You have become the new president at an important turning point. It was 25 years ago that JR East was established and the Great East Japan Earthquake dealt a severe blow to business operations. What are your primary resolutions?

Regarding "safe transportation," please explain the new issues that were created for dealing with disasters based on lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake. In addition, what are your plans for ensuring that you have the financial resources needed to cope with a major disaster?

Next, please tell us about "service quality reform."

How has JR East assisted in recovery and reconstruction activities in areas damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake?

Please explain specific activities concerning "technological innovation," which is one of the three challenges.

Please describe JR East’s activities involving "globalization."

What are your thoughts on "tourism?"

JR East was involved in numerous earthquake recovery and reconstruction projects during the past fiscal year. How did these activities affect operating revenues and earnings?

Please explain your outlook for the fiscal year ending in March 2013 and your goals for the next three years.

Has the use of operating cash flows outlined in JR East 2020 Vision — idomu — changed in any way?

Please tell us your thoughts on what type of organization JR East should become in the future.

(This interview was conducted in July 2012.)