On behalf of the management and employees at Benesse, I want to offer my condolences to all those who were affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Perhaps the most basic element of our “Benesse” concept (“well-being”) can be found in the creation of a safe and secure lifestyle. In today’s uncertain world, it is essential that we start to consider carefully what we must do to achieve “Benesse,” beginning with the most basic elements like food, energy and a healthy environment in which to live.

Over the years I have given a lot of thought to what “living well” truly means. I believe that the best way to enrich human life is not to foster individualism and acquisitiveness, but rather, to build vibrant and rewarding communities. Generating higher sales and profits is not the true measure of success for a company, but whether those gains help to enrich the entire community, whether value is created and returned to society, and whether the company is playing a valued role in its markets. Benesse Holdings and four foundations actively support activities to promote the vitality of local communities through education, culture and the fine arts. One of the highlights of Benesse’s effort to return value to the community is our cultural and community development project on Naoshima, an island located in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. These activities have made Benesse an integral and indispensable part of the community and the society of that region. And that is the true goal of company management.

As always, support and cooperation from you, our stakeholders, is a valued component of the Benesse Group’s ongoing evolution.