A N N U A L R E P O R T 1 9 9 9

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A large number of companies offer “multimedia”
as a key part of their strategies
for future growth, but such references to
multimedia are often quite ambiguous.
In what way will Toppan realize the
potential of multimedia?
The broad scope of Toppan’s multimedia
operations extends to related
products, the Company’s customer base,
and partnerships with a diverse range of
companies. In printing and related technologies,
the use of digitization technologies
at the prepress stage is playing an
important role in the reduction of costs
and the provision of shorter turnaround
times. The percentage of products processed by desktop publishing
(DTP) grows each year, and we have steadily reinforced
our ability to respond to that trend. For example, Toppan
moved quickly to promote the shift to the computer-to-plate
(CTP) method through the introduction of direct digital color
proofs (DDCPs). Our success in responding to demand for the
digitization of these types of printed materials has enabled our
smooth transition to multimedia-related activities, including content
creation for CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and the Internet as well
as system development.
Currently, in
fields centered on paperbased
printed products—
commercial
printing and
publications
!
printing—and
in high-technology
fields where
“Maja clothed” by Goya Y Lucientes
(Photo by Joseph Martin)
security systems are required, such as securities and
cards, Toppan is working to respond appropriately to
emerging market trends. At the same time, we are making
rapid progress with the creation of new business
opportunities that transcend the boundaries of
traditional fields. Our multimedia operations, which we
started in April 1996, are the center of these activities.
In multimedia, Toppan is utilizing content creation
expertise and tie-ups with leading multimedia companies
to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
During the year under review, we launched a channel
on Sky PerfecTV—a communications satellite based digital
broadcast service—and we have begun independent
production of programming content and sales of secondary
usage. Also, in conjunction with Hitachi and
Asahi Shimbun, we formed a digital image rights service
company, Image Mall Japan Co., Ltd., and began
the digitization of national treasures and important
cultural assets in the collection of the Tokugawa Museum, as
well as other works of art. We are now marketing these images
over the Internet. Furthermore, in cooperation with such
companies as NTT, Dentsu, Yahoo Japan, and Sharp, we
established CyberMap Japan Corp. which offers an Internetbased
map service, called Mapion. During the year under
review, we also worked with Toshiba and Dentsu to launch
FreshEye, an Internet portal. In addition, in April 1999, we
established the Solution Center, which solves the problems of
customers through the application of digital technologies centered
on our database and network technologies. The center is
contributing to our ability to strengthen relationships with
existing customers in a wide range of fields. These are just a
few examples of how Toppan’s multimedia-related operations
are achieving broad-based growth while becoming a driving
force toward the steady development of our new operational
structure.
Progress in Multimedia
Advanced Virtual Reality
Laboratory opened
Toppan is making rapid progress
with digital content operations,
centered on the development and
production of full-fledged virtual
reality products. In addition to the
high-precision image processing, color management, and
VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) technologies that
we have cultivated over many years, we have succeeded in the
development of real-time 3-D computer graphics technology.
In April 1998, we established the Virtual Reality Laboratory as a
development and production base. The laboratory has a system
that uses three projectors to display 3-D images on a
large-scale spherical screen with a 150-degree lateral field of
view and a 40-degree vertical field of view. Toppan will use
these facilities to provide large-scale virtual reality content creation
for museums and corporate showrooms.
Channel opened on
Sky PerfecTV
The Company initiated broadcast
operations with the launch of a
channel on Sky PerfecTV. Based on
the performance of NHK and other
satellite broadcasting ventures in
Japan, we decided to focus the
programming on high-quality documentaries. Furthermore, we
also offer original programming, such as lifestyle information
programs. In June 1999, we announced the new name
J Document 750, under which we will move ahead with the
production and management of programs that reflect a
stronger emphasis on documentary content.
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