Recently, I have seen the Board of Directors evolve beyond discussing individual businesses to addressing challenges facing the Group as a whole. The transition toward a monitoring board with a stronger focus on medium- to long-term management issues is steadily progressing. I have also seen increased transparency in how the Group and its businesses identify key issues, analyze their underlying causes, and develop appropriate responses.
The Bandai Namco Group has fostered a distinctive corporate culture and traditions over its long history. The Company also possesses the flexibility to respond effectively to a rapidly changing business environment. I believe the board culture we should carry forward is one that is not bound by tradition, looks squarely at the current business environment, and is willing to replace established practices with better ones. At the same time, the Board has welcomed new outside directors. I hope to help foster open and objective discussion, ensuring that all viewpoints receive fair consideration.
Looking ahead, a key area of focus will be extending effective governance practices throughout the Group. As the Group continues to grow, so too does the number and diversity of its affiliates and associates. It is therefore increasingly important to establish common governance standards and ensure their consistent application across the Group. In addition, as the business cycle is fundamentally one of investment and return, close monitoring after investment is critical. Timely visibility into work in progress is especially important and will remain a key focus of my oversight from a financial standpoint.
The Bandai Namco Group’s continued growth will depend on the successful execution of its IP axis strategy, including further development of existing IPs, revitalization of underutilized IPs, strategic use of external IPs, and the creation of new IPs. The Board of Directors must therefore maintain oversight of these efforts from short-, medium-, and long-term perspectives. I hope that shareholders will continue to support the Group as fans as well as investors. Leveraging my experience as a certified public accountant, tax accountant, and outside director, I will continue to focus on effective corporate governance so that Bandai Namco remains well positioned to meet the expectations of all its stakeholders.