
Takeda and Nature Announce Call for Applications Now Open for 2026 Innovators in Science Award
Osaka, Japan & Cambridge, Mass., United States:
Takeda ( TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK ) today announced that applications are now open for its Innovators in Science Award. This prestigious global award, originally launched in 2016, celebrates groundbreaking research with a focus on emerging scientific leaders who are advancing the frontiers of scientific discovery and fostering innovation that has the potential to transform lives.
In 2026, the Takeda Innovators in Science Award with Nature will recognize promising early-career scientists in the areas of gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases, neuroscience, and oncology. Takeda will award three category winners – one from each area of focus – with a $75,000 prize. One grand prize winner, to be announced live at the Innovators in Science Award gala on April 9, 2026, will also receive an additional $175,000 award, for a total grand prize of $250,000.
To address challenges that are unique to emerging scientists, category winners and shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in a 12-month career development program administered by Nature. The program will offer training to develop skills such as grant writing, research communication and lab management. Winners will also have access to mentorship opportunities.
As one of the largest prizes of its kind, the Innovators in Science Award reinforces Takeda's commitment to promoting scientific excellence and fostering a culture of partnership between industry and academia.
'Since 2016, our Innovators in Science Award has uplifted researchers who are not afraid of asking big questions, thinking outside the box and doggedly pursuing discoveries to advance science,' said Andrew Plump, M.D., Ph.D., president of R&D at Takeda. 'We are proud to shine a spotlight on rising scientists who are driving bold, transformative breakthroughs in their fields. Through funding, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities, we aim to support their continued professional growth.'
Springer Nature will independently administer the award on behalf of Takeda, with responsibility for reviewing applications and selecting judges and winners.
'For 150 years, Nature has earned the trust of the global research community by publishing groundbreaking advances across all areas of science and technology. We recognize the vital contributions of early-career researchers and are committed to supporting their growth and success,' added Nature's publisher Richard Hughes. 'We are proud to partner with Takeda on the Innovators in Science Award—an initiative designed to celebrate and elevate the work of exceptional early-career scientists. We invite researchers around the world to apply, and we remain dedicated to providing a rigorous evaluation process and amplifying the voices and achievements of the award winners across our platforms.'
The Call for Applications is now open at https://www.innovatorsinscienceaward.com/ and will remain open through September 16, 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be announced in January 2026 and category winners will be announced in February 2026, ahead of the live grand prize announcement at the gala on April 9, 2026, in Boston.
About the Innovators in Science Award
Launched in 2016, the Takeda Innovators in Science Award provides scientific leaders with the support and recognition needed to drive bold, transformative breakthroughs in their fields. Since its inception, the award has celebrated the outstanding contributions of 10 established and early career researchers with $2M of unrestricted funding. This global award recognizes researchers who are advancing the frontiers of scientific discovery, fostering innovation that has the potential to transform lives. In 2026, the Innovators in Science Award honors groundbreaking research by early career scientists in gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases, neuroscience and oncology. Past winners include: Elham Azizi, Ph.D., for her innovative models that helped identify determinants of immunotherapy response in leukemia for the first time; Elaine Y. Hsiao, Ph.D., for her discoveries of how the gut microbiome influences the brain and behavior; and Viviana Gradinaru, Ph.D., for enabling targeted gene delivery across the blood-brain barrier for research and clinical purposes. For more information, visit https://innovatorsinscienceaward.com
About Takeda
Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries. For more information, visit www.takeda.com .
Important Notice
For the purposes of this notice, 'press release' means this document, any oral presentation, any question and answer session and any written or oral material discussed or distributed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited ('Takeda') regarding this release. This press release (including any oral briefing and any question-and-answer in connection with it) is not intended to, and does not constitute, represent or form part of any offer, invitation or solicitation of any offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction. No shares or other securities are being offered to the public by means of this press release. No offering of securities shall be made in the United States except pursuant to registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom. This press release is being given (together with any further information which may be provided to the recipient) on the condition that it is for use by the recipient for information purposes only (and not for the evaluation of any investment, acquisition, disposal or any other transaction). Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws.
