Writing to me, and what I cannot answer

Most of my correspondence comes from three groups, and I am glad to hear from each. Chairs of nomination committees and search partners considering me for an outside directorship should tell me the company's sector, its main customers and suppliers, whether it holds or is held by any company connected with Hatsuseki, and the committees in question; I will check conflicts and my board's consent before we meet. Presidents and directors working through capital policy, cross-held shares or a succession process are welcome to compare notes, provided we both understand that I will speak about Hatsuseki only from what we have published. Organisers of meetings for directors and investors may invite me to speak on capital efficiency or quality governance.

I cannot comment on our unpublished results, on the Arizona customer, on the activist fund's intentions or on any candidate for my succession. I do not take approaches from suppliers through this page. I read every message myself and reply in Japanese or English, normally within ten days.