Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd.
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Mitsui Educational Foundation
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
HISTORY
The former Chairman and Managing Director of Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd., Mr Ken Ejiri AC (also awarded the Légion d'honneur amongst other awards by foreign governments) established the Mitsui Educational Foundation (MEF) in 1971 to build stronger ties and promote mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Australia by introducing Australian university students to Japanese culture, history, business, industry, and contemporary lifestyles through an annual tour of Japan. To date, 412 Australian students have participated in this program which has celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021.
The Study Tour
The 21-day study tour provides a balanced experience of corporate, traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. All transport, accommodation, insurance and transfer costs are borne by MEF and the students are accompanied by the MEF coordinator from Mitsui Australia.
Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd trustees:
Takashi Yamamura - , Chair of Trustees
Takashi Yamamura has had a distinguished career at Mitsui & Co., Ltd., and is currently serving as Chair and CEO of Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd., and Chair of Mitsui & Co. (N.Z.) Ltd. A highly experienced executive with a career spanning over two decades at Mitsui & Co., Ltd., specializing in metals, coal, and financial management. With a strong international background, having held senior roles in New York, London, Brisbane, and Tokyo, the individual has demonstrated expertise in managing base metals trading, coal marketing, and financial advisory functions. Currently serving as General Manager at Mitsui & Co.'s Chubu Office, with previous leadership positions including CEO of Mitsui Coal Holdings in Australia and Deputy General Manager of Mitsui's Financial Management & Advisory Division.
Wendy Holdenson
Currently serving as a Director of Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd., Wendy is highly skilled in the languages, cultures, and business practices of both Australia and Japan. In 2015, she was appointed a business champion for the Australian government’s New Colombo Plan, an initiative designed to strengthen ties between Australia and its Indo-Pacific neighbors. Wendy has also contributed to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Australia-Japan Foundation since 2020, helping to foster deeper engagement between the two countries.
External trustees:
Professor Ann Roberts
Professor Ann Roberts, a faculty member at the University of Melbourne, specializes in optics, with research on light-matter interactions applied to imaging, microscopy, and document security. A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics, she received the 2020 Alan Walsh Medal and has long engaged with Japan’s scientific and cultural innovations.
MEF Alumni 1985 - University of Sydney
Alicia White
Alicia White is a public affairs executive with extensive experience in the private, public and for purpose sectors. She has a deep knowledge of Japan, gained over 35 years. Her experiences there include as a university exchange student, MEF recipient, violin and english teacher, researcher, NEC employee and study tour leader of a business women’s delegation.
MEF Alumni 1989- Monash University
Jonathan O’Dea
The Hon Jonathan O'Dea is a professional non-executive director, currently serving on a number of Boards. He previously worked as a lawyer, senior executive and Member of Parliament, retiring in 2023 as Speaker of the NSW Parliament.
MEF Alumni 1988 - University of Sydney
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Melbourne, meet your cohort and the Mitsui team, then enjoy a pre-departure dinner with trustees and Mitsui employees.
Day 2: Fly to Japan and get ready for an exciting adventure!
Day 3: Visit Mitsui HQ, meet the MPEs, and get creative at Moon.
Day 4: Explore Tokyo’s amazing sights, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems.
Day 5: Visit Chigasaki school, then enjoy a 3-night homestay with a local family. Kimono fitting and tea ceremony experience!
Day 8: Hike through Hakone’s stunning landscapes and unwind at a traditional Japanese ryokan.
Day 9: Visit Nagoya Castle and the Toyota Museum before heading to Kyoto.
Day 10-13: Dive into Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara’s rich history, exploring temples and learning about Japan’s past. Then, head to Hiroshima!
Day 13-14: Explore Miyajima then return to Tokyo
Day 14-21: Explore Tokyo further, with visits to Mitsui HQ, the Australian Embassy, other companies, and have a fun weekend with the MPE’s!
