1998 April Executive officers appointed to effect prompt decision-making and execution of decisions June Statutory Auditors Committee bolstered by the appointment of an attorney-at-law as an independent outside auditor 2000 May Two business results briefings held for retail investors and analysts June Board of Directors reinforced by the appointment of a certified public accountant as an independent outside director November Remuneration committee, with members including an independent outside director and an independent outside auditor, created to clarify assessments of personnel performance 2001 June Annual shareholders’ meeting held on Saturday (accompanied by a social gathering with shareholders) 2003 June “Committees-based company” system adopted 2004 March Internal whistle-blower system adopted; director retirement benefits abolished 2005 January Information Disclosure Committee established June Audit Office established under the direct control of the Audit Committee July Investor relations activities conducted in the United Kingdom and the United States August Business Continuity Plan Adoption Committee created November Internal Audit Department created under the direct authority of an executive officer 2006 January Committee of External Experts established 2007 December Separation of the roles of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer 2009 February Introduction of Operating Officers System