«Though people probably have an image of us as a house builder, one of our most important jobs is to manage forests in this country by planting and looking after trees. In fact, my company owns forests and mountain land that accounts for one-thousandth of Japan's land area.»

«Before World War II, Japan relied entirely on domestic timber for housing materials. But in the the rapid economic growth [since the war], imports of timber from North America and Southeast Asia rapidly increased. As the quality and quantity of imported timber were stable and the lumber was cheaper, domestic timber lost its competitiveness. Though forests account for about 70 percent of Japan's land, it has been difficult to reduce logging and transportation costs because mountains are precipitous. Sluggish sales of domestic timber are damaging forests.»

«It is extremely regrettable that the people responsible did not follow regulations. This made me feel once again how important it is to do business honestly. If consumers develop an ability to distinguish good from bad products, the industry will be cleansed.»

«I believe my company has contributed to Japan's natural environment by preserving forests for more than 300 years since the [company's] founders started the forestry business.»

«Sumitomo Forestry believes utilization of domestic timber is our mission.»