The Kitamura Holdings Group is transforming its business.
We are shifting toward a Group-based management approach that envisions growth by making the most of the strengths and resources of each Group company.
This is taking place against a backdrop of profound changes in the photography industry. As society has become increasingly digital, the world around photography and cameras has changed dramatically. Digital cameras eliminated the need for film development and printing, while smartphones made it easy for anyone to take photos and share them instantly.
Photography has become an integral part of everyday life, and people have more opportunities than ever to enjoy it. At the same time, the traditional photography business is entering a period of profound change.
Against this backdrop, the Group has made a major shift toward Group-wide management to achieve growth over the medium to long term.
One key example is our implementation of a “customer- and domain-based management” approach. Here, “domain” refers to a specific area of business, and we have organized our businesses into four domains: Cameras & Reused, Imaging, Photography & Photographer Solutions, and Life. We have also established the Customer Experience Platform (CXPF), which spans all four domains. By bringing together businesses that were previously operated separately, we aim not only to improve efficiency, but also to combine our knowledge and expertise to create greater value for customers and foster growth in each domain. And this CXPF will further enhance the value we deliver through our stores and e-commerce services.
In conjunction with our transition to a Group-wide management structure, we have also issued a new Group Statement. This marks an evolution from our previous vision of becoming “a world-leading Photo Life company” to a new aspiration: to become “a Photo & Life company providing essential services to the world.”
From “Photo Life” to “Photo & Life.” Along with the business of photography and the memories it creates, we are expanding into new areas to develop businesses that enrich people’s everyday lives and life experiences, bringing the values we have cultivated through our work in photography - above all, our commitment to “cherishing what matters most," - to new areas. Through these businesses, we aspire to become an essential presence in society.
Since the founding of Kitamura Camera Shop in Kochi in 1934, our Group has been committed to supporting photographic culture for more than 90 years. As we expand our business from Photo Life to Photo & Life, our commitment remains to remain a trusted and valued partner for our customers, today and 20 years from now, as we contribute to "cherishing what matters most".
