Regarding the Efforts against SMILE-UP. Inc. (Follow-up)

February 15, 2024
Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.

Since October 2022, Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. ("SMM") has worked with Mr. Toma Ikuta, who was affiliated with Johnny & Associates Inc. (now SMILE-UP. Inc.), in the SMM's corporate advertising.

As SMM explained in the announcement of "Regarding our efforts against Johnny & Associates Inc." on September 21, 2023, SMM views the sexual abuse perpetrated by the late Mr. Johnny Kitagawa as a completely unacceptable violation of human rights, and has responded to this matter in line with the Sumitomo Metal Mining Group Policy on Human Rights that was established on the basis of the United Nation's Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and other international norms.

In concrete terms, as a stakeholder that can reduce risks to human rights violations in the supply chain, SMM issued a written demand to the said company on September 4, 2023, for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the abuse, full redress for the victims and prevention of any further human rights violations, and stated that should these actions not be taken, then the business relationship would not be able to continue.

Following that, SMM has engaged in monitoring the status of the said company's efforts in response to SMM's written demand from a business and human rights perspective.

In November 2023, Mr. Toma Ikuta went independent and SMM currently has no involvement with SMILE-UP. Inc. or STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, Inc., the company scheduled to handle entertainment agency operations for SMILE-UP. Inc. However, as a stakeholder that was in a position to potentially reduce the risks of human rights violations in the supply chain until recently, SMM expressed its views (good points and things that still needed improvement) in writing based on the aforementioned monitoring to both companies in early February. Additionally, SMM shared its stance and initiatives as a company that commits to embedding respect for human rights with other stakeholders in the supply chain related to its advertising.

Moving forward, SMM is going to continue to promote initiatives to protect human rights in accordance with the Sumitomo Metal Mining Group Policy on Human Rights.