Happy New Year as we welcome the start of 2026.
Last year marked a significant milestone for us: the 100th anniversary of our founder’s birth. Our founder was deeply committed to the growth of not only our company but the entire industry, contributing tirelessly to its progress. To ensure that this passion remains at the core of our organization, we are focused on passing down the “OMORI Spirits.” As part of these efforts, we held a summer festival for all employees and their families to celebrate this centennial. Celebrating alongside colleagues from different locations and their families, whom we rarely meet, allowed us to renew our determination. We remain committed to our company’s growth and, as a pioneer, to the continued advancement of the packaging industry.
On a personal note, it is no exaggeration to say that the highlight of last year was the MLB World Series. Our North American base is located near Toronto, Canada. We hold season tickets for the Blue Jays’ home games, and I have long enjoyed watching and cheering for them. With those tickets, I was fortunate enough to attend and cheer in person during Games 6 and 7 of the World Series. The championship battle between the Blue Jays and the Dodgers—a team featuring many prominent Japanese players—went the full distance. It was such a heated game that I found myself cheering fervently for both sides. The moment the Dodgers secured the championship, the stadium fell silent, and a sense of disappointment swept across Canada. I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere of an entire nation uniting to support Canada’s only MLB team.
I heard that the reason the Blue Jays—who finished last in the American League East just two years ago—became so strong was their use of data-driven practice, strategy, and diversity. They established a dedicated data science department, using analysis to tailor coaching and batting methods to individual players and integrating those insights into their overall strategy. However, they did not rely on data alone; they created an environment where “people” could properly apply that data. Furthermore, the team’s culture of embracing multiculturalism is said to have had a major impact. The clubhouse brings together members from over 11 countries and regions, where various languages besides English are spoken as a matter of course. I believe that such diverse members respecting one another—despite different languages and values—and moving toward the shared goal of “winning” created the solidarity that led to this wonderful result. Hearing this, I felt there is much that Omori can learn and apply from the Blue Jays.
In recent years, our company has also increased its focus on social and community contribution activities. The vision we have held since our founding has expanded in scope; we are evolving into a company that is needed by society and the local community, moving beyond the boundaries of our day-to-day business. We must continue to grow steadily as one united team.
As I renew my commitment to carrying forward our founder’s vision and remaining a company that contributes to all our stakeholders, I offer these words as my New Year’s greeting.
Toshio Omori
President and CEO
