Thanks in part to our customers' loyal support, Sakata Seed Corporation celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. We appreciate your continued patronage.

Takeo Sakata, the company's founder, was originally involved in the export of young plants from Yokohama. He established the company Sakata Noen just after the Meiji period in 1913. Although the name has changed over the years, from Asahi Noen to Sakata Shoukai T.sakata & Company and to Sakata Seed Corporation, it has always dedicated itself specifically to the seed and seedling business.

The 100 years since the inception have not been a cakewalk, with the company facing much adversity through the Second World War, the Great Kanto Earthquake, and so on. However, the company has never lost its determination as expressed in the corporate motto, "Quality, Reliability, Service," and the company continually strives to produce and supply innovative products.

Today, we are living in an era of unprecedented uncertainty; our natural environment is changing drastically on a global scale, the world economy has drifted into stagnation, the population in emerging countries continues to grow, and food security is becoming an increasingly serious issue.

Nonetheless, vegetables nourish the body and flowers nourish the soul. Meeting the challenges facing humanity and contributing to global society through the supply of seeds will always be the primary mission of Sakata.

In this 100th anniversary commemorative year, we have adopted a new company slogan, "PASSION in Seed." This reflects the spirit with which we engage in our business.

The coming century will certainly not be an easy one. It is impossible to know the full extent of the problems we will face in terms of responding to environmental changes and increases in population and ensuring biodiversity and safety. However, the Sakata group will continue to confront these issues with passion for our work and ensure a rich, full life for everyone.

We are looking forward to your continued support.