We are focused on creating workplaces that not only promote diversity in the nature of our workforce, but also are accepting of differences and make the most of them so that our diverse workforce can demonstrate their "Yatte Minahare―Go for it!" spirit to the fullest.

For Suntory to ceaselessly create new value, it is important that we actively adopt and make the most of our diverse human resources and diverse sense of values without regard to nationality or age. In each Group company and division, the Suntory Group created project teams in 2010 that work from both top-down and bottom-up perspectives to deduce problems and explore ways to resolve them. We also convene lecture meetings and study groups, and are working to increase transparency broadly throughout the company. Moreover, we created a Diversity Promotion Section in April 2011 that is working to accelerate the promotion of diversity.

The Suntory Group actively hires ambitious and skilled employees, with no distinctions made with respect to gender in hiring or compensation. As a result of this policy, as of December 2010, 7.2% of our managerial positions are filled by female employees. Additionally, one of the Diversity Project Teams formed in 2010 addresses issues related to making the best use of our female employees and continually looking into ways to achieve ever greater job satisfaction.

The Suntory Group is working to expand the possibilities for persons with disabilities by hiring without setting limits on the scope of an employee's responsibilities. As of June 1, 2010, we have 75 employees with disabilities (22 of whom have severe disabilities). Although our employment rate of 1.81% satisfies the legally mandated employment rate, we will work toward creating a more disability friendly workplace by expanding further our employment of persons with disabilities.

The Suntory Group has introduced its Elder Partner Program for rehiring mandatory retirees, offering positions for everyone who wants one and who meets certain conditions regarding their state of health and commute to work. Approximately 80% of mandatory retirees in 2010 desired reemployment, and 98% (127 persons) were rehired. In accordance with revisions to the Law Concerning Stabilization of Employment of Older Persons, in 2006 we began a phased increase of the rehiring period to extend it to 5 years. Mindful also of the health of those we rehire, we provide for them a day-long, full physical examination at a reduced expense as well as more paid holidays than is legally required.