A Happy New Year to you all!
 Now that a new year has just begun, I would like to take this opportunity to mention three things while looking back on the year 2011.

 First is about the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami on March 11. I offer my deepest sympathies to all the victims of the disaster and sincerely hope for the earliest possible recovery of the affected regions.
 Tokyo Big Sight was busy responding to the tragic events by providing assistance to those who could not find ways home on the day of the disaster, receiving the victims by offering shelters, developing ways to reduce electricity consumption during the summer etc.. Rolling blackouts and harmful rumors did force us to cancel and scale down some exhibitions, but by working together with the participants and associates we were able to resume normal operations in May and even achieved greater operations in the latter half of 2011 than those in the corresponding period of last year.
 The earthquake experience has taught us important lessons such as staying calm and acting according to circumstances in times of crisis, and taking swift measures to subsequently continue business operations. We will continue to strive to build up “safer and more secure Tokyo Big Sight.”

 Second are about the harsh economic conditions in Japan, striving for quick recovery and restoration from the catastrophe. To overcome the difficulties, we need to work together with all concerned to energize our exhibitions and provide support for development of Japanese industry.
 Tokyo Big Sight operated a wide variety of exhibitions in 2011. One of the biggest successes was “The 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011,” which returned to Tokyo for the first time in 24 years. Covered extensively every day by the mass media, the event welcomed approximately 840,000 visitors, exceeding the attendance of last Motor Show in 2009. The event showcased recovery and potential of the Japanese auto industry , based on green engineering, and presented the visitors joy, wonder, and beauty of exhibitions in a fresh light.
 At the same time the Motor Show implemented "community-based" exhibitions in cooperation with companies based in the new Tokyo waterfront subcenter by presenting fireworks displays and a discount at restaurants in the area. We hope to hold more exhibitions that will cheer everyone up in the future.

 Third is about progress in internationalization and globalization. While leaders now debate whether Japan should join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), internationalization of industry presses on, willing or unwilling, and the exhibition industry is no exception. The long-established countries in Europe, the energetic United States, and the rapidly-developing countries in Asia, represented by China, use exhibitions as leverage in promoting industrial growth in their own countries. In the situation, German Association of Exhibitions announced world sales rankings of exhibition-related bodies in 2010. According to the rankings, Tokyo Big Sight is placed 1st in Asia, and 15th in the world. Tokyo Big Sight, representing exhibition sites in Japan, will act as a prime mover of “Stay Strong Japan!”

 With these points in mind, we appreciate your continued support and guidance.
 In closing, I hope this year will bring you joy, excitement, and prosperity.