The Mitsubishi Monitor talks with Mikio Sasaki, Chairman of both the Mitsubishi Public Affairs Committee and Mitsubishi Corporation, about his experiences throughout the world, as well as the history and future role of the Public Affairs Committee.

Solutions are always found in the field

As a trading company executive, you have spent a total of 14 years working overseas. How has this influenced your view of life and your management philosophy?

I was stationed in Iran from 1977. While there, I saw first hand the Iranian Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War. I saw a nation that was firmly on the path to modernization suddenly change course toward Islamic fundamentalism. In 1991, I moved to the United States, where I witnessed an economic slump and a tempest of bankruptcies and mergers triggered by the bursting of the economic bubble and outbreak of the Gulf War. I learned a lot by observing how they rebuilt the economy in the United States over the next four or five years.
Because of these experiences, it takes a lot to surprise me now (laughs). Being in the field during each of those historical events was an invaluable experience for me. I know now that it is in the field where we find opportunities for reform, as well as problems and the clues to solving them. I believe that whenever some significant event occurs, it is important to address it and turn change into opportunity by uncovering its true nature. It is this kind of courage, combined with our day-to-day efforts, that ultimately moves the world forward.

This is the 40th anniversary of the Mitsubishi Public Affairs Committee. Has it succeeded in fostering a sense of solidarity among the Mitsubishi companies?

The decision to establish the Mitsubishi Public Affairs Committee was driven by the need to foster a sense of solidarity among Mitsubishi companies, and to develop an image that would promote goodwill and confidence toward their industrial technologies, products and services.
In the past four decades the activities of Mitsubishi companies have diversified considerably. This has caused a shift in the role of our public relations activities and we now tend to place a greater emphasis on our social contributions and environmental efforts. Mitsubishi companies have always shared a common corporate philosophy based on the "Sankoryo" or three guiding principles. The first principle defines corporate responsibility to society, and this has constantly guided our efforts to create businesses that reflect contemporary needs, while maintaining our commitment to harmonious coexistence with society and the environment. Whenever I encounter a difficult problem, I always go back to this principle before making decisions and judgments.

Everyone plays a part in the public relations activities of the Mitsubishi companies

The "Mitsubishi" brand is a valuable asset. How will the Mitsubishi Public Affairs Committee promote it in future?

Our most important tasks are to promote greater unity among Mitsubishi companies, ensure that the public perception of these companies is accurate, and improve our image through continuous public relations activities in Japan and overseas. This work will become increasingly important in the years ahead. The Committee plays a vital role in informing the public about how the Mitsubishi companies contribute to society. A good example of this work is the Mitsubishi Impression-Gallery, "Festival of Asian Children's Art." This program is helping to improve literacy rates in Asian countries and is a key part of the Committee's social contribution activities.
The Public Affairs Committee is of course just one of many channels for disseminating information about Mitsubishi companies. I hope that each Mitsubishi company employee will approach their work with sensitivity to the social climate and a strong awareness of how we are perceived by the general public. We all need to be keenly aware of the part we play in public relations activities. The Committee is eager to receive and incorporate frank opinions and suggestions that will help us to promote open and dynamic public relations activities.