The 21st century is said to be the century in which we will learn to live in harmony with the global environment. We want to think about how we can instruct our children to lead rich, productive lives. We also want to think about what kind of world we'll be leaving for them in the future. How can we achieve our dreams? There are challenges facing us, and a pressing need to raise children's awareness about global environmental issues. More specifically, we need to tackle problems such as young people's dislike of, and disengagement from, science. We want to put our minds to work and start doing whatever we can. We want to work together to tackle these issues. That's the goal of the "Solar Ark Movement."

Three years have passed since the Solar Ark was established in Anpachi, Gifu. Since then, the Solar Ark has been a symbol of SANYO's goal of using clean energy to live in harmony with the global environment. With the valuable support and understanding of local residents, we have welcomed approximately 130,000 visitors from 85 countries around the world. We have also undertaken a range of global conservation activities through the SANYO Environmental Fund. And, in cooperation with industry, the government, and academia, we have tackled a number of global environmental issues. We feel grateful for, and proud of, the effect of our activities in raising people's awareness of environmental issues and of the possibilities of science. Working side-by-side with local residents, we endeavour to keep searching for new environmental solutions.

This year, the 2005 World Exposition will be held in Aichi, Japan. Under the theme of "Nature's Wisdom", the exposition aims to make us think more about how we can live in harmony with the Earth's living things. Many people will be gathering from all over the world with a sense of great anticipation. This is a perfect opportunity to send a message to the world, and no doubt this is going to act as a catalyst for starting a new movement.

Based on the success of the last three years' activities, we hope that our movement will grow and spread from Gifu to the rest of Japan, and then to the wider world. We hope more and more people will participate in such activities. To achieve this, it's essential that we forge stronger-than-ever links between industry, government and academia. We look forward to a blossoming of activities among people who gather at the Solar Ark, and we hope that they will in turn share their impressions with others. To help achieve a rich and rewarding life for our children and future leaders, we kindly ask for your understanding and co-operation.