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03
Dear Shareholders,
A review of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 (fiscal year 2010) must first mention the Great East Japan
Earthquake, which occurred near the end of the fiscal year.
　On March 11, at 2:46 p.m. local time, East Japan was struck by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake, immedi-
ately followed by a giant tsunami, which had, in addition to the tragic loss of life and property, a profound
psychological and financial impact on the people of Japan. No one who works for Sony suffered major inju-
ries or lost their lives in this disaster. However, some of our colleagues, their family members and friends sadly
did suffer grievous losses. I am sure that there are shareholders who were directly affected by the quake, and
I would like to begin by expressing my profound condolences to all who were affected by this disaster. You
are in my prayers.
　While the scars of the disaster were still fresh, I visited
Sony’s Sendai Technology Center, the first floor of which had
been heavily damaged when the tsunami swept through. In the
tense hours after the quake, our resourceful Sony colleagues
ensured the safety of the many people who had fled and taken
refuge in the facility. They made boats out of containers found
in their building to rescue local residents carried aloft by the tsu-
nami. They also ferried food and other supplies to employees and neighbors in evacuation spots.
　These were just a few of the many, many acts of bravery, generosity and ingenuity that so deeply im-
pressed me. These acts, along with the patience and perseverance shown by those affected, have come to
characterize the spirit of fukutsu no seishin (“never give up”) that has helped to guide Japan through this chal-
lenge. I am extremely proud of the courageous way Sony employees in Japan have coped with the tremen-
dous difficulties they have faced.
　Sony Group companies and employees both in Japan and overseas generously responded to those
in need. More than 70,000 Sony employees from around the world contributed hundreds of millions of yen
from their own pockets, which we doubled through our matching program. Millions of dollars were generated
through a charity album, Songs for Japan, produced by Sony Music Entertainment with other music majors.
Between these and many other charitable activities, including corporate donations of cash and countless
Sony products as well as sending volunteer employees to the affected regions, the Sony Group has contrib-
uted to the rebuilding of East Japan, and these activities will continue.
　I have no doubt that Japan will be an even more vibrant country after the rebuilding of East Japan, and the
same is true for Sony. Today, we are inspired to move forward with an even-stronger sense of unity and purpose.