Dear Hitachi’s Customers, Business Partners and Suppliers

Infection of COVID-19 is still raging around the world. Our thoughts are with all those afflicted with the virus and my heartfelt sympathy goes to the loved ones of those who have sadly lost their lives in this pandemic. At the same time, on behalf of my colleagues, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of you who are taking part in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 globally.

As the outbreak of COVID-19 spreads, Hitachi Group is taking steps to prevent the spread of the virus, placing the highest priority on the health and safety of all its employees and families across the globe, as well as its customers, business partners and suppliers. On top of that, we are using digital technology to ensure an environment that allows us to conduct business anywhere, and we are making every effort to continue to support our customers and maintain our social infrastructure functions. In particular, we believe that it is in the common interest of society to carry on the minimum necessary projects for maintaining public safety, utilities, finance services, transportation and other essential services, and we will continue to take all possible measures to maintain these functions, even in this emergency situation.

In Japan, we are implementing measures that give top priority to the health and safety of our employees and the prevention of the spread of infection, including shifting to work from home at business sites located in areas subject to“Declaration of National Emergency”. Furthermore, we are using digital technology to maintain an environment that allows us to conduct business outside the workplace, and we are making every effort to continue to support our customers and maintain social infrastructure functions. At our manufacturing sites, based on the guidance of national and local governments, we are taking thorough measures to prevent infections, whilst making every effort to maintain our production.

In China, the majority of our subsidiaries have resumed operations, following receipt of approval from the authorities. In the rest of Asia, the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world, we are working to ensure the health and safety of our employees and prevent the spread of infection both internally and externally in accordance with the guidance of the governments in each country and region. In areas that are under lock down, our sales offices and other facilities have shifted to work from home, in order to maintain normal operations and continue to provide support to customers.

With regards to our factories, some parts of our productions are suspended, but we are maintaining our workforce on standby, which allows us to rapidly resume our normal operations once things are back under control.

We are aware that some of our customers are facing inconveniences due to certain restrictions in our operations. We are sincerely grateful to our customers for continuing to choose Hitachi as a partner even under these circumstances, and we hope to overcome this global crisis together with you.

As a result of this emergency, the business environment has changed. However, we will consider what Hitachi can do uniquely with our innovation centered on digital technology, and will continue to contribute to the maintenance, recovery, and development of people's lives.

When people work together to overcome this crisis, there will always be a bright future.
I urge you to have hope for the future and spend your time looking after your health first.