Summary of the New Year's Message from President Nobuaki Mito

Jan. 5, 2026

The Sumitomo Chemical Group achieved a V-shaped recovery in business performance in 2025 and launched new initiatives to become a new Sumitomo Chemical. As global economic uncertainty is expected to continue in 2026, I would like for this to be a year in which we pursue innovation and expand businesses that have winning strategies, and build the foundation for steady growth.

As we begin the new year, I would like to once again speak about the three “leaps” that I brought up when I was appointed President.

1. A solid return to a growth trajectory and a leap to even greater heights
To leap to even greater heights, we need to generate innovation that will overwhelmingly surpass our competitors, and take on the challenge of changing. By accepting the rapid change in the global competitive environment as a challenge that we should rise to meet and facing it head on, continually striving to create new ideas and technologies, and swiftly and boldly responding to various changes, we will undoubtedly be able to open up a path for Sumitomo Chemical’s future growth.
As Louis Pasteur, the French microbiologist, said, “Fortune favors the prepared mind,” success is not a coincidence, but the result of daily effort and preparation. Instead of just waiting for good fortune, I hope that all of you will seize opportunities through your daily, persistent efforts.

2. A leap toward becoming a new global company that has inherited Sumitomo Chemical’s excellent corporate culture
I would like for us to value organizational power and integrity, which represent Sumitomo Chemical’s strengths and the essence of the Japanese corporate culture. At the same time, I want us to aim to become a company that is not confined to existing frameworks, proactively adopts diverse values, and leads the creation of new value on the global stage. We are not satisfied with the current status quo and instead aim to succeed in the global competition. I hope that each one of us will have a global perspective, hone our individual abilities, and mobilize them across the entire Sumitomo Chemical Group. I am certain that, through this, we will be able to build a new history for Sumitomo Chemical.

3. A leap toward becoming a highly dynamic organization
In 2026 let us continue to have the spirit that each one of us is a leading player. Let us have free and candid discussions regardless of differences in position, age, or background. Let us also work as a team to deliver significant achievements. The spirit of continuously taking on new challenges is not constrained by one’s age or position. Let us each have a sense of ownership and strive to build one another up, and let us work together to leap toward becoming a highly dynamic organization.

While the environment surrounding the Sumitomo Chemical Group remains difficult, promising developments continue to emerge from all of our business areas. I am confident that the Sumitomo Chemical Group will continue to achieve further growth in 2026.
Let us all welcome the new year with a sense of confidence.

Reference

The full video of the New Year’s Message can be viewed here.
YouTube: 2026 New Year’s Message from President Nobuaki Mito

Contact

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
Corporate Communications Dept.
https://www.sumitomo-chem.co.jp/english/contact/public/