Business Conduct Guidelines

6. Maintain a Fair, Open and Exemplary Corporate Position

(1) We shall conduct public relations activities that are factually based, and we shall be honest in disclosing necessary and appropriate information to the public. We shall strive to maintain openness. We shall also listen carefully to the voices of the stakeholders and be sensitive to opinions and criticisms that are sincerely expressed.

• We shall strive to gain the trust and support of society by further improving our corporate reputation as that of an "open company". Through proactive public relations activities, we shall make efforts to disclose corporate information properly and promptly to all stakeholders, including consumers/customers, employees, suppliers, communities, shareholders and investors. To improve the transparency of management and our corporate reputation for openness, we shall disclose precise information about the company to as many people as practicable in a timely fashion, through our media relations activities and reports which disclose economic, environmental and social issues, and releases on our website.
• Public announcements relating to company activities and the expression of opinions on behalf of the company shall be made by or through the Public Relations Department.
• We will deal with mass media sincerely, courteously and impartially, and we shall conduct fact-based public relations activities appropriately and swiftly. We shall also proactively listen to frank public opinions and comments about the company through interactive communication with various stakeholders and attempt to have management that appreciates and seeks to accommodate those opinions and comments that are informed and supported in reason.
• To gain trust and support from society, we shall strive to communicate to society via mass media precise information about our management principles, management policy, new technologies, new products, financial status, and activities that promote corporate social responsibility.
• We shall endeavor to establish fair relationships with the mass media, and we shall endeavor to gain their long-term support and trust.

(2) We shall not engage in any activities which are detrimental to society. Furthermore, we shall resolutely resist pressure by any individual, group or organization to support such activities.

• We shall understand that activities which are unlawful or contrary to the public welfare will have a material and adverse effect upon society and the company. Accordingly, we shall maintain a resolute attitude against such activities.
• We shall not participate in any activities that are illegal or contrary to the public welfare regardless of any competing pressure to do so. We shall gain fundamental legal knowledge, acknowledge social norms, maintain a firm sense of morality and ethics, and take a sensible course of action in order to avert such activities. Any attempt to force or induce any employee to engage in such activities shall be rejected decisively, be reported to the company, and be firmly addressed with adequate procedures.
• We shall reject any relationship with groups that act contrary to the public welfare, and shall not yield to any attempt of blackmail or threat. We shall not involve ourselves in any activities or conduct which offends social norms or morality, such as money laundering, offers of illegal interest, etc.
• We shall not offer special advantages to specific shareholders, for example, by selecting suppliers for the reason that they are our shareholders.

(3) We shall maintain legitimate and lawful relationships with political and governmental entities.

• Although we respect each individual's political convictions, we shall not, on behalf of the company, support any particular political party or politician.
• We shall maintain a balanced and healthy relationship with governmental and public administrations, and shall refrain from any conduct that is regarded as collusive. We shall maintain conspicuous and transparent relationships with public officials with whom we make contact in relation to our duties. We shall have confidence and pride in ourselves as company members, and when necessary and appropriate we shall proactively express views publicly in support of the company.
• We shall understand and be reminded that in principle, the receipt and offer of business entertainment or gifts to or from government officials, except those based on a truly personal relationship, are prohibited. However, a legitimate gift of minimal value that follows generally accepted business practice, and is otherwise lawful, may be permitted after careful consideration of the relevance of the gift and the circumstances.
• We shall understand that the company never offers political contributions or general support, either directly or indirectly, to particular politicians or political parties. Therefore, we shall not make such contributions or provide such support on behalf of the company. Such contributions or support may be made if it is lawful and on a personal basis.