First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all agencies and corporations who have supported us in being selected for the Japanese Cabinet Office's Funding Program for World-Leading Innovative R&D on Science and Technology (FIRST).

Our vision is to create a new "Face-to-Face" communications industry by building on the fruits of our R&D efforts. We wish to improve the livelihoods of people worldwide by "returning technology to the people" rather than asking people to adapt to technology. We strive to bring together the creativity of our project members and demonstrate what innovation based on excellent science can achieve.

Since this program is funded by taxpayers, we feel it is our obligation to provide solid returns to our citizens and society. However, this cannot be done without the cooperative effort of the academic and industrial alliance between KPRI, headed by Professor Koike, the core researcher of the program, and partner companies engaging in mid- to long-term joint research with us. I ask our partners to jointly commit to the achievement of our goals. As the Managing Director of KPRI, it is my responsibility to provide clear direction and accountability for the results achieved by using the funds.

Through the systematic yet speedy pursuit of innovation that leverages our nation's scientific and technological base, my goal is to attain extraordinary results, e.g. results that far exceed expectations, which will give birth to a new 10 trillion yen industry.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.