In keeping with our philosophy of kyosei, we will continue to pursue global environmental and social sustainability as we progress through the next 100, and even 200, years.
Canon Inc.
Chairman and CEO:
Fujio Mitarai
Canon Inc.
President and COO:
Tsuneji Uchida
In 2006, Canon launched Phase III of the Excellent Global Corporation Plan, our mid- to long-term management plan. While maintaining the high-profit structure achieved during Phases I and II, we aim to expand further, pursuing a course of sound growth to achieve by 2010 consolidated net sales of ¥5,500 billion and a net income to sales ratio of 10% or more. Additionally, we plan to join the ranks of the world’s top 100 companies in terms of every major management indicator. We are thus pleased to report that in this inaugural year of Phase III, Canon posted its seventh consecutive year of sales and profit growth.
Our main objective under the Excellent Global Corporation Plan is to become a truly excellent global corporation that is admired and respected the world over. We aim to achieve this by constantly promoting innovation and technologies that support the progress and development of industry and society. Fulfilling our social responsibilities as a global corporate citizen and pursuing sustainability are natural obligations in this pursuit.
Canon’s corporate philosophy of kyosei, or living and working together for the common good, is the foundation for this approach. Kyosei aspires to a society characterized by sustainable prosperity in which all people, regardless of race, region or culture, harmoniously live and work together into the future. As Canon extends its range of business and areas of activity, the number of stakeholders that its corporate behavior attracts, as well as the sphere of its social influences expand on a daily basis. Based on this understanding, we are actively pursuing activities to reinforce our stakeholders’ trust.
As a manufacturer, product quality and safety are issues of vital importance to Canon. A quality issue can instantly erase the reputation for reliability that a company has built up over many years, and more important, it puts stakeholders to great inconvenience. We are continually reassessing the importance of quality and promoting quality improvement activities to ensure that problems stemming from a lack of diligence or inattention do not occur.
Also, we cannot overlook the precarious state of the global environment, which is of direct concern to stakeholders and society. Canon pursues the maximization of resource efficiency in a way that balances environmental concerns and economic development by targeting the entire product lifecycle, including the usage stage, as well as the company’s business operations worldwide. In 2003, we established the overriding indicator Factor 2 as our Vision for 2010 in order to put these ideas into concrete practice. Our Group companies are united worldwide in stepping up environmental measures as we approach the First Commitment Period of the Kyoto Protocol, the international treaty on climate change.
Canon’s activities are underpinned by each employee’s adherence to our guiding principle of the “Three Selfs” (self-motivation, self-management, self-awareness), which dates back to the company’s founding. With this ideal firmly in mind, we will continue to promote a broad range of reforms while cultivating a spirit of compliance befitting a truly excellent corporation.
In 2007, we will celebrate the 70th anniversary of Canon’s founding. Acting as a responsible corporate citizen, we will reinforce our corporate governance structure as we move forward with our valued stakeholders in our journey toward realizing a sustainable society. Canon will continue to pursue innovations in all business operations, leading to sustained development and prosperity for the next 100, and even 200, years.
We thank you for your continuing understanding and support.
