Since its inception in 1804, the Mizkan Group has achieved significant growth by continually overcoming numerous changes and challenges. Having celebrated a momentous milestone - the bicentennial of our company - we feel truly grateful for the support of all those who were involved in making it happen. At the turn of the bicentennial, we created a new Group Vision. In 1804, vinegar was successfully produced out of sake kasu (or sake lees), marking the First Era of our corporate history. The period of post-WW II reconstruction, during which our former President Matazaemon VII rekindled and developed the Mizkan Group into our existing business, is regarded as our Second Era. The newest generation, or the Third Era of the Mizkan Group, faces additional changes and challenges. The question is, what changes and challenges should we be working on? The Group Vision is our guide to meeting the changes and challenges, and serves as a new navigation chart for the Mizkan Group. Upon defining this Vision, we place particular emphasis on the unique characteristics of the Mizkan Group versus our competition. Our commitment is to achieve an above-standard level of safety in all product categories, provide one-step-ahead safety and reliability and offer proven health benefits through our delicious food products. This commitment constitutes the core of what separates us from the competition. At the same time, these are the challenges we face in the future. We are committed to realizing the Mizkan Group vision and we need your cooperation to achieve this vision. We strongly believe that achieving the Group Vision will foster a valuable, long-lasting partnership for all of us. We appreciate your continuing dedication in building the spirit of cooperation and partnership now and into the future. Copyright(c)2008 Mizkan Group Corporation All Rights Reserved.