In the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake in March, 2011 has been a year plagued with difficulties for Japan. On behalf of member firms and the staff of GS1 Japan, I would like to thank all the countries and GS1 community for their warm support and messages.

The earthquake also triggered a reaffirmation of the importance of supply chains in Japan's business circles. In addition, many Japanese companies have shifted from mature domestic markets to global markets to seek more opportunities. Under such circumstances, the GS1 system that enables the improvement of business efficiency in supply chains using international standards is growing in importance.

More than 120,000 companies have been allocated GS1 Company Prefixes in Japan and the number is increasing even today, 33 years after we began allocation in 1978. Recently, the use of the GS1 Company Prefix has gone into full swing not only in the consumer goods industry for Point-of-Sale, but also in Internet retail business and the healthcare industry.

Currently, the use of other GS1 keys and data carriers as well as GTIN is showing signs of expansion in Japan. For example, with consideration for growing consumer interest in safety and security, the use of the GS1 DataBar has started as it can accomodate larger amount of product management information such as expiration date in a small space. GS1 Japan is also actively working on its diffusion and expansion of use. GLN, which is used to identify companies and organizations, will get a boost to full-scale operation in parallel with the diffusion of the Ryutsu BMS (EDI Standard). Applications of EPC/RFID have also increased, and we will continue to promote their wider use.

As future challenges for GS1 Japan, we are studying the use of GS1 system in material transactions in the upstream supply chain of consumer products and the feasibility of combining mobile phones that are used by people of all ages with GS1 Standards in B2B and B2C transactions.

GS1 Japan will continue to support the efforts of our members to achieve business efficiency and improvement using GS1 systems and thus to bring added value to their customers. Last not but least, I hope for the further growth and success of members, GS1 MOs, and GS1 Global Office.