Message from outside director

Since the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, which was sparked by the use of coal as an energy source, human civilization has evolved rapidly. The world population, which did not exceed one billion until the mid-18th century, is projected to reach 8.1 billion in 2024. The current development of humanity can be attributed to the use of fossil fuels. However, a new struggle has begun since it became evident that human civilization’s carbon emissions are severely impacting the global environment. The struggle is to ensure that humankind can continue to thrive without negatively impacting the global environment. Have we, as humanity, painted a picture of how we can win this struggle? Precisely, what kind of society do we aim to build by victory? Many people are desperately searching for answers to these questions. Idemitsu Kosan is responsible for supplying energy to Japan and the world and is on the front lines of this struggle. As “Your Reliable Partner for a Brighter Future,” we are ahead of our competitors in developing a number of highly promising decarbonization solutions. We must go one step further, even ten steps further, with an eye to the distant future. I humbly accept the heavy responsibility of closely supporting Idemitsu in this difficult task, sharing wisdom, and engaging in open and frank discussions as our management team looks at the world with a broad perspective and determines the path the company should follow.

I have taken over from Director Kado and serve as an advisor to the DE&I Committee. The Company advocates Ningen-Soncho (Having respect for human beings) as the foundation of its management, and I feel that inclusion (I) is deeply ingrained in its corporate culture. I believe the Company has the great potential to become the flag bearer of DE&I.
The structures of society and families, and ways of life have changed dramatically in just a few decades. They are continuing to change. Additionally, the generation gap is widening.
It is time to change corporate culture, systems, and mechanisms based on the assumption that the workforce lives and works in a uniform way. The time will come when no company will be able to survive unless they assume that everyone lives differently. This is what diversity (D) and equity (E) mean. Every individual, including women, can shine in companies that accommodate different lifestyles and work styles. A generation that has been burdened with the expectation to “live and work in a standardized way” should also be given the opportunity to shine.
This transformation is not simple. It will require fundamental changes to the Company’s system, potentially including changes to the organizational structure, and modifications in the behavior of all employees. As an Outside Director, I aim to contribute to the Company’s DE&I transition by continuing to pursue essential issues and high goals and monitoring their achievement closely and warmly.