On May 9, 2025, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT Holdings) formally announced that it will change its company name from 'Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation' to 'NTT Corporation'. This change, which will take effect on July 1, 2025, is pending a resolution at the upcoming general shareholders meeting scheduled for June 19, 2025.
The decision to adopt 'NTT' as the official name follows the approval of the revised NTT Law last year, allowing for the first name change in 40 years since the company was privatized in 1985. NTT has been widely recognized by this abbreviation, and the shift to a formal name reflects a desire to align the company’s identity with its operations and enhance its global recognition.
NTT President Akira Shimada emphasized the importance of this change during a press conference held in Tokyo, stating, "The gap between the name given 40 years ago and the actual business content has widened due to the expansion of various businesses both domestically and internationally." He expressed that it was time for the company to grow and adapt to the modern market, saying, "I feel no sense of loss regarding the disappearance of the name 'Nippon Telegraph and Telephone' and want to grow NTT in the future."
As part of this rebranding effort, the company will also update its corporate identity and logo. The existing 'Dynamic Loop' logo design will be retained, ensuring continuity while also modernizing the brand. The new NTT logo will utilize a globally recognized font and will be colored blue, which is expected to resonate well in international markets.
Shimada noted that the name change is not just a cosmetic adjustment but a strategic move aimed at strengthening the company's brand in an increasingly competitive global landscape. He remarked, "Adopting a company name and font that is familiar to overseas customers will help raise the corporate brand with a global market in mind." This initiative is seen as crucial for promoting the NTT Group's technology and capabilities worldwide.
NTT's rebranding comes at a time when the company is looking to accelerate its business development and improve its recognition in the global market. The firm has diversified its operations beyond just fixed-line telephony, venturing into various sectors that reflect the modern digital economy.
The announcement of the name change also coincides with NTT's financial outlook for the upcoming fiscal year. The company projected a 4% increase in consolidated net profit for the fiscal year ending in March 2026, estimating it will reach 1 trillion 400 billion yen. Sales are expected to rise by 4% to 14 trillion 190 billion yen, while operating profit is anticipated to increase by 7% to 1 trillion 770 billion yen.
In contrast, NTT reported a 22% decrease in net profit for the fiscal year ending March 2025, which amounted to 1 trillion yen, marking the first profit decline in five years. The company attributed this drop to higher costs associated with its mobile subsidiary, NTT Docomo, as well as a decrease in asset sales.
Shimada referred to the fiscal year ending March 2025 as the "bottom" for business performance, indicating optimism for recovery and growth in the coming years. He also announced plans for a share buyback program with a limit of 200 billion yen and a dividend increase for the 15th consecutive term, signaling confidence in the company's future.
The name change and rebranding effort are significant steps for NTT as it seeks to redefine its identity in the fast-evolving telecommunications and technology sectors. By aligning its name with its widely recognized abbreviation, NTT aims to enhance its visibility and competitiveness on the global stage.
As the company prepares for this transition, stakeholders and customers alike are eager to see how the new branding will impact NTT's operations and market presence. The upcoming shareholders meeting will be pivotal in finalizing this change, and the company is poised to enter a new chapter in its long history.