The companies in which Takeda directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this press release, 'Takeda' is sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Takeda and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words 'we', 'us' and 'our' are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and any materials distributed in connection with this press release may contain forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions regarding Takeda's future business, future position and results of operations, including estimates, forecasts, targets and plans for Takeda. Without limitation, forward-looking statements often include words such as 'targets', 'plans', 'believes', 'hopes', 'continues', 'expects', 'aims', 'intends', 'ensures', 'will', 'may', 'should', 'would', 'could', 'anticipates', 'estimates', 'projects' or similar expressions or the negative thereof. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements: the economic circumstances surrounding Takeda's global business, including general economic conditions in Japan and the United States; competitive pressures and developments; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; challenges inherent in new product development, including uncertainty of clinical success and decisions of regulatory authorities and the timing thereof; uncertainty of commercial success for new and existing products; manufacturing difficulties or delays; fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates; claims or concerns regarding the safety or efficacy of marketed products or product candidates; the impact of health crises, like the novel coronavirus pandemic, on Takeda and its customers and suppliers, including foreign governments in countries in which Takeda operates, or on other facets of its business; the timing and impact of post-merger integration efforts with acquired companies; the ability to divest assets that are not core to Takeda's operations and the timing of any such divestment(s); and other factors identified in Takeda's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and Takeda's other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, available on Takeda's website at: https://www.takeda.com/investors/sec-filings-and-security-reports/ or at www.sec.gov . Takeda does not undertake to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule. Past performance is not an indicator of future results and the results or statements of Takeda in this press release may not be indicative of, and are not an estimate, forecast, guarantee or projection of Takeda's future results.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250527716937/en/
Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Analysts assess the potential impact of Trump's surprise 50% steel tariffs
-- U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly announced on Friday that steel and aluminum tariffs will double to 50%. The move, set to come into effect on June 4, was unveiled during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. It was later confirmed on TruthSocial and comes amid broader debates around U.S. industrial policy and foreign investment. Analysts are now evaluating the implications of this surprise decision, with most agreeing that the immediate domestic effects may be less severe than the broader geopolitical risks. JPMorgan's Tatsuya Maruyama said the direct impact on major Japanese steelmakers such as Nippon Steel Corp (TYO:5401), JFE Holdings, Inc. (TYO:5411), and Kobe Steel, Ltd. (TYO:5406) is expected to be limited, given that 'the U.S. accounts for about 4% of Japan's steel exports.' Maruyama pointed out in a Monday note that Nippon Steel and JFE export only about 1% of their total shipments to the U.S., while Kobe Steel exports about 3%. Still, he warned that 'rising global protectionism' is a growing concern, noting that a wave of anti-dumping measures and safeguards in regions like South Korea, the EU, and India could further strain global trade dynamics. 'If such countermeasures gain momentum, Japanese steel products may also be targeted and the export environment may worsen,' Maruyama continued. Meanwhile, analysts at BMO Capital Markets believe the sudden tariff hike could jolt domestic markets. 'The doubling of import tariffs, if maintained, is likely to create a panic in the market and trigger a restocking cycle that in our view has the potential to push prices >$1,000/st in the near-term,' the analysts said. However, they believe the spike would be temporary given macro uncertainty and seasonal demand trends. The broker upgraded Nucor (NYSE:NUE) to Outperform but downgraded Algoma Central (TSX:ALC), which it called 'a relative tariff loser.' The aluminum market may be more exposed, according to BMO. The U.S. covers only about 20% of its own aluminum consumption domestically, making it more vulnerable to supply disruptions. 'If tariffs do double, this is expected to put material upside pressure on the Midwest premium (MWP),' BMO wrote, estimating it could reach '$0.75/lb-plus' in theory, although higher aluminum cost will likely weigh on demand and thus offset some upside pressure. That said, the brokerage sees Century Aluminum (NASDAQ:CENX) as well positioned to benefit from a rise in the Midwest premium, while Alcoa (NYSE:AA) could see a negative impact of $1–2 per share, or 4–7%, due to its reliance on Canadian production. Still, BMO expects Alcoa may redirect some of its Canadian output to the EU market. Related articles Analysts assess the potential impact of Trump's surprise 50% steel tariffs Street Calls of the Week VIDEO: How to analyze a stock like a pro with the CEO of HF Foods
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
1 Value Stock on Our Buy List and 2 to Approach with Caution
