Photo courtesy of The Yomiuri Shimbun

Project Expedition (Tan-ken-tai)

Pioneering a Sustainable Future
Through Energy Innovation

Organized by The Yomiuri Shimbun and presented by Special Sponsor Mitsubishi Corporation, Project Expedition—Tan-ken-tai in Japanese—is a program in which high school students visit Mitsubishi Corporation’s global businesses and report on their experiences.

Under the theme "Pioneering a Sustainable Future Through Energy Innovation," six high school students traveled to the United States for this year’s program. They toured a broad range of sites—from natural gas and LNG facilities to renewable energy projects—gaining firsthand insight into Mitsubishi Corporation’s global operations, the role Japanese companies play globally, and the appeal of pursuing an international career.

Schedule

    • Visit to Mitsubishi Corporation
      (Americas), Houston Branch
    • Visit to Diamond Gas North America
    • Visit to CIMA ENERGY
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    • Cameron LNG Plant Inspection
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    • Visit to Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), Boston Branch
    • Visit to Diamond Generating Corporation
    • Visit to Boston Energy Trading and Marketing
    • Nexamp Solar Power Plant Inspection
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    • Visit to Harvard University
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Map showing the locations of Boston, Houston, and Hackberry marked with pins and connected by lines.

July 28, 2025

Visit to Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), Houston Branch

Students received an overview of Mitsubishi Corporation’s diverse business operations in Houston and the role of overseas branches. A roundtable discussion followed, introducing specific projects and local work culture.

Visit to Diamond Gas North America

At Diamond Gas North America, students learned the fundamentals of natural gas and LNG, as well as the critical role LNG plays in the transition toward carbon neutrality. They also received a briefing on the Cameron LNG project, offering a preview of the site operations ahead of their visit.

Visit to CIMA ENERGY

At CIMA ENERGY which manages natural gas marketing across North America, students learned about market trends and trading processes and engaged in a Q&A session with the management team—conducted in English.

July 29, 2025

Cameron LNG Plant Inspection

The group visited the Cameron LNG plant in Hackberry, Louisiana, observing facilities used to liquefy natural gas and transport it by tanker. They learned about LNG production mechanisms and witnessed firsthand the scale and significance of the project.

Reference [Cameron LNG Project]

July 30, 2025

Visit to Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), Boston Branch

The Boston Branch explained its mission of identifying emerging technologies and gathering intelligence to address social issues. Students also learned about collaboration with stakeholders, including universities, research institutions, and startups.

Visit to Diamond Generating Corporation

At Diamond Generating Corporation, a power business operator, students gained insight into Mitsubishi Corporation’s initiatives in the American energy sector and the vital role of renewable energy in achieving carbon neutrality.

Visit to Boston Energy Trading and Marketing

At Boston Energy Trading and Marketing, which handles power trading and energy services, students toured the office and participated in discussions on power markets, power trading mechanisms, and the company’s role in society.

Nexamp Power Plant Inspection

Students inspected a power plant operated by Nexamp, a developer of distributed solar power generation projects across the U.S. They learned about the unique mechanisms of the U.S. community solar system* and the measures in place to ensure coexistence with local communities and the natural environment.

*Community Solar System
A system that enables households and businesses that want to use solar power—but cannot install equipment due to structural constraints or financial limitations—to share electricity generated at nearby Nexamp-owned solar power plants. Participants can reduce their electricity bills based on the amount of electricity produced by these shared facilities.

Reference

July 31, 2025

Visit to Harvard University

Students visited Harvard University for a panel session with current students. They shared their views on research and campus life, giving the group ideas for their own future career plans.

Wrap-Up Meeting

The group concluded the program by reflecting on lessons learned throughout the expedition.

Reflections from the Students

  • Ken Ipponmatsu
    (Koyo Gakuin High School, Hyogo Prefecture)

    I learned about LNG’s stability and its environmental advantages compared with other fossil fuels. I also gained insight into America's distributed solar power generation and tax credit systems, which gave me hope for the potential of renewable energy. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet people I ordinarily wouldn't and for the memories and valuable experiences I gained.

  • Yusuke Goko
    (Kaijo High School, Tokyo)

    The phrase "LNG as the energy supporting the transition toward decarbonization" left a strong impression on me. I realized the importance of understanding the characteristics of each energy source and seeking balanced, realistic solutions. I am grateful for the people I met and the organizers and teammates I learned alongside. I will continue to cherish the experience of working together.

  • Rui Uno
    (Chiba High School, Chiba Prefecture)

    I feel that energy issues are challenges we must continue to address for the future. Meeting people working toward their dreams has inspired me to become someone who can take action on my own aspirations.

  • Mari Hirata
    (Shitennoji High School, Osaka Prefecture)

    I am grateful to have seen the front lines of businesses tackling diverse social issues, including environmental challenges. I hope to use this experience as a foundation to shape my own future while remaining conscious of environmental conservation.

  • Sachika Kawai
    (Kawagoe Girls' High School, Saitama Prefecture)

    Seeing employees wholeheartedly tackle social issues and explore the future of energy taught me the importance of having a sense of ownership, and that human connections drive the future and create business. I want to become a trustworthy person and build deep bonds through dialogue and work.

  • Hoshiro Matsumoto
    (Urawa High School, Saitama Prefecture)

    Through this project, I learned the importance of responsibility and truly felt the value of approaching tasks with a sense of focus when engaging with people outside of school. I was also deeply impressed by how strongly people valued dialogue at each site we visited. Going forward, I too will value dialogue.