Creating a world with no limitations through the power of creativity and technology
Do you think about accessibility in your daily life? Today, on Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we will share a message about accessibility from Kenichiro Yoshida, CEO, Sony Group Corporation.
Message from Kenichiro Yoshida
Chairman, President and CEO, Sony Group Corporation
Global Accessibility Awareness Day is a day to discuss, think and learn about accessibility and inclusion for those who need it.
Sony Group's Purpose is to "fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology." We want the "world" stated in our Purpose to be an inclusive one. Masaru Ibuka, one of the founders of Sony, emphasized the importance of independence and worked to create a supportive environment so that those with disabilities have the opportunity to achieve independence and success. We still carry on this idea and we aim to create a world with no limitations through the power of creativity and technology.
Specifically, in addition to creating accessibility-friendly products and services -including TVs and games, we value inclusive design that embraces diverse users and incorporates various feedback. For example, as part of the TV development process, we conduct hands-on sessions and ask users with visual impairments to use our products for a certain period to receive feedback, which we utilize for product improvements. Activities to improve accessibility across our diverse businesses are carried out in a global system centered on 3 bases in Japan, The United States and Europe.
In December 2019, we joined "The Valuable 500," the international initiative which promotes active participation of people with disabilities. In 2021, Sony was also named to the Valuable 500's "Iconic Leaders", which consists of companies that will lead the inclusion of people with disabilities.
As a company with diverse businesses centered around the corporate direction of "getting closer to people", we will continue to pursue accessibility initiatives in order to contribute to a sustainable society and future where everyone can equally share "Kando" (emotion).