Value investing has created more billionaires than any other strategy, like Warren Buffett, who built his fortune by purchasing wonderful businesses at reasonable prices. But these hidden gems are few and far between - many stocks that appear cheap often stay that way because they face structural issues. Identifying genuine bargains from value traps is something many investors struggle with, which is why we started StockStory - to help you find the best companies. Keeping that in mind, here is one value stock with strong fundamentals and two best left ignored. Forward P/E Ratio: 14.5x Synonymous with "dad shoe", Skechers (NYSE:SKX) is a footwear company renowned for its comfortable, stylish, and affordable shoes for all ages. Why Is SKX Risky? Constant currency revenue growth has disappointed over the past two years and shows demand was soft Estimated sales growth of 7.4% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its two-year trend Poor free cash flow margin of 4.4% for the last two years limits its freedom to invest in growth initiatives, execute share buybacks, or pay dividends Skechers is trading at $62.04 per share, or 14.5x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than SKX. Forward P/E Ratio: 9.9x Established in 1878, Mohawk Industries (NYSE:MHK) is a leading producer of floor-covering products for both residential and commercial applications. Why Are We Out on MHK? Core business is underperforming as its organic revenue has disappointed over the past two years, suggesting it might need acquisitions to stimulate growth ROIC of 3.5% reflects management's challenges in identifying attractive investment opportunities, and its decreasing returns suggest its historical profit centers are aging Diminishing returns on capital from an already low starting point show that neither management's prior nor current bets are going as planned At $100.61 per share, Mohawk Industries trades at 9.9x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why MHK doesn't pass our bar. Forward P/E Ratio: 3.7x Pioneering treatments for a devastating childhood muscle-wasting disease that primarily affects boys, Sarepta Therapeutics (NASDAQ:SRPT) develops and commercializes RNA-targeted therapies and gene therapies for rare genetic disorders, primarily Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Why Are We Bullish on SRPT? Annual revenue growth of 51.3% over the last two years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle Earnings per share grew by 38.8% annually over the last five years, massively outpacing its peers Cash burn has decreased over the last five years, showing the company is becoming a more self-sustaining business Sarepta Therapeutics's stock price of $37.50 implies a valuation ratio of 3.7x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it's free. Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump's presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth. While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we're leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Sign in to access your portfolio


Business Wire
an hour ago
- Business Wire
3D Investment Partners Sends Open Letter to the Board of NS Solutions
TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. ('3D' or 'we'), an independent investment management firm providing discretionary investment services to a fund that is the largest minority shareholder of NS Solutions Corporation ('NSSOL' or the 'Company,' TSE Code: 2327.T), is committed to Japan-focused value investing with an investment philosophy centered on mid- to long-term value creation through compound capital growth. Today, we have sent an open letter to NSSOL, and we would like to share an overview of its contents. In the open letter, we disclosed the results of a survey of market participants (the 'Survey') conducted by an independent third-party research firm. The Survey revealed that a significant number of respondents share the following views: 1 64% of respondents answered 'Yes' to the question: 'Do you believe that NSSOL's corporate value and the interests of minority shareholders are being impaired by its parent company, Nippon Steel?' 100% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe that NSSOL's outside directors are adequately fulfilling their role as representatives and advocates of shareholders?' 90% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe that NSSOL's current Board of Directors maintains sufficient independence from Nippon Steel?' 72% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe that NSSOL's new medium-term management plan sufficiently addresses the issue of value erosion caused by Nippon Steel?' These results suggest that many market participants share the same concerns that we have long held with respect to NSSOL. We have consistently pointed out that NSSOL's corporate value is being impaired due to its lack of full independence from its parent company, Nippon Steel. This includes various concerns identified in the Survey, such as economically irrational value erosion from transactions with Nippon Steel—such as low-interest deposits—as well as fundamental issues with the current Board of Directors and the inadequacies of the new medium-term plan. Based on the results of the Survey, we have reiterated our request that NSSOL's Board of Directors establish a special committee composed solely of independent outside directors to conduct a comprehensive and fundamental review, including a reassessment of NSSOL's relationship with Nippon Steel, with the aim of maximizing corporate value. In the open letter, we also presented more concrete proposals directed at NSSOL. We encourage all shareholders to share with us any views or feedback they may have. We would also be grateful if shareholders would refer to the materials provided as they consider how to exercise their voting rights at the upcoming Annual General Meeting, and as they engage in future dialogue with NSSOL. We remain firmly committed to pursuing constructive engagement with NSSOL to enhance corporate value—grounded in the candid perspectives of shareholders. 