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In 1970, the Mitsubishi
Group commemorated its centennial year in business, and established the Mitsubishi
Foundation in 1969. The Foundation is an active supporter of a wide range of
academic research and social welfare programs. In 1970, the Group formed Mitsubishi
Research Institute.
During the occupation of Japan by the Allied
Forces following the end of WWII, the zaibatsu were disbanded and the monopolies
they maintained abolished. In the decades of reconstruction following this difficult
period in Japanese modern history, Mitsubishi was able to maintain a corporate
identity and eventually bring its extensive network of companies back together
through the nurturing of its original management principles, embodied in the
themes of Corporate Responsibility to Society, Integrity and Fairness, and Global
Understanding through Business.
To mark its centennial anniversary, the Group
sponsored the Mitsubishi Pavilion at the Japan World Exposition in Osaka in 1970.
In subsequent years, Mitsubishi has continued to maintain a high profile in international
commerce and has also participated in other international events, including the ‘75
Okinawa International Ocean Expo, the Kobe Portopia‘81 Exposition, the ‘85
International Exposition in Tsukuba, the ’90 International Garden and Greenery
Exposition in Osaka, and the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi. Its participation
in these international gatherings is a reflection of the Group’s determination
to contribute to the promotion of international understanding and a better world
for all people. |
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Throughout the years
of Japan’s ‘bubble economy,’ primarily during the 1980s and
early 1990s, the Mitsubishi Group continued to serve customers and manage assets
following a careful and determined approach to business. The strength exhibited
by Mitsubishi during the years of economic turmoil following this period, reflects
its adherence to the basic corporate philosophy and management principles that
have guided Mitsubishi’s business affairs for more than a century.
In the years immediately following WWI, Mitsubishi
refrained from speculative trading and short-term profiteering, a practice which
led to financial ruin for Japan’s economy at the time. Mitsubishi’s
slow and steady approach to fiduciary management has enabled it to prosper in
times of economic austerity and in times of high growth, and this management
philosophy is at the core of the Group’s solidarity and strength. |
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Tokyo’s Marunouchi
district, which includes the Otemachi area around Tokyo Station and the adjacent
Yurakucho shopping area, has undergone an enormous transformation in recent years
to become Japan’s premier business center. The project, begun in 1998,
has included massive reconstruction efforts that include the new Marunouchi Building,
completed in 2002, the Mitsubishi UFJ Trust Bank Headquarters in 2003, Marunouchi
MY PLAZA and Oazo in 2004, the Tokyo Building in 2005 and the Shin-Marunouchi
Building, competed in 2007. These buildings comprise Stage 1 of the mammoth redevelopment
project.
During Stage 2, which began in 2008, the
focus is being placed on redevelopment schemes to update and improve structures
and facilities adjacent to these enormous buildings. The plan includes the reconstruction
of Mitsubishi’s first office building in the Marunouchi area, the Mitsubishi
Ichigokan, which was originally built in 1894. The new building will house an
art gallery, which is to open in spring 2010.
During Stage 2, Mitsubishi will endeavor
to enhance the appeal of the district as an attractive urban environment, replete
with an abundance of retail and cultural venues and other areas of interest to
the public. The founders of Mitsubishi would be proud to see how Marunouchi has
blossomed today, exceeding their dreams and expectations for the future. |
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In March 2008, the
Japanese Experiment Module, “Kibo”, was connected to the International
Space Station and in August the first experiment was carried out, beginning a
new era of full-fledged utilization of the Space Station. The HTV, an unmanned
space transporter, is being developed as a means to transport supplies to the
station.
The “HTV” will transport at most
six tons of foods and experimental facilities to the station and its development
project is promoted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Mitsubishi
Heavy Industries, Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and other companies.
The HTV, which will transport supplies for the U.S. and Japan, represents the
advanced technological capabilities of the Japanese.
The Mitsubishi Group, which has its roots
marine transportation, will mark its 140th anniversary in 2010. In the years
ahead, the Group’s pursuit of Global Understanding through Business, as
laid out in its Three Guiding Principles, will be taking Mitsubishi beyond
the confines of Earth and into the cosmos. |
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