As the term global environment indicates, the issue of ODSs is not limited to Japan alone. This is an issue directly related to "people and the environment," and Kato Spring will be confronted with it everywhere as the associates system is spread throughout the world in the Kato Group.
  The first step that has been taken is acquisition of ISO14000 certification. Of course, the acquisition of ISO certification is no more than a step in Kato Spring's policy of thoroughly pursuing protection of the environment. Using a small example, by using recycled paper for a single business card, we would like to further advance our stance of each individual working while giving the utmost consideration to the environment at all times.
  We recognize that a commitment to the global environment by individual businesses and the entire network, as well as being a better global citizen are natural requirements for a globally recognized company.
  It is only natural that systems, customs, traditions and ideal corporate activities differ in each country and region. Simultaneously, it is only natural that the administration and organizations run in the Japanese style by Japanese with Japanese differs from that of the local people. Based on this, the basic stance of Kato Spring under its "made in market" motto is the desire for people to accept the company and its administration, and that they will be effective wherever they are.
  The option management and associates system I have repeatedly described here are essential for moving these two sides closer and developing a sympathy concerning the objectives of work.
  I also mentioned an "administration that focuses on the heart." People with different values and philosophies of life have gathered not only overseas but also within Japan on the stage known as Kato Spring. However, I believe that the common concept always present is the idea of self-responsibility concerning one's own life. How to develop one's life and how to grow are matters that can't be left up to others. These are important issues that must be constantly asked of oneself and which one cannot run from.
  This being the case, we should make a company that can accept the potentials of each individual. The management for doing so is option management and the organizational system to support it is the associates system. In other words, the associates system will not be successful without self-responsibility.
  One of the major themes of my management is the democratization of management. Now is definitely the time to confront and challenge the critical administrative issue of "companies are people."
  As described throughout this book, I have not aimed to create a large company. Although this may sound presumptuous, I have aimed to make Kato Spring into a first-class company that is accepted around the world. Although it may be possible to become a first-class company in the world and then expand while maintaining this distinction, I don't believe that being large is the same as being first class.
  A company must have a purpose to exist. One purpose for existing may be that the company provides a service to clients that other companies can't. Another purpose of existence is that working at Kato Spring is important for the individual lives of Katoites. Of course, we would also like to be a company that has a purpose of existing for the entire world.
  I am aiming to transform Kato Spring into a company that is a good workplace, challenges itself in many fields, generates original products and services, and contributes to society in a variety of forms. In other words, a company that is good from a variety of angles.
  Although I have been looking for a term or phrase that expresses this type of company, I have not found any that perfectly match. The closest may be "nice company." The definition meant by this not simply nice, like a nice guy. It is the motivated stance of living honestly, working earnestly and getting up and trying again when running into walls. This type of image is apparent to me in the word "nice." I believe that "nice company" is a phrase that can express the form of Kato Spring that I am seeking.
  In the past within the industrialized society, the symbol of prosperity was a large headquarters in a tall, majestic building. However, now that we have switched to the era of the information society, the ideal is a small functional head office that networks with the world.
  I have pursued this ideal in my own manner. When I stand on the site of the old head office building that had three times the floor space of our current compact head office on a single floor of an intelligent building, the phrase "adapting to change and creating change" boldly resurrects itself inside of me.
  I am enthusiastically living a creative and exciting daily life. A president encouraged by a bright image of the future.