CXO MESSAGE

Digital Strategy for the Sustainable Enhancement of Corporate Value

Photo：Hiroyuki Naka

Member of the Board,
Senior Executive Officer, CFO; CXO

Hiroyuki Naka

AIX (AI × Transformation) as the Dawn of a New Competitive Paradigm

We have consistently pursued the fusion of strategy and digital capabilities, and, with a grounded approach to AIX, have strengthened our digital management platform through strategic and continuous digital investments. At ITOCHU, AIX is not an end in itself. Our basic philosophy is that business comes first, with a clear focus on profitability. We believe that our selection as a DX Stock 2026 reflects our steady efforts to date and serves as external recognition of those efforts.

Our use of AI has now entered a new phase in which the efforts we have built up are beginning to take shape as tangible results. For example, we are strongly focused from a management perspective on creating a virtuous cycle in which reductions in working hours generated through AI are translated into the optimal allocation of personnel, thereby shifting from “Cut” to “Earn.” The key lies in making a gear shift from improvements in individual productivity to organization-wide utilization through organization-wide AIX. This evolution is precisely what will serve as the driving force for transforming front-line businesses and achieving the sustainable enhancement of corporate value.

figure：Digital Strategy for the Sustainable Enhancement of Corporate Value

At the same time, the more AI technology advances, the more “human capability” and “front-line execution capabilities,” cultivated through thinking things through for ourselves, will become key differentiators. While fully leveraging cutting-edge technologies, it is only human beings—in other words, we “Merchants”—who can question conventional assumptions, build relationships, and make the final decisions. Going forward, we will continue to advance an AIX approach with Merchants at the center, in a way that is distinctly ITOCHU.

TOPICS: Selected as a DX Stock 2026

ITOCHU was selected as a DX Stock 2026, jointly designated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and the Innovation Platform Agency, Japan. The following points were recognized:

  1. Our DX initiatives contribute to enhancing corporate value through the principles of “Earn, Cut, Prevent”
  2. Top management communicates DX-related messages directly
  3. We engage in proactive external communication through the Integrated Report, IR briefings, and external media
  4. We have a wide range of examples of AI and digital technology utilization
  5. We are also strengthening organizational development and digital talent development to advance DX

Building a “Prevent” Framework That Protects the Organization Proactively

Groupwide Cybersecurity Structure

We position cybersecurity measures as a critical management issue and continue to strengthen them on an ongoing basis. Centered on ITOCHU Cyber & Intelligence Inc., which employs some of Japan’s leading top-tier security analysts, we have established a framework that protects approximately 600 Group companies, including sub-subsidiaries. As cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated and complex with the advancement of AI technologies, we continue to monitor risk alerts at all times and work to detect vulnerabilities in advance. As a result, no major incident has occurred. Our Group maintains a high level of security awareness and responds proactively even to previously unknown threats.

AI Governance and Policy Development

figure：Principles of Responsible AI Operations

As AI continues to evolve, new risks are also becoming more visible, including the leakage of confidential information and unforeseen problems arising from granting excessive authority to AI agents. Including the strengthening of AI security, ITOCHU has established AI governance designed both to manage risks appropriately and to maximize AI’s potential. In August 2026, we also formulated our AI Policy. Guided by the spirit of “Sampo-yoshi,” we will promote the ethical and effective use of AI without undermining the trust of customers or society.

figure：Principles of Responsible AI Operations
Gear Shift from AIX-Ready
to All-Around AIX[PDF]