Compliance Management Through Internal Audit and Whistleblower Protection

「In addition to regular audits, the Company conducts unannounced ad hoc audits and works to strengthen internal controls across the group through regular and ad hoc coordination with the Audit & Supervisory Board members and the accounting auditor.」

「For internal audits, the Company has established an Internal Audit Office as its internal audit function. To ensure that the activities of the corporate group are conducted lawfully and efficiently, the office reports to the President the results of audits of business execution, internal controls and compliance, among other matters. After the President recommends improvements regarding identified issues, the office verifies the status of improvements and proposes improvement measures.」

「The Audit & Supervisory Board members and the Internal Audit Department work together to audit the status of compliance management in operations overseen by headquarters and stores, using the methods prescribed in the Internal Audit Regulations and the Internal Audit Procedures.」

「The Audit & Supervisory Board members and the Internal Audit Department work together to audit the status of compliance management in operations overseen by headquarters and stores, using the methods prescribed in the Internal Audit Regulations and the Internal Audit Procedures. The Company has also established Internal Whistleblower Protection Regulations stipulating that employees will not be treated adversely if they identify and report conduct that may violate laws or the Articles of Incorporation, among other matters.」