Today, the world’s advanced industrial societies should be aiming to create societies that can coexist in harmony with the Earth’s environment. In order to achieve this goal, we must first address the pressing issue of global warming. The most effective way to do this is to simultaneously reduce energy consumption by greatly improving energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy. With the amount of energy consumed in daily living by society currently accounting for approximately 60% of total energy consumption, the need for the greater use of such things as energy-saving home appliances and eco-friendly cars and for improving the thermal insulation of housing and buildings are key future challenges for society.

In addition to environmental issues, advanced industrial countries also have other issues that need addressing such as the aging of their societies and their aging urban infrastructures. Japan is one of the world’s developed countries that have been experiencing the impact of these issues from early on, and, going forward, I believe that these issues can be resolved through the application of Japanese technological know-how. Furthermore, these solutions can be expanded to be applied around the world. The Shin-Etsu Group has outstanding products and technology that can contribute to these solutions. From here onwards, I have great expectations for the continued to growth of the Shin-Etsu Group.