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Mitsui & Co. (Brasil) S.A.

Sustainability

Mitsui & Co. (Brasil) S.A. is committed to sustainable growth and good corporate citizenship. Reflecting Mitsui & Co.'s (Mission, Vision and Values) management philosophy, the Company's operations are guided by its distinctive CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) policy, which emphasizes environmental and social accountability, and respect for stakeholders and the community.

Mitsui Bussan do Brasil Foundation

The Mitsui Bussan do Brasil Foundation was established in February of 2008 by Mitsui & Co. (Brasil) S.A., Mitsui Rail Capital Latin America (MRCLA), Mitsui Alimentos and Mitsui Gás e Energia do Brasil. The Foundation supports activities in the areas of Education, Environment and International Exchange between Japan and Brazil in order to contribute to the strengthening of the friendship and the development of partnership between these two countries.

[Support to Projects]

"ABCD Our House"

 
In 2016, the Foundation became the partner of ABCD Our House (Nossa Casa) by supporting the renovation of the house, which aims at healthier and more welcoming environment for the young, children and everybody involved in their education. ABCD Our House has a structure of a headquarters, a shelter for children and adolescents at risk and a Center for Children and Adolescents. The units implement activities aiming at developing skills required by society, capable of transforming the young into excellent professionals and prepared citizens for the future challenges.
More information about the organization is in;


http://abcdnossacasa.org.br/ (in Portuguese)

"NEOJIBA"


Since 2013, Foundation is the partner of NEOJIBA (Bahia State Centers for the Youth and Children's Orchestras). Inspired by “El Sistema”, the program developed in Venezuela in 1975, NEOJIBA is engaged, through musical activities, with the development and social integration of children and adolescents living in situations of risk and vulnerability in Bahia State.


http://neojiba.org/en/ (English website)

"Educational Project for Autistic Children (PIPA)"


The Foundation started supporting the PIPA, "Pro-autism Integration Project” in 2012. The project, originally launched in 2006 by the Beneficência Nipo-Brasileira de São Paulo, provides a special education program for autistic children using the “Daily Life Therapy” method which aims for autistic children to develop the ability of daily activities and to integrate into society.


http://www.enkyo.org.br/unidade/projeto-de-integracao-pro-autista-pipa-d72f/ (Portuguese website)

"Mitsui-Sponsored Lecture"

In 2008, the Foundation established the Mitsui Bussan Forum in the International Law and International Relations Institute of the University of São Paulo (USP-IDIRI). The lectures and the forums are held by experts, particularly in the area of law in Brazil and Japan, aiming to deepen the understanding of society and culture and strengthen exchange between Brazil and Japan. The program is open to undergraduate students, researchers and others interested in the topic.

"Kaeru"


One of the first projects supported by the Foundation, Kaeru Project helps children who returned from Japan to adapt to Brazilian schools and lifestyle through psychological, social and psycho-pedagogical assistance. These children are students of public school.


https://projetokaeru.org.br/ (Portuguese website)

[News]

Mitsui sponsored lectures were conducted at the University of São Paulo (USP) on the day of 7th and 11th November 2016

A Fundação Mitsui patrocinou um seminário sobre legislações  trabalhistas na USP - 2014

The lecture dated 7th Nov was targeted to audience who study at legal faculty of USP; i) Arbitration and Mediation: Their Relationship and Japanese Society, ii) The Japanese Law of Trusts within the Global Process of Legal Diffusion. Two professors from the Rikkyo University were invited and active discussion and Q&A was made among moderators and participants. The lecture dated 11th Nov was the workshop about "Natural Gas & Future Energy System" for researchers at energy industry and audience who studies at technology faculty of USP.

Construction of Rooms of Paz District of NEOJIBA - 2016

In 2016, Mitsui Bussan do Brasil Foundation supported the construction of four rooms of music of Orchestral and Choral Practice Center, located in the Peace District (Bairro de Paz). The rooms will be used by members of the Pedagogical Experimental Band, Peace Symphony Band and Peace Choral Band for rehearsals and individual classes. The inauguration, held on September 6, 2016, was attended by family and friends of members, with a presentation of the Peace Band and the unveiling of the new rooms.

