Top Management Message

At the heart of Kyocera Group management is the management philosophy known as the Kyocera Philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of fair business based on ethical, moral and social standards that people should uphold throughout life. Ultimately, it comes down to one criterion for making decisions: "What is the right thing to do as a human being?"

To realize this management philosophy, Kyocera developed a unique management control method known as the Amoeba Management System. With this system in place, Kyocera is promoting a management method in which all employees can participate. At the same time, Kyocera believes in highly transparent corporate activity with timely disclosure of information to customers, employees, shareholders, investors, business associates, and all other stakeholders.

Since the company was established, the Kyocera Group has always strived to develop and provide the market with new technologies and new products. By continuing business in this way, we have endeavored to contribute to the advancement and development of humankind and society. Over the years, society has given the Kyocera Group immeasurable support, both tangible and intangible. It is because of such support that we are here today. In return, we seek opportunities to actively contribute to society.

Full-scale social contributions started not long after our founding, when Kyocera was still a small enterprise. We began by donating grand pianos and scholarship funds to three elementary and junior high schools in Gamo Town (now Higashi Ohmi City), Shiga Prefecture (Japan), where our headquarters and factory were then located. Since that time, Kyocera has actively worked to fulfill its responsibilities as a member of society, through diverse activities contributing to individual communities and society in general.

The Kyocera Group maintains the stance that a corporation is a member of society. Whatever the era, the Kyocera Group will continue to fulfill its functions and responsibilities as a corporation supporting the development of communities and society. We will continue to operate for the good of people and the world, not just in business activities, but also through various social contribution activities.

The Kyocera Group is actively taking part in measures dealing with global environmental problems facing humanity today.

Fine ceramics, the starting point of Kyocera, are ideal ecological materials. By utilizing such features as abrasion resistance and heat resistance, we have produced a wide range of environmentally friendly products. The Kyocera Group has also been actively involved in measures to prevent climate change through its promotion and use of solar power generating systems; its early entry into the fuel cell market; and through its other business operations. Additionally, we have set high goals for reducing any negative environmental impacts of our business activities, including measures for conserving energy and reducing resource consumption.

The 6th Environment & Safety Promotion Plan was concluded in March 2011. The 7th Environment & Safety Promotion Plan was launched in April. The latest Plan sets out the vision, goals and plans from a mid-to-long-term perspective up to 2020. The Kyocera Group is pushing forward with the accelerated development of green products and mitigation of negative environmental impacts. At the same time, we are actively expanding green communication activities, such as "Eco-Lessons," for school children — the leaders of the next generation.

For the Kyocera Group, CSR is tantamount to the practice of the Kyocera Philosophy — the heart of Kyocera Group management. We believe the practice of the Kyocera Philosophy builds mutual trust with stakeholders, and contributes to sustainable growth for the Kyocera Group, as well as the overall development of society.

By practicing the Kyocera Philosophy, we will continue to engage in balanced corporate management from three perspectives: economical, social and environmental.

All members of the Kyocera Group offer our heartfelt sympathy to the people affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, and our sincere wishes for the swift recovery of the stricken areas.

Certain Kyocera Group production and sales facilities in the Tohoku region were damaged in the earthquake. However, thanks to the combined efforts of many people, we were able to resume production at all affected sites by March 22, 2011.

A corporation can only begin to generate consistent revenues and profits when it meets its responsibilities toward society. Through the ongoing practice of the Kyocera Philosophy, we will continue striving toward the Kyocera Group's mission and contribute toward the recovery.

Power supply and other conditions still remain problematic. Nevertheless, we intend to overcome these difficulties and move toward the wonderful future we believe in.

We will be very pleased if this CSR report gives you a better understanding of Kyocera Group's CSR activities. Your ongoing support of our operations is greatly appreciated, and we welcome your opinions.