Japan's very first international sea route
Japan first opened its doors to the outside during the Meiji era.
Was the initial sea route set up by Mitsubishi actually a first step in welcoming the world?
Mitsubishi started off in the shipping business. As the business expanded, Mitsubishi finally established Japan's very first international sea route, but then tough competition from giant American and British shipping companies surfaced...
Yataro Iwasaki
Established Tsukumo Shokai in 1870, a shipping company which later became the foundation for Mitsubishi. The company went on to tackle and overcome intense competition from domestic and foreign shipping, and underwent several name changes in the process. Meanwhile, from coal and mining, ship building, banking, warehousing and insurance, to many more fields in addition to shipping, Yataro expanded and diversified the business that paved the way for the Mitsubishi that is today, by paying attention to the world from Japan. It all began with Yataro Iwasaki.
Episode 1 Mitsubishi Sets Sail : Japan's very first international sea route
This video content includes audio.
Tell me, AI SENPAI!
Hey AI SENPAI.
Why did the government choose to ask Mitsubishi to open the Shanghai route when it only had three ships?
Ah, well-spotted.
Behind this story is a little bit of luck, and decisiveness on Yataro's part when he saw that opportunity.
For more on this story, read this!