KOSÉ Holds FY2026 Entrance Ceremony: Positioning 80th Anniversary and Holding Company Transition as 'Second Founding'

KOSÉ Holdings Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Koichi Shibusawa) held a joint FY2026 entrance ceremony for four group companies (*1) at its headquarters on April 1. This year, the group welcomed a total of 67 new employees. At the ceremony, Chairman and Group CEO Kazutoshi Kobayashi delivered a congratulatory address, and President and Group COO Koichi Shibusawa provided instructions.

(*1) KOSÉ Corporation, KOSÉ Cosmetics Sales Co., Ltd., KOSÉ Industries Co., Ltd., and Advance Co., Ltd.

Kazutoshi Kobayashi, Chairman and Group CEO, KOSÉ Holdings Co., Ltd.

《Congratulatory Address》

Congratulations on joining the company. We are delighted to welcome you as colleagues. Our company celebrated its 80th anniversary on March 2. This fiscal year, KOSÉ has transitioned to a holding company structure as KOSÉ Holdings. This marks what we call our 'Second Founding.' Joining us at such a significant milestone is a stroke of great fortune. We expect much from you as we build a new era together. Please challenge yourselves with confidence.

The transition to a holding company structure aims to manage group-wide strategies through KOSÉ Holdings as a pure holding company. This will maximize synergies across organizations. Many members of KOSÉ Holdings also hold responsibilities in operating companies to ensure smooth coordination between decision-making and field operations.

The primary goals are twofold: first, to strengthen group-wide competitiveness and corporate value by promoting organic collaboration between companies; second, to enhance group governance for rapid decision-making as we expand diverse brands globally.

Our future direction is the 'Beauty Consortium Concept.' This goes beyond our current group companies to deepen ties with partners like Albion, KOSÉ Cosmeport, and international brands like Tarte and PURI. We will pursue relationships with like-minded companies to achieve sustainable growth and enhance corporate value through mutual strengths.

To realize this vision, I want you to aim high. Stay attuned to global trends in fashion, trends, and consumer needs. Cosmetics are a close part of daily life; by staying sensitive to the world, you can apply your knowledge as a consumer to your work. Cosmetics business is a world where opportunities expand by collaborating across departments and roles. I want those in marketing to understand research and production, and vice versa. Always maintain curiosity, refine your sensibilities by experiencing culture, and exceed customer expectations.

Finally, I give you the words 'Fueki-Ryuko' (Continuity and Change). It means that while inheriting the unchanging essence, we must constantly embrace new elements. Continuous 'Ryuko' (change) is the essence of 'Fueki' (unchanging). Those who fear change will be eliminated. Always keep changing to remain a presence chosen across eras.

Koichi Shibusawa, President and Group COO, KOSÉ Holdings Co., Ltd.

《Instructions Summary》

Congratulations. This year is the 80th anniversary and the first year of our holding company. Including other group entities like Albion and beauty consultants, a total of 534 new colleagues have joined the group today. KOSÉ began in 1946 with only six people under founder Kozaburo Kobayashi, with a mission to 'provide dreams and hope through cosmetics.' Since then, we have expanded through independent sales functions, premium brands like Albion, and global acquisitions like Tarte. The holding company was established to realize the 'Beauty Consortium Concept' for the next 50 to 100 years, evolving us into a global company from Japan with the strongest presence.

Our existence philosophy is 'Fusing wisdom and sensibility to create unique values of beauty and culture.' 'Wisdom' refers to intelligence and science for high-performance products, while 'sensibility' refers to what is felt through the five senses, like art and color. Cosmetics care for the heart and make people smile. Recognizing this mission is vital.

In 1991, we introduced the message 'Beautiful Wisdom for People, for the Earth.' This clarified our responsibility toward society and the environment. This value remains central to our sustainability strategy today.

I also want to share the founder's motto: 'A Mind to Follow What is Right.' This is the core of our corporate spirit and compliance. Always ask what is right, respect human rights, and remain a sincere company. The founder once wrote that following what is right requires courage, patience, wisdom, effort, and flexible honesty. Even at age 88, he continued to discipline himself. This humble ambition is what we must inherit.

Under our vision 'Milestone 2030,' we value the 'KOSÉ Beauty Partnership'—building mutually enhancing relationships with all stakeholders, including suppliers, employees, environment, and even competitors. Our management keyword is the balance of 'Centripetal and Centrifugal forces.' The holding company provides direction (centripetal), while operating companies exercise their unique strengths (centrifugal). The holding company exists to support and maximize the power of each company. The most essential element for this is 'Human Resources.' We will focus on 'polishing people' as much as 'polishing brands.'

The current global situation is uncertain, and our performance is not optimistic. We must advance both 'defensive reforms' to strengthen earning power and 'offensive reforms' simultaneously. Our employees have the strength to turn crises into opportunities. Do not wait passively; take the initiative to create change with the spirit that 'I am the one who makes the change.' Stay positive and grow your individuality, which will lead to the company's growth.