Historical Events Suggest a Vision of the Future
Focusing on the Long-Term Future a Century of Solidarity for Mitsubishi
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, 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 good citizenship, integrity and fairness in business practices, and an overarching focus on the nurturing of understanding among people of the world through international trade.
In 1970, the Group sponsored the Mitsubishi Pavilion at the Osaka International Exposition to mark its centennial anniversary. In subsequent years, Mitsubishi has continued to maintain a high profile in international commerce and has also participated in other international events, including the Okinawa International Ocean Exposition, the Kobe Portopia ’81 Exposition, the Tsukuba Science Exposition, the Osaka Flower Exposition and the Aichi International Exposition. 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.
‘Slow’ and ‘Steady’ are trademark characteristics of Mitsubishi’s long-term approach to business growth and societal contribution

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, reflect 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.
The birth of a world-class business district
Tokyo’s Marunouchi district, which includes the Otemachi area around Tokyo Station and the adjacent Yurakucho shopping area have 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 Oazo and MY PLAZA in 2004, the Tokyo Building in 2005 and the new Shin-Marunouchi Building, competed in 2007. These buildings comprise Stage 1 of the mammoth redevelopment project.
From 2008, the plan enters its Stage 2, where the aim will focus on redevelopment schemes to update and improve structures and facilities adjacent to these enormous buildings. The plan includes the reconstruction of Mitsubishi’s first building, “the Mitsubishi Building No.1” built in 1894, to accommodate an art gallery, which will open in spring 2010.
In the 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 know what Marunouchi has become today, exceeding their dreams and expectations for the future.
Focusing on a new frontier the indomitable challenge of space exploration

In March 2008, a Japanese module 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. A means to transport supplies to the station is an unmanned space transporter “HTV” under development in Japan.
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 will transport supplies for the U.S. and Japan represents the advanced technological capabilities of the Japanese.
In 2010, which is also the 140th anniversary of the foundation of the Mitsubishi Group that began with marine transportation business, the expansion of Mitsubishi’s international trade and promotion of understanding, one of the key principles of the Group, will be taking it Mitsubishi beyond the confines of Earth and into the cosmos.

Osaka International ExpositionS
new Shin-Marunouchi Building and business district ©HiROCHIKA SETSUMASA / SEBUN
Reconstruction of the Mitsubishi Ichigo-kan (Mitsubishi No.1 Building)
HTV space transport vehicle ©JAXA
Rebuilding Japan’s Infrastructure
a Transitional Process for Mitsubishi 		BACK
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