Our Roots - A history of rising to the challenge

MC has a long history of rising to the challenge. Here, we highlight the origins of our pioneering spirit through accounts of Mitsubishi founder Yataro Iwasaki and other members of the Iwasaki family, while also taking a look back over history starting from 1954, when today's MC was first established.

vol.1 Yataro's Values Shaped by Stalwart Mother
vol.1
Yataro's Values Shaped by Stalwart Mother

We focus on Miwa Iwasaki, the mother of Mitsubishi Founder Yataro Iwasaki. Miwa greatly influenced Yataro and also laid out a set of precepts for the Iwasaki Family to live by.

vol.2 Mitsubishi's Foundations Underpinned by Strong Sense of Honor
vol.2
Mitsubishi's Foundations Underpinned by Strong Sense of Honor

Our Roots talked with Mitsubishi History Analyst Seiichi Narita about Mitsubishi Founder Yataro Iwasaki.

vol.3 Timeline of the Life & Times of Yataro Iwasaki
vol.3
Timeline of the Life & Times of Yataro Iwasaki

We chronicle the story of Mitsubishi founder Yataro Iwasaki through a timeline of his life.

vol.4 An Unlikely Business School
vol.4
An Unlikely Business School

We look at the imprisonment of Mitsubishi founder Yataro Iwasaki - an experience that greatly shaped his development as a successful entrepreneur.

vol.5 Turbulent Times of Change & Uncertainty
vol.5
Turbulent Times of Change & Uncertainty

We focus on Mitsubishi founder Yataro Iwasaki's ties with Toyo Yoshida, an influential official of the Tosa Domain.

vol.6 Yataro & Ryoma—Sharing a Common Dream
vol.6
Yataro & Ryoma—Sharing a Common Dream

We focus on Mitsubishi founder Yataro Iwasaki's ties with Ryoma Sakamoto, an influential figure in the days leading up to the Meiji Restoration.

vol.7 Sailing Across the Globe
vol.7
Sailing Across the Globe

We focus on a period when Yataro Iwasaki made large strides towards realizing his global aspirations as Mitsubishi proceeded to establish international shipping lines.

vol.8 An Entrepreneurial Spirit That Never Faded
vol.8
An Entrepreneurial Spirit That Never Faded

We focus on the entrepreneurial spirit of Mitsubishi founder Yataro Iwasaki, who strove to develop business across diverse fields.

vol.9 Yataro's Ideals Live On
vol.9
Yataro's Ideals Live On

We focus on the passing of Mitsubishi founder Yataro Iwasaki and reflect on his remarkable legacy.

vol.10 Thomas Glover
vol.10
Thomas Glover

We focus on Thomas Glover, who served as an advisor for each of Mitsubishi's first three presidents.

vol.11 Yanosuke Plays Pivotal Role in Purchase of Takashima Coal Mine
vol.11
Yanosuke Plays Pivotal Role in Purchase of Takashima Coal Mine

We shift our focus to Yanosuke Iwasaki, Mitsubishi's second president. Starting from his time as vice president, Yanosuke was instrumental in promoting the diversification of Mitsubishi's business, thereby laying the foundations for today's Mitsubishi Group.

vol.12 Yanosuke Expands Mitsubishi's Involvement in Mining
vol.12
Yanosuke Expands Mitsubishi's Involvement in Mining

We continue to focus on Yanosuke Iwasaki, Mitsubishi's second president.

vol.13 Push to Diversify Supported by Rich Human Network
vol.13
Push to Diversify Supported by Rich Human Network

We highlight the efforts of Mitsubishi's second president, Yanosuke Iwasaki, to diversify the company's business while leveraging its rich human resources.

vol.14 Yanosuke Resolves to Build Japan's First Modern Business District
vol.14
Yanosuke Resolves to Build Japan's First Modern Business District

We focus on the purchase of property in Tokyo's Marunouchi district by Yanosuke Iwasaki, Mitsubishi's second president.

vol.15 Josiah Conder
vol.15
Josiah Conder

We focus on Josiah Condor, the British architect who became a Mitsubishi advisor and played a central role in the construction of Japan's first modern business district.

vol.16 Hisaya Iwasaki: The Humble Leader Who Never Forgot His Roots
vol.16
Hisaya Iwasaki: The Humble Leader Who Never Forgot His Roots

We focus on Hisaya Iwasaki, Mitsubishi's third president, and how he was influenced by the teachings of his grandmother.

vol.17 Hisaya Lays Groundwork for Mitsubishi's Organizational Strength
vol.17
Hisaya Lays Groundwork for Mitsubishi's Organizational Strength

We focus on how Mitsubishi's third president, Hisaya Iwasaki, spur red further business diversification and the development of a modern system of management.

vol.18 Railways, Agriculture and Electricity— Hisaya Focuses on Building the Foundations of a Prosperous Nation
vol.18
Railways, Agriculture and Electricity— Hisaya Focuses on Building the Foundations of a Prosperous Nation

We primarily focus on Mitsubishi's third president, Hisaya Iwasaki, and how he strove to develop diverse businesses to meet the needs of the times.

vol.19 Hisaya's Passion for Papermaking and Farm Management
vol.19
Hisaya's Passion for Papermaking and Farm Management

We highlight episodes related to the papermaking business and Koiwai Farm, two ventures that Hisaya Iwasaki, Mitsubishi's third president, took a strong interest in.

vol.20 Aided by His Former Classmates, Koyata Keeps Mitsubishi on Track
vol.20
Aided by His Former Classmates, Koyata Keeps Mitsubishi on Track

We focus on the experiences that shaped Koyata Iwasaki on his way to becoming Mitsubishi's fourth president.

Koyata Iwasaki—Standing by His Convictions to the Very End
vol.21
Koyata Iwasaki—Standing by His Convictions to the Very End

We focus on episodes related to Koyata Iwasaki's tenure as Mitsubishi's fourth president.

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