April 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of Hitachi Maxell, Ltd. This 50th anniversary represents a turning point as Hitachi Maxell advances forward while focusing on its four core businesses: the functional materials (such as adhesive tapes and information storage media), optical components, electronics & mechanical devices, and branded products. Our future goal will be to strengthen customer trust of the Maxell brand and continue growth in the global market.

The driving force behind our growth is Maxell Group's manufacturing capabilities, which utilize the unique technologies that the Group has cultivated over the years. Another major factor behind our growth is Maxell Group's ability to expand globally, which is backed by its active use of the Maxell brand throughout the supply chain, consisting of procurement, production, and sales.

In recent years, the needs of our customers have diversified due to changes in society and the environment. This has been primary attributable to a growing concern for environmental issues, the rapid economic growth of emerging nations, and the advancement of information technology. We believe it is important that we respond flexibly and quickly to these changes. Accordingly, we will respond to these changes by working more closely with other Group companies to enhance the unique technologies of these companies. This will allow the Maxell Group to react more quickly to issues that arise from customer demands for increasingly sophisticated technologies. In addition, we will respond to these changes by accelerating the expansion of our operations from a global perspective to satisfy our customers by swiftly supplying them with unique products.

Working under this new organization, we will continue to act in accordance with the Maxell Group's management philosophy of ?Harmony and Cooperation, Working with Heart and Soul, and Being of Service to Society.? We will strive unceasingly to develop Hitachi Maxell as a company that pleases its customers by providing them with the value that they truly seek and deserve.

In closing, I humbly ask for your continued support of the Maxell Group.