Alumni Feedback on the Study Tour
[Joel Sanchez-Carn / MEF 2024] [Griffith University (QLD)]
The 2024 Mitsui Educational Foundation Japan Tour has undoubtedly been one of the most formative things I have ever experienced. It has been fulfilling, joyful, thrilling, sobering, challenging, and lifeaffirming. I am so grateful to have met so many kind, sensitive and loving individuals on this trip, and even more grateful that I have been able to represent Australia and share my love of life and art throughout my time abroad. These three weeks have shaped me; they have renewed my perspective on life, Australia, Japan, and the world around me, and opened my mind and heart in ways I once doubted I was capable of. I genuinely cannot imagine a more rewarding and joyful experience. My life has been changed forever
[Joseph Brake / MEF 2023 ] [University of Wollongong (NSW)]
It has been a singular privilege to travel to Japan with the Mitsui Educational Foundation Study Tour. Rarely is so much of the richness and beauty of life made accessible at one time, and yet, from three weeks of travel a lifetime of connections, memories, and ideas have poured out over me. To see and savour the goodness of family, and the rich complexity of culture and the profound importance of investing in society - This is the legacy of the MEF Study Tour. I could not have imagined the ways in which I would be blessed by this trip - but I am certain that it exceeded my hopes in every possible manner. The MEF Study Tour has shown me how I can use my gifts to give and given me great reason to do so. The tour captures and cultivates beauty, allowing you to marvel in landscapes of seemingly unending elegance, to discover the profound realities of business and diplomatic life and to grow and change alongside a family from across nations.
[Ellen Kirkpatrick / MEF 2015] [Macquarie University (NSW)]
The MEF study tour of Japan provided a wonderful opportunity to experience and learn about Japanese culture, history and contemporary society. I am thankful to have been selected to represent Macquarie University on the 2015 tour. Participating in this study tour has taken me on a journey of learning about myself, Japan and Australia. The MEF study tour has greatly expanded my horizons in terms of learning and the future and I feel a lot more confident in myself and my career and am excited to see what opportunities are ahead.
[Tim Leach / MEF 2008] [Monash University (VIC) ]
Such a trip to Japan is something I could have only ever dreamt of. But thanks to the MEF, it was reality. I have learnt so much, I have grown so much. I charge myself with the duty of carrying forward the MEF message of closer Australian-Japanese relations and a more understanding, tolerant world. It is a duty I will sedulously and happily honour.
Participating Universities
Students are selected from partner universities across Australia. Over the past four decades, more than 400 Australian students have visited Japan through this program.
Each year the foundation selects eight universities to participate in its program.
For 2025, Mitsui has selected:
- Curtin University (WA)
- Australian National University (ACT)
- RMIT University (VIC)
- Monash University (VIC)
- University of Newcastle (NSW)
- Macquarie University (NSW)
- University of Sydney (NSW)
- University of Wollongong (NSW)
The universities will commence promotion during April through to June. To apply, please contact the relevant section at your university as nominated in the promotional posters / communication.
Mitsui looks for applicants who are:
- outstanding ambassadors for their university, and who will excel as Australian representatives while in Japan
- academically capable; however, high academic achievement is not compulsory
- interested in learning about Japan and who would most benefit from this experience
- full-time undergraduate students (second year or higher) from any faculty and campus in the university's state or territory
- Australian citizens.
Media Gallery
Mitsui Educational Foundation Study Tour of Japan 2024
FAQ - Mitsui Educational Foundation Study Tour
Who can apply for the program?
The program is open to full-time, second-year or above undergraduate students from the 8 participating universities who are:
- Australian citizens.
- Academically capable, though not based solely on grades.
- Interested in learning about Japan.
- Eager to represent their university and Australia.
- No prior study of Japan or Japanese language required.
- To apply, please contact your university’s study abroad office for more information.
What does the program cover?
The MEF Study Tour covers all aspects of the trip, including:
- Transport (flights, internal travel within Japan)
- Accommodation
- Insurance
- Transfers
- A coordinator from Mitsui Australia will accompany the group to ensure a smooth experience.
How long is the program?
The study tour lasts 21 days, providing a well-rounded experience of Japan’s corporate, traditional, and contemporary culture.
What kind of activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to:
- Mitsui’s Head Office in Tokyo and other subsidiary companies of Mitsui and Japanese businesses
- Cultural landmarks like temples and historical sites in Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe
- Interaction with local Japanese students and professionals
- Visits to traditional cultural experiences and modern technological innovations
Do I need to speak Japanese to participate?
No, Japanese language proficiency is not required to apply for the program. The MEF coordinator will assist with translation and communication during the tour.
What happens after the tour?
Upon returning to Australia, you'll have the chance to join our alumni network, staying connected with fellow participants and continuing your engagement with Japan. We also hold annual alumni reunions in major cities across Australia, offering opportunities to network and maintain ties with Japan-Australia relations.