Challenging New Business Fields
Since the early 1990s, there have been dynamic changes in the economic circumstances surrounding the SHOSHA, triggered by;
1) accelerated globalization, 2) a new wave of technological innovation led by ICT, bio-and nano-technology, 3) growing concerns over environmental issues, 4) a power shift from a producer-centered society to customer-centered society, 5) a wave of deregulation and privatization, notably in the financial and telecommunication fields, and 6) a falling birth rate and the arrival of graying society.
Amid these changes, the SHOSHA are taking a positive approach to create new businesses. In particular, the spirit of taking on the challenge of innovation and development of new business frontiers is unique to and descendant from the SHOSHA, which have a history of thriving in the face of adversity, figuratively referred to as the "passing of the SHOSHA" or the "winter of the SHOSHA", and have always been spared by their dynamic development of creative functions and new business domains.
Today’s SHOSHA, with their integrated capabilities in the form of IT (information technology), FT (financial technology), LT (logistics technology) and MT (marketing technology) functionally combined, are actively involved in such new growth fields as ICT, bio-and nano-technology, retailing, finance and environmental-related fields.
ICT
E-conversion of existing business; introduction of IC tags in retailing; e-procurement in various industries; organizing SCM (supply chain management); operation of web shopping malls; broadband communication services and contents supply; e-conversion of IT,FT, LT services; IT solutions system engineering and supply of related software and hardware.
Bio-and Nano-Technology
Genetic analysis, genome sequence analysis, genome-based drug discovery, genetic diagnosis and treatment, bio-informatics, biomass, fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and micro electro-mechanical systems
Health Care and Life Care
Technical development of bio-pharmaceuticals, outsourcing services for hospitals and medical malls, distribution of drugs, the operation and management of pharmacies, drug store chains, fitness clubs, elderly care goods stores and facilities for the elderly.
Retailing
Supermarkets, convenience stores, department stores, food service industries, non-shop sales (e-shopping, TV shopping, mail order shopping), apparel brand business, comprehensive retail support, distribution centers
Financing
Network banking, settlement, securities trading, and insurance undertaking; investment consulting and advising; securities trading; M&A support; venture capital funds; buy-out funds
Environment
Recycling and reuse of such refuse as PET bottles and other plastic products, electrical appliances, automobiles, personal computers; prevention of global warming through forestation, carbon emissions trading, development of such clean energy resources as wind power, biomass energy, fuel cell power generation and bio- ethanol etc.
