The Sumitomo Electric Group currently has about 180,000 employees working in some 30 countries around the world. About 80% of these employees are non-Japanese. This may sound a bit boastful, but I think it's no exaggeration to say that ours is a company on which the sun never sets.

Our key word in the present situation, in which we must successfully assimilate with ongoing globalization and continue to develop further, is “diversity”; we are carrying out a range of programs around the theme of “diversity."

One such training effort, the new "Global Leadership Program," was recently held for administrative members and executives in overseas Group companies. The four-day program, which included lectures and group discussions on the theme "Management suitable for the Sumitomo Electric Group," had 41 participants from 36 companies in 15 countries.

During the event, I gave a 30-minute lecture titled "Toward becoming a Glorious Excellent Company." It was definitely not the first time the program participants had heard of the "Glorious Excellent Company" concept, since I have been talking about it within the Group ever since I assumed the office of President. Still, as a believer in the special impact of talking directly to my audience, I gave my lecture in English the best I could.

In the group discussions, also conducted in English, the participants deepened their understanding of the significance and backgrounds of some of the key notions of the Sumitomo Spirit, such as "Banji nissei" and "Fusu furi," respectively known by their English translations, "do your best everywhere" and "no easy gains." I also took the opportunity to talk a bit about the Sumitomo Spirit in an easy to understand manner, since it is the spiritual foundation that all members of the Group should share and embrace.

We also discussed the notion of "3C4D (three modes of communication plus four drinks; communication is important, and getting to know each other better as persons over drinks is very effective for communication)." At the party that marked the end of training, the participants and I were able to practice "3C4D" very skillfully, deepening our mutual ties.

I really look forward to seeing those individuals who participated in the program working actively in key positions, making the best of the training results.