In May 2011, the Yuasa Trading Group announced its new medium-term business plan, NEXTAGE 2014, covering the period from April 2011 to March 2014.

Under NEXTAGE 2014, we will expand our focus from Japan to Asia, making efforts to contribute to "lifestyle and industry," with the aim of gaining a competitive advantage.

Specifically, we will explore growth areas by leveraging the driving power of our overseas, environment and consumer goods segments, while also continuing to strengthen the functionality and profitability of our existing core businesses. In addition, we will also seek to solidify our management foundation by improving our organizational structure, access to information, and the quality of our human resources.

With respect to major management indices, we will strive to achieve: an equity ratio of no less than 20% by increasing capital, a return-on-assets (ROA) of no less than 5% by enhancing asset efficiency, and a consolidated shareholder return ratio of 25% by improving shareholder return.

I sincerely appreciate your continued patronage and support.