■ Embarking on the year 2022

It is the start of the new year, and nearly two years since we shifted to an online-centric work style in many locations due to the outbreak of COVID-19. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for taking new and innovative approaches to your work, and continuing to drive our business forward during this period.

Unfortunately, with the spread of the Omicron variant since the end of last year, we must continue to remain vigilant and responsive to the situation as it develops. For me personally, while remote work has provided convenience, I have found this experience has also underlined the importance of in-person interaction within the creative process. With the health and safety of all employees continuing to be our utmost priority, I would like to also move forward with efforts to put in place appropriate work environments based on the situation within each region.

■ CES 2022

My first blog of the new year is coming to you from Las Vegas, Nevada, where CES 2022 is being held from January 5 as a hybrid event with online and in-person exhibits. This year we have been able to establish an in-person presence, and introduce our latest technologies and products on-site.

At our press conference held prior to the opening of the show, I stated that, as a creative entertainment company the Sony Group continues to engage in initiatives towards "getting closer to people," based on our Purpose. In terms of getting closer to the creators who generate emotion through their creative works, I highlighted examples such as Adele's new album "30," which has captivated the hearts of people around the world since its release last year, and the film "Uncharted," a collaboration between Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) and Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) to create a movie based on the popular game IP. Scheduled for release in February, the lead role is played by Tom Holland, who is currently starring in SPE's major hit "Spider-Man: No Way Home," and Tom joined us on stage in Las Vegas to introduce the new film. SIE President and CEO Jim Ryan also took the stage to introduce the next-generation virtual reality system PlayStation® VR2, and dedicated PlayStation VR2 Sense™ controllers.

Sony's Press Conference held on January 4

Tom Holland (center), star of "Uncharted,"
and Tom Rothman (right), Chairman and CEO, SPE Motion Picture Group

Jim Ryan announcing the product name of the next-generation VR system
for PlayStation® 5 and its dedicated controllers

I concluded our press conference by announcing that we will establish a new operating company, "Sony Mobility Inc.," in the spring of 2022 to further accelerate new proposals and evolution in the area of mobility, and that we are exploring entry into the EV market through this company.

At CES2020 two years ago, we announced VISION-S as an initiative for Sony to contribute to the evolution of the upcoming megatrend of mobility through our imaging and sensing technologies, and exhibited our first prototype vehicle. Since then, under the leadership of Izumi Kawanishi, who heads the AI Robotics Business Group, we have continued to develop technologies for safety and assurance, and proceeded with development around the axis of adaptability and entertainment. We have also demonstrated our progress through public road tests and 5G driving tests in Europe. At this year's CES, we unveiled our first SUV-type prototype vehicle, that aims to accommodate a diverse range of values and lifestyles. Based on our progress to date, I believe that there are many areas where Sony can contribute further, for example through the software platform on which VISION-S is based, and through mobile communication technology, which is vital to the evolution of mobility.

Introducing the SUV-type prototype vehicle VISION-S 02 (left) at the Sony press conference

What is consistent to all the recent initiatives we introduced at CES is that they are expanding the space for creativity. The STAR SPHERE -Space Inspiration Project- and our Airpeak drone, both of which I mentioned in the press conference, will bring new opportunities for expanding the content creation space. Virtual Production creates new space for content production with computer graphics generated in real-time, and games and sports will see the creation of new value through virtual space technology. I also touched on Hawk-Eye and introduced our partnership with Manchester City Football Club to create new fan communities. The challenge we are undertaking in EVs is another area where I would like to see us generate new value, in this case in the mobility space, and create a space that delivers emotion.

(click to enlarge)
CES 2022 Sony Booth

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the preparations for our press conference and the Sony booth, and those still working at the event, who have been taking all possible measures to safeguard health and safety while working to overcome the many difficulties and restrictions we faced. I believe it is very meaningful that we have been able to demonstrate the extent of our efforts and progress in the real world at this year's CES.

Let's continue to work together across the Sony Group in 2022 to create unique value that only we can.

As always, I look forward to receiving your feedback.