Message from the Chairman of the Board of Directors
Updated on May 29, 2026 We will continue to engage in constructive discussions as we look toward the next 100 years
Based on a skills matrix, Kuraray’s Board of Directors is made up of members with a broad range of backgrounds and expertise. As changes in the operating environment accelerate even further, a key responsibility of the Board is to examine the appropriateness of the Company’s management policies and its responses to anticipated risks from multiple perspectives, and to link these efforts to the sustained enhancement of corporate value. As chairman, I am committed to invigorating discussions to ensure that the wide-ranging perspectives of both Internal and Outside Directors are fully reflected, thereby further enhancing the quality of the decision-making process of the Board overall.
We conduct an annual evaluation of the effectiveness of the Board to verify whether our corporate governance is functioning effectively. The results of the evaluation for fiscal 2025 were generally positive, confirming that the effectiveness of the Board is being maintained. On the other hand, Outside Directors and Members of Audit & Supervisory Board raised several important points needing to be addressed, including known issues around the share price and ROE, the importance of dialogue with investors, strengthening risk resilience in light of the external environment, and the necessity of further deepening discussions on succession planning. Taking these observations into account, we will continue to engage in discussions that contribute to enhancing corporate value, while refining the selection of themes and issues to be addressed.
Fiscal 2026 is the final year of our Medium-Term Management Plan, “PASSION 2026.” As we evaluate the progress and outcomes of key initiatives, such as enhancing our business portfolio and our Three Challenges, we will verify the appropriateness of the underlying assumptions and risk awareness, and continue to engage in constructive discussions from a medium- to long-term perspective as we set our sights on the next 100 years.
As chairman, I will continue striving to enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Directors and to build a highly transparent governance structure. I look forward to the ongoing support and understanding of all our stakeholders.