We are in a time of dramatic changes, including the wave of globalization and the revolutionary advances in information technology, as a result of which people's needs are becoming ever more diverse and complex. At the Sumitomo Corporation Group, however, our aim remains constant at all times and under all circumstances. It is summed up in our Corporate Vision: "We aim to be a global organization that constantly stays a step ahead in dealing with change, creates new value, and contributes broadly to society."

As a global organization, we are leveraging our integrated corporate strength to help solve environmental and social problems of global scale through efforts in numerous countries and regions. Through such business activities we are striving to keep up a positive cycle of value creation and growth—one in which we provide value to society as a whole, build up greater trust, and use this to power the creation of additional value.

I believe that maintaining this sort of positive cycle is the way for us to "achieve prosperity and realize dreams"—as set forth in our Corporate Mission—for all our stakeholders: our customers, our shareholders, our employees, and also society as a whole. We will work hard to live up to your expectations.

Here in Japan, the effects of the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake are still being felt, and people in the disaster area are even now enduring great hardships. We at the Sumitomo Corporation Group will keep up our concerted efforts to provide long-term assistance based on heartfelt concern for those affected.

I look forward to your ongoing support and feedback.

Jun. 22, 2012

President and CEO