Kirin, Sony, and Mitsubishi Chemical to phase out integrated reports

Major Japanese corporations, including Kirin Holdings, Sony Group, and Mitsubishi Chemical Group, are moving away from publishing traditional annual integrated reports.

Kirin Holdings announced it will cease issuing integrated reports starting in fiscal year 2027. The company plans to consolidate its financial and non-financial information into its official securities reports (Yukashoken Hokokusho). This move aligns with global standards where companies disclose sustainability and financial data simultaneously. Kirin has already begun early adoption of the Sustainability Standards Board of Japan (SSBJ) standards, providing third-party assurance for its disclosures.

In contrast, Sony Group and Mitsubishi Chemical Group are adopting a web-based approach. Rather than consolidating into legal securities reports, they will discontinue the annual PDF booklets in favor of real-time, continuous updates on their corporate websites to ensure information remains timely and accessible.