The Excellent Global Corporation Plan was introduced with the aim of building a corporate group that continuously contributes to society through technological innovation and is worthy of admiration and respect worldwide. Phase I of the Plan, launched in 1996, focused on profits and total optimization through selection and concentration of business areas. In Phase II, launched in 2001, we established a highly profitable business structure with the goal of becoming No. 1 in all of our major areas of business. Focusing on sound growth in Phase III, which began in 2006, we aim to join the ranks of the world's top 100 companies in terms of all key business performance indicators.

The guiding principle that has served as the foundation of Canon's corporate culture since its early beginnings is the "San-Ji", or Three Selfs, spirit. The Three Selfs are: self-motivation, self-management and self-awareness. Selfmotivation refers to taking the initiative and being proactive in all things; self-management refers to conducting oneself responsibly and being accountable for all of one's actions; and self-awareness is understanding one's situation and role in it. This guiding principle takes on even greater importance today as Canon aims to become a truly excellent global corporation.