■ New Management Structure
Today marks the start of a new fiscal year. With the aim of further strengthening the Sony Group's management structure, effective April 1, Hiroki Totoki has been appointed President, COO and CFO, and I have become Chairman and CEO. Together with the leadership team and alongside all of you, I intend to strive for the continued evolution and growth of Sony under this new management structure. （Message dated Feb. 2）

Although we are transitioning to a new structure, Sony's Purpose to "fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology," and our corporate direction of "getting closer to people," will remain the same. On the other hand, our surrounding environment is undergoing rapid change. From the advancement of technologies such as AI, to geopolitical risks, the global environment and social division, we face many challenges in our management of Sony's businesses.

Amidst these circumstances, in order for the Sony Group to achieve further growth, it is vital that we thoroughly implement collaboration between businesses, capital allocation and business portfolio management. I intend to engage in this, together with Totoki-san, who has a deep understanding of each business operation, so that we can enhance the Group's overall value from a long-term perspective.

■ Evolving Diversity
Earlier, Totoki-san also shared a message with you all, in which he emphasized his commitment to incorporating diverse views and opinions to further evolve the diversity of Sony's business and talent. As part of these efforts, he stated that he is planning to visit our sites and operations to have the opportunity to speak directly with many of you. Toshimoto Mitomo, who has been appointed Executive Deputy President and CSO effective April 1, is also taking on board the voices of the Sony Group's diverse employees, and serving as a link between our diverse businesses.

Ever since assuming the role of CEO five years ago, I have always valued my dialogue with you, the Sony Group's valued employees. In fact, it was through these interactions that I arrived at our Purpose. This past month was another in which I was fortunate to have the opportunity to engage in conversation with many of you, and I always find these interactions full of inspiration and learning.

Each and every one of you around the world are the driving force of the Sony Group's diverse businesses. I intend to continue valuing the diverse views and opinions of each of you, and look forward to working together towards Sony's evolution and further growth.

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