■ Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Infinity Train

I recently had the opportunity to watch "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Infinity Train," which is co-produced and co-distributed by SMEJ subsidiary Aniplex. I had just finished watching all 26 episodes of the television series "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," and was impressed how well the finale of the series transitioned into the film, much like a prologue. The film has grossed approximately 25.9 billion yen at the box office in Japan in just 39 days since opening on October 16th^*, which currently makes it the 3rd highest-grossing film of all time domestically, after films such as Spirited Away (#1) and Titanic (#2). I believe this outstanding performance demonstrates the underlying strength of theatricality, and the unique sensations provided by the theater experience. This is something I also sensed while watching the SPE title "Little Women" in late June, albeit within a theater operating at under 50% capacity. I consider "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" to be an IP with extremely high potential, and I look forward this momentum continuing around the globe.

* Theaters in Japan began operating at full capacity from Mid-October.

©Koyoharu Gotoge / SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable "Demon Slayer-Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train" Produced and Distributed by Aniplex, etc.		"Little Women" A Columbia Pictures, Regency Enterprises and Pascal Pictures production; Distributed by Columbia Pictures

■ PS5 Launch

We launched PS5 in the US, Japan and other countries on November 12th, and in Europe on the 19th. PS5 is a console that embodies the concepts of Reality and Real-time. In particular, the inspiration to design a custom SSD memory control unit that enhances Real-time capability was born out of our close relationship to the gaming community that we have maintained over many years. Reviews from those who have had hands-on time with PS5 show that many have been impressed, not only by its speed, but also by the UI, game controller, 3D audio, and other features that deliver a marked evolution in the gaming experience. In addition to providing new gaming content and experiences to the global gaming community, PS5 provides a new stage for game creators to express their creativity to the full.

SIE's Worldwide Studios' characters joined the Closing Bell of the NYSE to celebrate PS5™ launch	Aloy from 『Horizon Forbidden West』and Ratchet from 『Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart』

■ Virtual Production Using Volumetric Capture Technology

At the Group Quarterly Meeting (GQM) on October 30th, I spoke on the topic of Communities of Interest from in front of the Thalberg Building at SPE Headquarters in California. In reality, physically I was still in Tokyo. This remote production was made possible by combining Volumetric Capture technology of SPE's Sony Innovation Studios with the capabilities of Sony PCL's Virtual Production Lab, which was established in August. As I touched on at the GQM, I believe Remote technology such as this is becoming essential in today's world.

■ Airpeak

We are also moving forward with our "Airpeak" drone project. This is an initiative that offers creators possibilities for new creative expression by extending the boundaries of remote production in the real-world environment. There are many potential applications for our imaging and sensing technologies in the drone's spatial movement. I look forward to seeing how this project evolves as one of Sony's challenges to develop products designed for mobility, following in the footsteps of aibo and VISION-S.

At the GQM, I also introduced various examples of communities that are born around attractive content developed by creators. I believe that bringing ourselves closer to creators and users, and creating "Communities of Interest" in this way is the essence of Sony's Purpose, to "fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology."

■ Organizational Changes for the Electronics Business

Finally, I would like to touch on the November 17th announcement of our new management structure for the electronics business, starting next April. Based on discussions with Ishizuka-san and Takagi-san, I have decided to appoint Kimio Maki as President and CEO of the new Sony Corporation (SEC). I believe that Maki-san's outstanding achievements within digital imaging and at SOMC, as well as his dedication to product excellence and expertise in business operations, make him ideally equipped to head SEC. Ishizuka-san, will assist me broadly across our electronics entities in his role as Vice Chairman of Sony Group Corporation (SGC), Takagi-san, will be appointed Vice Chairman of SEC, and I will take on the role of Chairman of SEC. Together we will provide our full support to Maki-san in his leadership of SEC.

As always, I look forward to receiving your feedback.