In June 2026, before assuming the role of outside director at Bandai Namco, I had the opportunity to watch MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM HATHAWAY The Sorcery of Nymph Circe. The experience left a strong impression on me and reinforced just how far Japanese animation has evolved. The visuals, storytelling, characters, and music were all of an extraordinarily high standard. This made me realize that the true strength of the Bandai Namco Group lies in its ability to create value across a broad range of entertainment businesses. The Group’s presence across a diverse range of products and services enables each business to reinforce the others, creating synergies that support sustainable growth. This collective strength is a defining characteristic of the Group. Its current foundation has been built through the successful integration of its four business Units, the cultivation of a global fan base through overseas expansion, and the steady development of creative capabilities over the long term.
In my view, the Group’s corporate value ultimately depends on its people, then on IP, and finally on the corporate functions that enable both to thrive. As an Audit & Supervisory Committee member, I want to pay particular attention to the steps the Company takes to enhance human capital and strengthen global IP management. I will also focus on legal, compliance, and sustainability matters, such as regulations pertaining to generative AI, management of overseas subsidiaries, post-merger integration after overseas M&A activities, and effective management of workplace environments and sales methods in other countries of operation.
If a company whose mission is to provide joy fails to take compliance and sustainability seriously, it cannot hope to build a lasting fan base. Delivering inspiring experiences to fans requires a well-functioning organization. I therefore intend to help Bandai Namco strengthen its human capital, IP management, and internal controls to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality content and services to fans around the world. I will do my utmost to help the Bandai Namco Group bring joy and diverse forms of value to an ever-growing number of people by bringing entertainment created in Japan to audiences around the globe.