Sumitomo boasts a history spanning over 400 years, anchored by its spiritual foundation known as “The Sumitomo Spirit.” This spirit is defined by the following guiding principles: “Do your sincere best in not only business, but also every aspect of your life” (Banji-nissei); “Place importance on integrity and sound management” (Shinyo-kakujitsu); and “Work proactively, pursue profit by quickly and appropriately responding to changes in society and do not be content with the status quo. However, do not act rashly or carelessly in pursuit of immoral business” (Fusu-furi). These principles—together with values such as “Attaching importance to technology,” “Respect for human resources,” “Long-range planning,” and “Mutual prosperity, respect for the public good,” —have been handed down through generations as shared assets of the entire Sumitomo Group.

The Sumitomo Spirit, upheld by generations of Sumitomo Electric Group leadership, aligns closely with today’s principles of Sustainability Management. The Group attributes its ongoing growth and continuous development since its founding in 1897 to steadfast adherence to this spirit.

Rooted in the Sumitomo Spirit and the Sumitomo Electric Group Corporate Principles, and guided by the enduring management policy of “contributing to society through fair business activities,” the Sumitomo Electric Group is committed to enhancing corporate value over the medium to long term. The Group will steadily distribute and return the results as a going concern to its five main stakeholders—employees, customers, suppliers, communities, and shareholders/investors—in line with the Multistakeholder Capitalism concept of “Goho Yoshi” (Five-Way Win), thereby pursuing further sustainable development.

In alignment with this fundamental policy, the Group will advance its sustainability initiatives under its medium- to long-term management plan, and will communicate its value creation story both internally and externally through the “Integrated Report” and supplementary materials and data, including the “CSR Book,” to foster dialogue with stakeholders.