Messages from External Directors and Audit ＆ Supervisory Board Members

Fast Retailing is transforming into a digital consumer retail company by investing efficiently in the digital field and accelerating efforts to use analyzed data to create new value. It is also building a solid recognition among stakeholders as a company that successfully employs digital technologies and attracting talented IT employees to build frameworks for next-stage growth. I will support this process as an External Director.

I make casual visits to stores as an individual consumer and listen to customer opinions because, based on my previous management experience, I believe that a company's frontline operations are paramount. In Board meetings, we exchange lively opinions and Mr. Yanai is always open to ideas. I will continue to propose management improvements gleaned from my customer experiences.

Fast Retailing is accelerating its global operations and enjoying greater growth potential by promoting employee diversity. My task as a female, foreign-national External Director is to advise on how to expand this potential. I also draw on my experience in a securities company to higighlight capital markets and governance perspectives and help develop team management that transcends national borders.

I use my experience and expertise in construction to offer better proposals and advice on the building of sustainable next-generation stores that will meet future standards. That means envisioning the ideal future societal structure and determinedly balancing profit and sustainability, all while pursuing necessary steps based on future scenarios. As an External Director, I want to support this kind of innovation at Fast Retailing.

I spent many years in the food industry, so the idea of LifeWear as a daily necessity resonates with me. The most important thing is to secure the trust of all stakeholders. I will draw on my international management knowledge and expertise to fulfill my role as External Director and support Fast Retailing in its new challenge to become the most trusted company in the world.

It is important that corporate management adequately responds to change. In the kind of highly uncertain era that we are experiencing today, we have to anticipate change and evolve business models. I intend to capitalize on my long experience as head of a financial group and in supporting various companies with their business operations to help Fast Retailing in its new challenge to become the world's No.1 brand, while also fulfilling my supervisory function as an External Director.

As an external Audit & Supervisory Board Member, I take my function of supporting corporate growth seriously and also offer risk-mitigating advice from multiple angles. Companies with global operations often face unexpected challenges. I will continue to do my utmost to build solid systems for the company from a fair and objective standpoint.

The stronger the opinion, the more attentively Mr. Yanai listens, so auditors and directors can always conduct open-minded discussions. With over 30 years' experience as a corporate restructuring consultant, accountant, and tax expert, I can advise on these matters and also offer suggestions on various issues that go beyond my external auditor remit.

The mission of the Audit & Supervisory Board is to carefully monitor appropriate decision-making processes, ascertain any risks that might hinder intended business plans, and check whether internal controls are in place. Fast Retailing is expanding rapidly in global markets, and I use my experience in global corporate management to help promote sustainable growth.