（日本語ブログ：なぜ統一したテーマ設定が統合報告書のメッセージ性を高めるのか｜One World Link）
Integrated reports and sustainability reports carry significant responsibility in telling your story to a global audience. These documents communicate strategy, purpose, and progress to both domestic and global stakeholders, and every section contributes to the larger story that your company wants to tell. The key to shaping the story readers take away is the theme, or overarching message, that guides them through the report.
A theme isn’t just a cool slogan on the cover of your report. Instead, a theme should support your company’s values, philosophy, and the message of your overall report.
When the theme shifts from section to section, readers can struggle to understand the overall direction. Using a consistent theme will help keep your reports coherent and create a clear message investors can follow from the first page to the last.
A consistent theme can also only improve readability and enhance credibility. Investors expect companies to communicate with clarity, and a strong theme demonstrates intention and alignment across the organization.
Themes Across Sections
Consider the following example headings commonly found in an integrated report.
Cover
Innovation for Growth
CEO Message
Creating Stakeholder Value
ESG Section
Building a Sustainable Future
Looking at these headings, readers might assume that each section discusses a different concept. Although all three sections may introduce valid talking points, the shift in focus can distract readers and make your report feel fragmented.
Below is an example of what a more consistent theme might look like, centered around the theme of innovative growth.
Cover
Innovation for Growth
CEO Message
Innovative Growth Builds Shareholder Value
ESG Section
Innovative Growth Leads to a Sustainable Future
These revised section headings now link each message back to a single theme, creating not only consistency throughout the different sections but also strengthening the image that your company is fully dedicated to innovative growth.
When each section develops the same core idea, the entire report feels more intentional. Your theme supports the strategic story, and readers can see how leadership, ESG initiatives, and long-term ambitions connect to the company’s growth narrative.
This article on Storyraise (run by Storyraise Technology Inc.) discusses a multitude of reasons why developing a theme for your integrated report is absolutely crucial. In particular, Storyraise comments on the following benefits.
Themes…
- Help tell a story
- Humanize your brand
- Help deliver an impactful message
- Help you and your readers stay on track
- Help affirm your brand
- Help differentiate your report from years past
The article also states that without a theme, “…readers won’t feel like they’re reading a story. Instead, they’ll feel like they’re reading a textbook or a boring financial report.”
In Summary
Strong IR and ESG reports rely on a clear thematic direction. When each section supports a consistent idea, the writing carries a stronger message that resonates more deeply with readers and strengthens your global message.
One World Link can help refine theme structure, align Japanese and English narratives during translation, and improve readability across your IR and ESG materials. Contact us today for a free English Translation Quality Assessment Report (https://www.oneworldlink.jp/satei.php).
Jessica Azumaya
最新記事 by Jessica Azumaya (全て見る)
- Are You Using Incorrect English in Japanese Design? - 12月 15, 2025
- One Easy Way to Make Your English Writing Appear More Natural - 12月 13, 2025
- Why Using a Consistent Theme for Integrated Reports Strengthens Your Global Message - 12月 11, 2025
- Why Vertical Japanese Text Design Ruins English Reports - 12月 9, 2025
- Writing Is More Than ‘What’ You Say - 12月 5, 2025