Reform of NEOJIBA’s buildings in Parque do Queimado - 2015

A Fundação Mitsui patrocinou um seminário sobre legislações  trabalhistas na USP - 2014

In 2015, Mitsui Bussan do Brasil Foundation supported the reform of the buildings of Parque do Queimado (Núcleo Liberdade), space that will have the future headquarters of NEOJIBA. They opened the initial musical classes for 60 children of 05-09 years old in the renovated space of Núcleo Liberdade. Most students are residents of low-income neighborhood of Liberdade and the region. The space is also used for the capacity building of the young of the program.

The Mitsui Foundation sponsored 13th Edition of the Brazil-Japan Cultural Contest - 2015

A Fundação Mitsui patrocinou um seminário sobre legislações  trabalhistas na USP - 2014

On November 27, 2015, the ceremony of the Cultural Contest Brazil-Japan 2015 was held with the theme "120 years of friendship between Brazil and Japan", which refers to the 120 years anniversary of signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between Brazil and Japan.
48 semi-finalists, their mentors and teachers participated in this event. And  12 were awarded (categories: writing and video; primary and secondary education; 1st - 3rd place).
The ceremony was attended by Vice president of Mitsui Bussan do Brasil Foundation, Mr. Toshiya ASAHI; President of Brazil-Japan Cultural Institute (ICBJ) , Dr. SOHAKU Bastos; Vice-Consul of the Consulate General of Japan in Rio de Janeiro, Ms. Ayaka Kimura, and representative of Rio de Janeiro State Department of Education, Mr. FABIANO Farias de Souza.

The Mitsui Foundation sponsored a seminar on Sustainability of Port Cities at USP - 2015

A Fundação Mitsui patrocinou um seminário sobre legislações  trabalhistas na USP - 2014

Sponsored by Mitsui Bussan do Brasil Foundation and organized by USP´s Polytechnic School, on October  5th  to 7th, 2015, the 9th International Seminar of Port-City Universities League (PUL) was held with the theme:  "Sustainability of Port Cities: Environment, Quality of Life and Smart Logistics".
The PUL was established in 2006. It is an association of 15 universities from 12 countries. This Forum aims to promote the exchange between universities and societies of these countries to deepen the knowledge of ports and their respective cultures.

The Mitsui Foundation sponsored a seminar on Law at USP - 2015

A Fundação Mitsui patrocinou um seminário sobre legislações  trabalhistas na USP - 2014

Mitsui Bussan do Brasil Foundation supported a law seminar at USP on April 28th, 2015.
Two lectures were held at the seminar, inviting prominent Japanese professors.
1. Whistleblower Protection in Japan by Prof. Shozo Ota, University of Tokyo
2. Choice of Law in International Contracts by Prof. Yoko Nishitani, University of Kyoto.

Implementation and maintenance of Atelier of NEOJIBA - 2013 and 2014

A Fundação Mitsui patrocinou um seminário sobre legislações  trabalhistas na USP - 2014

In 2013 and 2014, Mitsui Bussan do Brasil Foundation sponsored the implementation and maintenance of Atelier of NEOJIBA. The luthier for wind instrument is a strategic area for the future expansion of the program, ensuring not only the maintenance and repair of musical instruments, but also the professionalization of the youth. Young apprentices have an opportunity to broaden their knowledge and transform their relationship with music and their professional life.

The Mitsui Foundation sponsored a seminar on Sustainable Energy at USP - 2014

A Fundação Mitsui patrocinou um seminário sobre legislações  trabalhistas na USP - 2014

On November 14, 2014, the Polytechnic School (Poli) and the Institute for Energy and Environment (IEE) of University of Sao Paulo organized the seminar of "Sustainable Energy - Policies and Technologies" with the sponsorship of Mitsui Bussan do Brasil Foundation. The event was attended by about 60 participants, including students, businessmen and invited institutions.

