■ Business trip to the US West Coast

At the beginning of this month, I took my first business trip to the US since February of last year to attend meetings with executives from other companies . Like many of you, I have become accustomed to online communication during the COVID-19 pandemic, and while remote work is certainly convenient, this trip reminded me of the benefits that can only be gained from face-to-face communication. In particular, I think that when meeting someone for the first time and embarking on a new relationship, there is significant meaning to meeting in person.

During my trip I was also able to meet with Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) Chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra, SPE Motion Picture Group Chairman Tom Rothman, and Chairman of SPE's Global Television Studios, Ravi Ahuja. At the SPE Culver City lot I also had the opportunity to visit Sony Innovation Studios (SIS), and see our latest initiatives in the area of Virtual Production (VP), including a stage incorporating Crystal LED that is currently under construction.

With Tom (center) and Ravi (right) at SIS

In front of the framework for the stage that will provide the background for VP filming,
together with SIS members and the SPE production services team that is supporting construction

Sony's Identity is a "creative entertainment company with a solid foundation of technology," and I look to see us become a global leader in the area of Virtual Production by leveraging our technology. In a previous blog, I introduced the concept: "Fill the world with emotion... with You." I believe that with everyone collaborating beyond business boundaries and sharing our array of technologies and expertise, we can create new value in the area of VP. I intend to touch on VP at the next Group Quarterly Meeting in November.

■ Analyst Conference

On October 8, I delivered a speech on the theme of "Management from a Long-Term Perspective and Stakeholders" at an online conference held by the Securities Analysts Association of Japan. The full text of the speech, which was approximately an hour in length including Q&A, has been posted on Inter Sony, so please look through it when you have the chance.

In my speech, I looked back on my career including my time at So-net, and talked about some of the challenges I undertook, and the difficulties I experienced. While many of these challenges ended in failure, I believe that ultimately these experiences helped me lead Sony's business to where it is now. I intend to continue to value the Sony Group's corporate culture of taking on new challenges.

As always, I look forward to receiving your thoughts and feedback.