Based on a clear blueprint, we will energize our human resources and
our organization to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.
Based on a clear blueprint, we will energize our human resources and our organization to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.
Blueprint for transformation and sustainability management
Guided by our corporate philosophy, "Change and Challenge! For the creation of the future of Earth and People," the Nisshinbo Group is transforming its business portfolio to simultaneously address social issues and enhance corporate value. In March 2025, upon assuming the position of president, I shared my vision of Turning crisis into strength, and challenges into growth with all employees. I presented the blueprint for transformation to serve as a clear action plan for realizing this vision during the announcement of our full-year financial results for the fiscal year ended December 2025. This blueprint forms the core of our sustainability-driven management and outlines the ways in which the Nisshinbo Group will continue to provide sustainable value to society. We are currently advancing initiatives to foster activated talents and organizational culture, the driving force behind implementing this roadmap and advancing our transformation.
Furthermore, under our current Medium-Term Management Plan, we have identified Reduce management risk by further strengthening the management base as one of our key initiatives, and we are thus actively implementing sustainability measures. Management is implementing initiatives across a wide range of areas, including activities based on the 6th Sustainability Promotion Plan, respect for human rights, business operations that consider the environmental impacts of climate change and biodiversity, the establishment of a responsible supply chain, the enhancement of corporate governance effectiveness, and the recruitment, development, and active engagement of a diverse workforce. In our assessment, we are making steady progress.
The driving force behind driving change and delivering value to society is people.
In recent years, Japan and other developed nations have seen a decline in their populations, leading to a corresponding decrease in the workforce. We are acutely aware of the growing challenge of securing talent, particularly in the manufacturing sector, which is the backbone of our industry. In light of these circumstances, the Nisshinbo Group has identified the creation of an organizational structure where diverse human resources can achieve their full potential as one of our key management priorities.
To ensure the company’s growth, we must create an environment where a diverse workforce, regardless of gender, disability, or life stage, can thrive based on their motivation and capabilities. The Nisshinbo Group recognizes that there is still room for improvement in the proportion of women in management positions and the rate at which men take paternity leave, and we are committed to steadily raising these figures through concrete measures.
Having worked in production engineering for many years, I often find myself thinking in terms of machines and design. For a machine to perform its intended function, it is essential to clearly define its purpose. In addition, the design must be logical and meticulous based on the fundamental principles of engineering and physical phenomena. At the same time, however, people are the ones who always draw up designs, master the use of machines, and drive continuous improvement. Even in an era marked by advances in AI technology and the expanding scope of automation, people remain the ones who identify challenges, take decisive action, and drive transformation forward. I believe that the most important driving force in turning the blueprint for transformation mentioned earlier into reality is our human capital, that is, our employees. To achieve this, it is essential for Nisshinbo to clearly define the roles and missions expected of each employee and to continue investing in education and growth. I, too, feel that what I learned and experienced through the rigorous guidance of my superiors and senior colleagues has become the foundation for my current decisions and actions. Based on these experiences, I continue to convey to all employees the importance of lifelong learning and the value of taking on new challenges without fear of failure.
Nisshinbo conducts employee engagement surveys to assess the status of the Group companies in Japan and overseas, and management believes there is still room for improvement in the scores. Employee engagement is interrelated to business performance, and we believe that creating successful businesses, achieving high profit margins, and improving employee engagement are all inseparable. Furthermore, the Nisshinbo Group places great importance on the well-being of every employee and recognizes that enhancing this well-being forms the foundation of engagement. While this may take time, Nisshinbo will persistently continue its efforts to strengthen the human resources base and improve the organizational culture.
Strengthening governance and transparency
Sustainable growth is underpinned by effective corporate governance in the face of change yet remain focused on the right direction. Even before I became president, I remained committed to transforming the Board of Directors from a mere reporting forum into a venue for in-depth discussions of the Nisshinbo Group’s strategic direction. Currently, we have reorganized operations so that reporting items are addressed by the Board of Management (Managing Officer's Meeting) by the day before the Board of Directors, allowing the Board to focus its time and expertise on agenda items related to key management strategies. Furthermore, we have strengthened the committee’s functions and transparency by having an outside director serve as chair of the Nomination and Remuneration Committees.
To all stakeholders
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all stakeholders who support the Nisshinbo Group on a daily basis. I believe that it is essential to look squarely at the realities on the ground and formulate our strategies based on that understanding. We will enhance corporate value and drive growth by collaborating with the many supportive people across the entire supply chain while visiting employees’ workplaces in person, engaging in ongoing dialogues, and formulating and reliably executing strategies based on a clear understanding of reality. We are committed to steadfastly maintaining this cycle. We ask for your continued support and encouragement moving forward.
Yasuji Ishii
Representative Director and President,
Nisshinbo Holdings Inc.