The Mitsui Foundation sponsored a seminar on labor law at USP - 2014

The Mitsui Foundation sponsored a seminar on labor law at USP - 2014

On 29 August 2014, the Seminar on Labor Law took place at University of Sao Paulo (USP), inviting Prof. Oda from University of London. Prof. Oda is specialized in Japanese and Russian laws, but at this seminar he explained the evolution of Japanese labor market and highlighted distinct features of Japanese labor law.

The Mitsui Foundation sponsored a symposium on international law at USP - 2014

The Mitsui Foundation sponsored a symposium on international law at USP - 2014

On 13 and 14 March 2014, the KEIO-USP Symposium on International Law took place at University of Sao Paulo (USP) with the theme of Evolution of Law in the 21st Century. The Mitsui Foundation co-sponsored this Symposium which consisted of 6 panels, discussing on civil action suit, history of international laws, alternative dispute mechanism, civil law and consumer protection law.

The Symposium was co-organized by Keio University of Japan and invited 6 Japanese professors from the Department of Law of Keio University.

The Mitsui Foundation sponsored a workshop of UTokyo Forum at USP - 2013

The Mitsui Foundation sponsored a workshop of UTokyo Forum at USP - 2013

On 11 and 22 November 2013, the UTokyo Forum was hosted at University of Sao Paulo (USP) with the theme of Global Emergence of Frontier Knowledge. On this occasion, the Mitsui Foundation co-sponsored a workshop on Ship & Ocean Technology and Marine Fisheries, one of the 15 workshops held at the Forum. The workshop, organized by Prof. Nishimoto of USP and Prof. Takagi of of UTokyo, included more than 30 professors and researchers from both universities and Brazilian and Japanese companies such as Petrobras, Transpetro, IHI, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Since 2013 Japanese universities and research institutions have started accepting Brazilian scholarship students who are funded by Brazilian government’s Science without Borders Program. However, Japan is not attracting as many Brazilian scholarship students as US, Europe, China and South Korea. To promote Japanese technology to Brazilian students and encourage more to study in Japan, the Foundation decided to support the workshop in the science field this time. Particularly, the ship and ocean technology is an increasingly important field in Brazil as the country is embarking on the pre-salt oil development project which requires state-of-the-art technology in ship building and marine navigation.

The UTokyo Forum is held approximately every two years in close partnership with globally renowned academic institutions around the world, to promote academic and student exchange and introduce the latest research activities at University of Tokyo.



The students of PIPA has started receiving a job training program - 2013

PIPA has started offering a job training program to its autistic students with assistance from Enkyo, JICA and Topos no Kai. The new program aims to prepare students so that they can find a job and have a professional life after graduation.

In Brazil, autism was recognized by the government as mental handicap only 9 months ago and education for autistic children has not been developed enough to help them to eventually get employed. For the new job training program, Topos no Kai, which operates an employment assistance facility for the handicapped in Japan, will provide support to PIPA; JICA sends a senior volunteer, Ms. Saegusa, to work with PIPA. Ms. Saegusa was a professor experienced in the daily life therapy method to treat autistic children at Musashino Higashi School in Japan and has already helped introduce this method in Brazil as well as Urguai. At Musachino Higashi School, more than 400 autistic graduates have succeeded in finding a job and are currently working.

PIPA is not very well known in Brazil where autistic children are often treated with medication. Manager of PIPA, Mr. Hayama, hopes that with a success of PIPA in Sao Paulo the method will be taken up widely in Brazil.

A workshop on Kaeru Project was held at the city of Ogaki to present its activities in Brazil - 2013

A workshop on Kaeru Project was held at the city of Ogaki to present its activities in Brazil - 2013

On 9 October, a workshop was organized by Mitsui&CO.,LTD at the city of Ogaki in Gifu prefecture in Japan to present activities of Kaeru Project for the audience including caretakers of Nikkei children (Brazilian kids of Japanese origin) and teachers of Brazilian schools in the region. Kaeru project is financially supported by the Mitsui Brazil Foundation and is currently supporting about 70 Brazilian kids in Sao Paulo who have returned to Brazil after living in Japan and are struggling to adjust to the new environment in Brazil. The workshop presented the difficulties and challenges faced by these Brazilian kids and explained the educational and mental support offered by the project.

