Our Roots
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.
1835 to 1947 years
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vol.1
Yataro's Values Shaped by Stalwart MotherWe 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.
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vol.2
Mitsubishi's Foundations Underpinned by Strong Sense of HonorOur Roots talked with Mitsubishi History Analyst Seiichi Narita about Mitsubishi Founder Yataro Iwasaki.
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vol.3
Timeline of the Life & Times of Yataro IwasakiWe chronicle the story of Mitsubishi founder Yataro Iwasaki through a timeline of his life.
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vol.4
An Unlikely Business SchoolWe look at the imprisonment of Mitsubishi founder Yataro Iwasaki - an experience that greatly shaped his development as a successful entrepreneur.
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vol.5
Turbulent Times of Change & UncertaintyWe focus on Mitsubishi founder Yataro Iwasaki's ties with Toyo Yoshida, an influential official of the Tosa Domain.
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vol.6
Yataro & Ryoma-Sharing a Common DreamWe focus on Mitsubishi founder Yataro Iwasaki's ties with Ryoma Sakamoto, an influential figure in the days leading up to the Meiji Restoration.
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vol.7
Sailing Across the GlobeWe focus on a period when Yataro Iwasaki made large strides towards realizing his global aspirations as Mitsubishi proceeded to establish international shipping lines.
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vol.8
An Entrepreneurial Spirit That Never FadedWe focus on the entrepreneurial spirit of Mitsubishi founder Yataro Iwasaki, who strove to develop business across diverse fields.
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vol.9
Yataro's Ideals Live OnWe focus on the passing of Mitsubishi founder Yataro Iwasaki and reflect on his remarkable legacy.
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vol.10
Thomas GloverWe focus on Thomas Glover, who served as an advisor for each of Mitsubishi's first three presidents.
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vol.11
Yanosuke Plays Pivotal Role in Purchase of Takashima Coal MineWe 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.
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vol.12
Yanosuke Expands Mitsubishi's Involvement in MiningWe continue to focus on Yanosuke Iwasaki, Mitsubishi's second president.
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vol.13
Push to Diversify Supported by Rich Human NetworkWe highlight the efforts of Mitsubishi's second president, Yanosuke Iwasaki, to diversify the company's business while leveraging its rich human resources.
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vol.14
Yanosuke Resolves to Build Japan's First Modern Business DistrictWe focus on the purchase of property in Tokyo's Marunouchi district by Yanosuke Iwasaki, Mitsubishi's second president.
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vol.15
Josiah ConderWe 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.
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vol.16
Hisaya Iwasaki: The Humble Leader Who Never Forgot His RootsWe focus on Hisaya Iwasaki, Mitsubishi's third president, and how he was influenced by the teachings of his grandmother.
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vol.17
Hisaya Lays Groundwork for Mitsubishi's Organizational StrengthWe focus on how Mitsubishi's third president, Hisaya Iwasaki, spur red further business diversification and the development of a modern system of management.
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vol.18
Railways, Agriculture and Electricity- Hisaya Focuses on Building the Foundations of a Prosperous NationWe primarily focus on Mitsubishi's third president, Hisaya Iwasaki, and how he strove to develop diverse businesses to meet the needs of the times.
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vol.19
Hisaya's Passion for Papermaking and Farm ManagementWe highlight episodes related to the papermaking business and Koiwai Farm, two ventures that Hisaya Iwasaki, Mitsubishi's third president, took a strong interest in.
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vol.20
Aided by His Former Classmates, Koyata Keeps Mitsubishi on TrackWe focus on the experiences that shaped Koyata Iwasaki on his way to becoming Mitsubishi's fourth president.
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vol.21
Koyata Iwasaki—Standing by His Convictions to the Very EndWe focus on episodes related to Koyata Iwasaki's tenure as Mitsubishi's fourth president.
Since 1954
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vol.1
The Launch of the New Mitsubishi Shoji:President Takagaki Urges Fairness in BusinessWe look at the path that led to the Great Merger of 1954, which resulted in the establishment of the new Mitsubishi Shoji, headed by President Katsujiro Takagaki.
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vol.2
Laying the Foundations for Success by Expanding the Company's Global NetworkWe focus on the development of the company's global network during the six-year tenure of President Katsujiro Takagaki.
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vol.3
Mitsubishi Shoji Strives to Expand Exports & Target Large Projects Reflecting Tradition of Tackling Big ChallengesWe look back on various business activities that were promoted during the tenure of President Katsujiro Takagaki.
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vol.4
Japan's Economy Surges as Tokyo Prepares to Host the Olympics - New Business Models Begin to Take ShapeWe reflect on the situation in Japan and developments at Mitsubishi Shoji during the tenure of President Kiyohiko Sho.
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vol.5
Push to Modernize Management Systems Reflects Focus on Future Business Growth Development of Data Processing Capabilities & Expansion of TelecommunicationsWe continue to look back on the tenure of President Kiyohiko Sho while highlighting the company's pioneering efforts to modernize management.
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vol.6
The "Ayame Operations" Groundbreaking Management Plan Revitalizes the CompanyWe reflect back on the pioneering reforms instituted by President Chujiro Fujino, as Mitsubishi Shoji sought to further develop its businesses during a period of high economic growth.
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vol.7
Mitsubishi Shoji Actively Enters New Fields Investment in Overseas Projects Takes OffWe look at the company's active expansion into new fields in the early 1970s as reflected by the launch of the Brunei LNG project, which proved to be a key juncture in the development of the MC Group's LNG business.
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vol.8
Staying True to the Spirit of the Three Corporate Principles Even in Times of Great Economic TurmoilWe look at how MC devised policies to fulfill its responsibility to society as a good corporate citizen during the period of economic turmoil that accompanied the Nixon Shock and the 1st Oil Crisis in the early 1970s.
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vol.9
Finding Hope in a Period of Low Growth Increased Efficiency and New Success in PetrochemicalsWe look at steps taken by President Bunichiro Tanabe to strengthen the company’s constitution, and reflect on a national project that has come to characterize MC.
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vol.10
Mobilizing Companywide Efforts to Withstand Tough Economic Conditions MC Strives to Bolster Efficiency & Promote Organizational ReformsWe look back on efforts to bolster efficiency and promote organizational reforms under President Yohei Mimura.
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vol.11
Embracing the Spirit of "Corporate Responsibility to Society" Development of Social Contribution Activities & Establishment of Mitsubishi Shoji & SunIn this final installment, we look back on the development of MC's social contribution activities.