I would like to share three priorities for you to keep in mind as new employees.

First, maintain your curiosity. You have grown up in an environment where digital technology is the norm, and your generation is proficient in AI. If there is something you don’t understand, you can find the answer immediately. Instant information retrieval is a significant strength. However, the answers generated by AI are fundamentally derived from past data.

What matters more than the “answer” itself is the quality of the “question.” Does the question capture the essence of the matter? Is the premise correct? Intellectual curiosity is the ability to delve deeper with further questions. In business, we face unprecedented changes. In such situations, it is important to formulate questions, make inquiries, and learn from other parties. This problem solving will translate to personal growth. When you witness your own progress, you will gain confidence by experiencing this self-growth. Consequently, your work will become even more interesting as a result. The true rewards of work lie in cultivating this interest, which becomes the driving force for further learning and challenge taking.

Second, use foresight and take initiative. In a rapidly changing environment, strategies cannot be limited to an extension of the status quo. You will end up merely attempting to catch-up with change and be unable to create value. Think about what will happen next, how things will change, and then formulate hypotheses. Remember, not all of your hypotheses will be correct. Anticipate future trends, strategize, and take action. If you are wrong, identify where the error lies and correct it. With repeated practice, this thought cycle will become habitual, and you will cultivate the ability to be self-directed and think proactively. Thinking independently, rather than simply following instructions, fosters the decisiveness needed when taking on new challenges.

Finally, we are currently working to improve the quality of communication and implement feedback practices at Sojitz with the goal of creating an organization where employees can grow and elevate each other. As we spend a significant portion of the day in the company of our colleagues, we often develop insight into the strengths and challenges of our team members with greater clarity than the individuals themselves. I believe that as new employees, you can offer a fresh perspective. Please share your insights with your peers, as well as with your supervisors and senior colleagues. Feel free to share your candid thoughts, but please be respectful and follow the rules. Together, let us build a dynamic company where organization-wide feedback is encouraged in the spirit of mutual growth.

The company will do everything in its power to support your development as employees and encourage you to take on new challenges. Ultimately, each of you will shape the future. Take one step at a time and move forward with determination.

We look forward to working with you towards our joint vision, and I hope you will take pride in being part of Sojitz—both today and in the future.