#Japan #Tokyo #shareholder meeting #Kadoya Oil #Fan-Based Management

Kadoya Oil's 68th Annual Shareholder Meeting

On June 26, 2025, Kadoya Oil Co., Ltd. held its 68th annual shareholder meeting, where the president and representative director, Junichi Kitagawa, served as the chair.

The meeting commenced with reports on the 68th fiscal year business overview and financial statements. Following this, an extensive Q&A session took place with shareholders before proceeding to vote on the agenda. The four resolutions proposed this year, which were:
1. Disposal of Surplus
2. Partial Amendment of Articles of Incorporation
3. Election of Seven Directors
4. Election of Two Auditors

All resolutions were approved as proposed, with 146 shareholders in attendance, making the meeting last for one hour and ten minutes.

Embracing Fan-Based Management

Kadoya Oil aims to become a special presence recommended by friends and family through its implementation of fan-based management. The meeting opened with a corporate video showcasing the future Kadoya aspires to achieve, along with its new tagline, "Unleash the Potential of Sesame," reflecting a commitment to acknowledging rapid changes in the environment, such as Japan's declining population and economic concerns in the substantial U.S. sesame oil market.

Kitagawa emphasized the importance of increasing supporters both inside and outside the company who value Kadoya’s principles, stating the aim of enhancing corporate value through fan-based management strategies.

Following discussions on what Kadoya should embrace, discard, or add under the newly established Purpose, Vision, and Values (philosophy framework), Kitagawa asserted that the entire staff embodies the desire to deliver health and happiness worldwide. This cycle encourages employees to foster growth and generate fans organically.

After the reports and resolutions were addressed, the meeting transitioned to an active Q&A session where shareholders raised a variety of topics.

Shareholder Inquiries

Shareholders posed insightful questions including:

• - The basis for setting a dividend payout target at 40% of net profit.
• - Plans to introduce a system for early communication to shareholders in the event of cartel investigations.
• - Whether leniency applications have been submitted regarding penalties.
• - Potential collaborations with popular characters like Takagi-san from "Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san".
• - The idea of establishing a labor union to boost employee motivation and unity.
• - Opportunities for appointing female directors within five years.
• - Suggestions for promoting shareholder benefits more effectively.
• - Requests for personal product recommendations from President Kitagawa.
• - Strategies for additional shareholder return measures in light of PBR falling below 1.
• - Concerns regarding low shareholdings among directors and any initiatives to increase them.
• - Background information on the recent tasting event.
• - Future plans for shareholder events.
• - Clarifications regarding the use of potentially inappropriate language in internal documents.

Despite the extensive agenda, the meeting concluded successfully with engagement from shareholders, showcasing their commitment and interest in Kadoya's future.

Tasting Event: Sharing New Flavor Experiences

After the close of the annual meeting, a tasting event was held where shareholders could discover the many uses of sesame oil as a condiment. This gathered considerable attendance, allowing shareholders to engage in discussions with executives and employees while experiencing unique combinations of sesame oil with various dishes such as salads, pizzas, rice balls, and ice cream.

Testimonials

Shareholders expressed their delight: "I learned about sesame oil for the first time and loved it on pizza!" and "I usually only use sesame oil for frying, but I didn’t know it can be used as a dressing!" Employees also found value in sharing their passion for sesame oil, indicating a commitment to further communicating the allure of Kadoya’s products.

This tasting event surpassed expectations, highlighting the importance of direct communication with shareholders, and all feedback received will be considered for enhancing the company’s value further.

About Kadoya Oil

Founded in 1858 on Shodoshima Island as Kadoya Oil, the company has dedicated over 167 years to producing sesame oil. They strive to share the rich aroma and taste of genuine sesame oil with the world.

In May 2022, they launched a fan community site called "Goma Lab" to share sesame experiences with enthusiasts. Subsequently, they opened a café and izakaya, "Goma to," in Jiyugaoka, celebrating the various facets of sesame. The company is also exploring the use of sesame protein for new product developments.

As the company approaches its 167th anniversary in 2025, Kadoya aims to optimize sesame's value under a new philosophy framework defined by the tagline, "Unleash the Potential of Sesame." Kadoya seeks to contribute meaningfully to the world through quality sesame products.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Kadoya Oil Co., Ltd.
• - Headquarters: 4F, Sumitomo Realty & Development Osaki Twin Building, 5-1-18 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
• - Representative: Junichi Kitagawa, President & CEO
• - Established: 1858
• - Business Scope: Manufacturing and sales of sesame oil and sesame products
• - Annual Revenue: 39,450 million yen (consolidated, as of March 2025)

For more information, visit:

• - Kadoya Oil Official Website
• - Goma to Café
• - Goma Lab Community Site
• - [Kadoya's Official Social Channels on X, Instagram, and Facebook]