Canon celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2007 with record-high consolidated net sales and net income, representing an eighth consecutive year of sales and profit growth. While maintaining our high-profit structure, we are striving to achieve the sound growth that represents the main objective of Phase III (2006-2010) of the Excellent Global Corporation Plan, our mid- to long-term management plan. We will continue to innovate as we pursue our quest to be a truly excellent global corporation capable of evolving and thriving over the next century and beyond.
The management conditions we face today change at a breathtaking pace. Amid a dramatic rise in the worldwide consumption of energy and resources, problems such as global warming and the depletion of resources have become increasingly pressing issues. Meanwhile, the importance of corporate social responsibility continues to grow. Faced with such conditions, Canon conducts its corporate activities with the belief that only companies that address these issues sincerely will be able to aid in preserving the environment while also contributing to a more comfortable and convenient sustainable society.

Realizing a sustainable society in keeping with our philosophy of kyosei

Canon’s corporate philosophy is kyosei. Kyosei aspires to a society in which all people, regardless of race, religion, or culture, harmoniously live and work together for the common good into the future. Kyosei, in other words, is an attempt to bring about a society characterized by sustainable prosperity. In keeping with this philosophy, Canon aims to become a truly excellent global corporation worthy of admiration and respect around the world. We consider the fulfillment of our social responsibilities to be a natural obligation as we respond to various challenges and work to fulfill the expectations of our stakeholders, beginning with our customers, our shareholders and investors, our employees, and the local communities in which we operate.

Becoming an industry leader in product quality and the environment

As a manufacturer that takes pride in the craftsmanship of its products, product quality and environmental consciousness are of vital importance to Canon. A problem involving quality or safety, areas that represent the foundation on which trust in the Canon name is based, could instantly erode the brand reputation that we have cultivated over many years. More importantly, such problems would cause great inconvenience to our many stakeholders. As such, we maintain a renewed awareness of the important roles that quality and safety play and continuously strive to improve the quality of both the products we produce and the people who produce them.
On the environmental front, Canon pursues the maximization of resource efficiency in a way that balances environmental concerns and economic development by targeting the entire product lifecycle, which includes the stages of production, usage, and recycling. In 2007, within our Management Strategy Committee, which is responsible for deliberating on important matters, we established the Global Environment Strategic Expert Committee with the aim of further strengthening our environmental management and promoting environmental initiatives as an environmental frontrunner within the industry.

Ensuring the passing on of Canon’s corporate DNA

Looking back on our 70-year history, the origins of Canon’s corporate DNA lie in: respect for human dignity; an emphasis on technology; and an enterprising spirit. We have always encouraged innovation and supported the progress and development of industry and lifestyles through technology. Under the basic strategies of globalization and diversification, we have greatly expanded our business domains as well as the number of regions in which we operate. As such, the number of people with a connection to the company, and the number of regions in which Canon has an influence on the community, increases almost daily, and we must continue building relationships of trust with even more people and across even wider regions.
Supporting all of Canon’s activities is the adherence of each employee to the “San-ji,” or “Three Selfs,” spirit—self-motivation, self-management, and self-awareness—a guiding principle that dates back to the company’s founding. In addition to cultivating a spirit of compliance befitting a truly excellent corporation, we will strive to pass on the values comprising Canon’s DNA to the next generation of employees and maintain an awareness of the “Three Selfs” spirit as we continue to innovate, working with our valued stakeholders toward the realization of a sustainable society.
In closing, we ask for your continued understanding and support.