【Letter to the Board of Directors】 June 2, 2025 〒105-6417 Toranomon Hills Business Tower 1-17-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-6417, Japan NS Solutions Corporation To: Representative Director Kazuhiko Tamaoki Board of Directors 1 Temasek Avenue #20-02A, Millenia Tower, Singapore 3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. Dear Members of the Board, We commissioned an independent third-party research firm to conduct a perception survey (the 'Survey') of market participants regarding NS Solutions Corporation ('NSSOL' or the 'Company') between April and May 2025. We were not involved in the interviews, feedback analysis, report preparation or summarization of key findings, all of which were conducted exclusively by the independent research firm. Accordingly, we had no influence on the Survey results. The Survey targeted a broad range of buy-side and sell-side analysts, both domestic and international, and we are highly confident in the objectivity of its findings. The results of the Survey are summarized in Appendix 1. The findings indicate that many market participants share the following views regarding NSSOL: The corporate value of NSSOL and the interests of its minority shareholders are being impaired by its parent company, Nippon Steel. NSSOL's outside directors are not fulfilling their role of representing and advocating for minority shareholders. The current Board of Directors of NSSOL lacks sufficient independence from NSSOL's parent company. NSSOL's new medium-term management plan does not adequately address the issue of exploitation by the parent company. These results demonstrate that many market participants share our concerns regarding NSSOL. We have long pointed out that NSSOL's corporate value is being impaired due to the lack of full independence from its parent company, Nippon Steel. The issues we have identified include economically irrational value erosion from transactions with Nippon Steel—such as low-interest deposits—as well as the lack of independence of the current Board of Directors (the 'Board') and the insufficiency of the new medium-term plan, all of which are reflected in the Survey findings. In its new medium-term management plan, NSSOL has announced that outside directors will comprise a majority of the Board following the June 2025 Annual General Meeting. However, the results of the Survey indicate that a significant majority of market participants believe that the outside directors are not fulfilling their role of representing and advocating for minority shareholders. This clearly demonstrates that simply establishing a formal majority of outside directors is insufficient to assure market participants that the Board has developed a robust supervisory function over management. In light of the concerns identified through the Survey, we hereby reiterate our request that NSSOL establish a special committee composed solely of independent outside directors to conduct a comprehensive review aimed at maximizing corporate value, including a reassessment of the Company's relationship with Nippon Steel. If this review is led by independent outside directors, it would ensure independence from the Nippon Steel and enable a fundamental review of the relationship with the parent company. This, in turn, would allow for a resolution of the current situation in which NSSOL's value is being impaired and the interests of minority shareholders undermined. In addition, conducting the review with objectivity and transparency, under the oversight of independent outside directors, would allow NSSOL to restore confidence in market participants of the Board's independence. To achieve the intended outcomes, the special committee must meet the following criteria: It must be a committee under the direct authority of the Board, composed exclusively of independent outside directors, to ensure independence from Nippon Steel. The scope of the review must include at minimum: (i) Quantitative assessment of the value erosion resulting from the current relationship with Nippon Steel and consideration of concrete remedies. (ii) Quantitative assessment of the growth potential currently constrained by the relationship with Nippon Steel and consideration of how to realize that potential. (iii) Quantitative assessment and consideration of other areas for value enhancement that remain unrealized due to the lack of independence from Nippon Steel and the absence of a KPI-driven management approach focused on maximizing corporate and shareholder value. To ensure the committee's effectiveness, a working group should be formed to support its operation, and a financial advisor with a proven track record in enhancing corporate value should be appointed. In line with discussions in the 'Study Group on Minority Shareholder Protection in Subsidiary Listings' and the Tokyo Stock Exchange's December 26, 2023 guidelines on 'Enhancing Disclosure on Minority Shareholder Protection and Group Governance,' the committee should produce results within a reasonable period and disclose both the review process and its findings with sufficient transparency. The above constitutes our current request to the Board. We respectfully ask that you inform us by June 30, 2025, whether you are willing to establish such a special committee. [Appendix 1] Survey Results 1. On the relationship with Nippon Steel 64% of respondents answered 'Yes' to the question: 'Do you believe that NSSOL's corporate value and the interests of its minority shareholders are being impaired by its parent company, Nippon Steel?' 62% of respondents answered 'Yes' to the question: 'Do you believe that Nippon Steel's influence and control hinder NSSOL's management from maximizing corporate and shareholder value?' 100% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe NSSOL provides adequate explanations to shareholders regarding transactions with Nippon Steel that may impair corporate value or minority shareholder interests?' 2. On Outside Directors 84% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe NSSOL's outside directors engage in sufficient dialogue and interaction with shareholders?' 67% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe NSSOL's outside directors appropriately supervise conflicts of interest between Nippon Steel and minority shareholders?' 100% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe NSSOL's outside directors adequately fulfill their role in representing and advocating for shareholders?' 3. On the Board of Directors 90% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe that NSSOL's current Board of Directors maintains sufficient independence from Nippon Steel?' 4. On the New Medium-Term Management Plan 72% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe that NSSOL's new medium-term management plan sufficiently addresses exploitation by the parent company, Nippon Steel?' Note: The above percentages have been calculated by excluding responses marked 'No opinion' and rounding to the nearest whole number. About 3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. 3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. is an independent Singapore-based Japan focused value investing fund manager founded in 2015. 3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. focuses on partnering with managements who share its investment philosophy of medium- to long-term value creation through compound capital growth and a common objective of achieving long-term returns. Disclaimer This press release is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to purchase or sell any security or investment product, nor does it constitute professional or investment advice. This press release should not be relied on by any person for any purpose and is not, and should not be construed as investment, financial, legal, tax or other advice. 3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. and its affiliates and their related persons ('3DIP') believe that current market price of NSSOL does not reflect its instinct value. 3DIP acquired beneficially and/or economic interest based on its own idea that NSSOL securities have been undervalued and provides attractive investment opportunity and may in the future beneficially own and/or have an economic interest in, NSSOL securities. 3DIP intends to review its investments in the NSSOL on a continuing basis and, depending upon various factors including, without limitation, the NSSOL's financial position and strategic direction, the outcome of any discussions with NSSOL, overall market conditions, other investment opportunities available to 3DIP, and the availability of NSSOL securities at prices that would make the purchase or sale of NSSOL securities desirable, 3DIP may, from time to time (in the open market or in private transactions), buy, sell, cover, hedge, or otherwise change the form or substance of any of its investments (including the investment in NSSOL securities) to any degree in any manner permitted by any applicable law, and expressly disclaims any obligation to notify others of any such changes. No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is provided in relation to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information contained herein, nor is it intended to be a complete statement or summary of the securities, markets, or developments referred to herein. 3DIP expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability for any loss howsoever arising from any use of, or reliance on, this press release or its contents as a whole or in part by any person, or otherwise howsoever arising in connection with this press release. 3DIP hereby expressly disclaims any obligation to update or provide additional information regarding the contents of this press release or to correct any inaccuracies in the information contained in this press release. 3DIP disclaims any intention or agreement to be treated as a joint holder (kyodo hoyu sha) under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of Japan, a closely related party (missetsu kankei sha) under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act with other shareholders, or receiving any power or permission to represent other shareholders in relation to the exercise of their voting rights, and has no intention to solicit, encourage, induce or require any person to represent such voting rights. 3DIP does not have the intention to make a proposal, directly or through other shareholders of NSSOL, to transfer or abolish the business or asset of NSSOL and/or NSSOL group companies at the general shareholders meeting of NSSOL. 3DIP does not have the intention and purpose to engage in any conduct which constricts the continuing and stable implementation of business of NSSOL and/or NSSOL group companies. This press release may include content or quotes from news coverage or other third party public sources ('Third Party Materials'). Permission to quote from Third Party Materials in this press release may neither have been sought nor obtained. The content of the Third Party Materials has not been independently verified by 3DIP and does not necessarily represent the views of 3DIP. The authors and/or publishers of the Third Party Materials are independent of, and may have different views to 3DIP. The quoting Third Party Materials on this press release does not imply that 3DIP endorses or concurs with any part of the content of the Third Party Materials or that any of the authors or publishers of the Third Party Materials endorses or concurs with any views which have been expressed by 3DIP on the relevant subject matter. The Third Party Materials may not be representative of all relevant news coverage or views expressed by other third parties on the stated issues. In respect of information that has been prepared by 3DIP (and not otherwise attributed to any other party) and which appear in the English language version of this press release, in the event of any inconsistency between the English language version and the Japanese language version of this press release, the meaning of the Japanese language version shall prevail unless otherwise expressly indicated. Expand 1 Percentages have been calculated by excluding respondents who answered 'No opinion,' and have been rounded to the nearest whole number.