On March 17, 2026, Astomos Energy Corporation (hereinafter referred to as Astomos Energy) held a thank-you ceremony to celebrate its 20th anniversary at the Palace Hotel Tokyo in Marunouchi, Tokyo. Approximately 900 people attended the event, including more than 700 domestic and overseas stakeholders—such as key business partners, shareholders, representatives from public administrations, and industry associations—along with employees of the company. Together, they gathered to commemorate this significant milestone.

The ceremony opened with a dynamic Japanese calligraphy performance by Calligrapher Mami. Kanji characters “感謝 (kansha),” meaning “appreciation,” were written with a brush on a giant panel on the stage. The characters symbolized the deep gratitude Astomos Energy feels for everyone who has supported the company throughout its 20-year history.

In his address as organizer, Toshinobu Sato, who became President in January 2026, looked back on the company’s journey, nothing that it had never been an easy one.

“We have faced a series of challenges, including major natural disasters, changes in the global energy landscape, a pandemic, and conflicts around the world. We would not be here today if it were not for every single one of you who provided bountiful support for us as our friends through thick and thin. Again, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all of you for always standing by us over the past two decades.”

Sato then reaffirmed his determination for the future. Referring to the belief passed down from former president Mitsuru Yamanaka that “Trust is the energy that moves the world” as the unwavering guiding principle of the company’s new corporate structure, he stated, “I will carefully carry on the spirit of challenge and transformation and build on fostering strong ties with you to further elevate Astomos’ pioneering spirit.”

Referring to the recent chaos in the Middle East, Sato hoped that an end to the situation would come as quickly as possible. He declared, “We will never cease energy supplies no matter what hardships we face. We are joining forces with our domestic and overseas colleagues and doing our best to protect Japan’s livelihood and industries.” Sato concluded, “‘Light up Tomorrow with Partners’ is the motto we started with, and it is our promise for the future.”

Sato’s speech was followed by a sake barrel breaking ceremony, in which 21 guests struck the lid of a sake barrel with a mallet. The crowd chanted “Yoisho, yoisho, yoisho” and offered thunderous applause. Mitsutoshi Tokko, Chair of the National Astomos Association and President of Kitanihon Bussan Co., Ltd., then proposed a toast. He lauded Astomos Energy’s mission statement of “Moving into the Future Smartly” because it “helps you pick your route carefully and make steady advances forward while valuing personal relationships.” He added, “We want to embody this principle on the ground to move towards the future together.”

The ceremony ended with closing remarks by Yoshihito Takahashi, Senior Executive Vice President of Astomos Energy. Takahashi once more emphasized the company’s three founding missions: to grow sustainably as a general energy solutions company, to develop future human resources, and to establish a stable supply foundation that supports society.

Expressing his appreciation, Takahashi stated, “Over the past 20 years, we have not only supported people’s lives and industries by supplying liquefied petroleum gas—an essential component of social infrastructure—but have also strived to become a company that delivers vitality, hope, and peace of mind for tomorrow. This represents energy for the mind. While our journey is still halfway complete, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your continued support in helping us put these missions into practice.”

The thank-you ceremony took place at a time when global instability has underscored the importance of energy security. Strategically diversifying its LP gas supply sources, Astomos Energy will continue to evolve as it works toward realizing a sustainable society.