According to the speaker and the representative of the project, Ms. Kyoko Nakagawa, many Brazilian kids who were born and/or raised in Japan face a language barrier after returning to Brazil. Some cannot speak Portuguese at all even though they are Brazilian by nationality. She saw cases where kids gave up learning Portuguese and stayed depressed, saying “I hate Brazil” or “I will go back to Japan once I turn 18 years old”. She pointed out that kids can start understanding the abstract concepts by acquiring the language and emphasized on the importance of language education.

The 10th Mitsui-Sponsored Lecture was held at USP - 2013

The 10th Mitsui-Sponsored Lecture was held at USP  -  2013

On 27 August 2013, the 10th Mitsui-Sponsored Lecture was held at the Institute of International Law and International Relations at the University of Sao Paulo Law School. This time, the Foundation invited Prof. Mizuno from University of Tohoku and Prof. Hayakawa from University of Tokyo as lecturers. About 50 attended the 4-hour long lecture.

The lecture consisted of two parts: the first lecture, by Prof. Hayakawa, presented Japanese experience in joining the Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG, or the Vienna Convention). He explained the background as to Japan´s entry to the CISG in 2007 (effective in 2008). Japan´s decreasing share (hence, decreasing influence) in the global trade and the increasing membership of Asian economies into the CISG were the main reasons why Japan was convinced to make entry to the convention. Various differences between the convention and the Japanese laws were also highlighted. On the other hand, a commentator from USP, Prof. Amaral, presented his views on Brazil´s recent entry to the CISG in March this year, stating that this accession will contribute to a reduction in trade costs in Brazil.

The second lecture, by Prof. Mizuno, featured the distinct aspects of the Japanese civil law, particularly, pointing out a limited coverage of civil law and a principle of no state interference in Japanese family matters. She stated that this low recognition of civil law has led to difficulties in legally protecting domestic violence victims as well as in assuring effectiveness in the Hague Convention (the convention regarding international movement of children which will be adopted soon) in Japan. She concluded that Japanese civil law should be revised in the light of human rights protection assured under the Japanese Constitution. Commentators from Brazil, Prof. Chinelato and Prof. Hironaka, described revisions in the Brazilian civil law in response to an evolving form of family, and emphasized progress in assuring the rights of each family member in Brazil, mostly though the judgement of various cases.

Staff of Mitsui Brazil participated in the Japan Festival in Sao Paulo as PIPA volunteers - 2013

Staff of Mitsui Brazil participated in the Japan Festival in Sao Paulo as PIPA volunteers -  2013

The 16th edition of Japan Festival, the largest event on Japanese culture in Latin America, took place in Sao Paulo on 19, 20 and 21 July in 2013.

12 staff of Mitsui Brazil participated in the event as volunteers to assist the food stand of the “Projeto de Integração Pró-Autista (PIPA)”.

The PIPA is one of the projects to which the Mitsui Brazil Foundation provides financial support as part of corporate social responsibility, and has been offering a special education program for autistic children since 2006.

The 12 Mitsui volunteers cooked and sold popular Japanese food such as yakitori (chicken skewer), onigiri (rice ball), curry rice and gyudon (bowl of rice with beef).

All the fund raised by the food stand will be used to support the autistic children at the PIPA.

Symposium on "The Future of Brazilian-Japanese Collaboration in Business" - 2012

On 2nd of October, Kwansei Gakuin University and Sao Paulo University hosted a symposium on "The Future of Brazilian-Japanese Collaboration in Business" in which one of the speakers was the President of Mitsui Brazil, Mr. Fujii.

After opening remarks by Prof. Guerreiro - Dean of the School of Economics, Business Administration and Accounting (FEA) of University of Sao Paulo, and Mr. Hiramatsu - representative of Kwansei Gakuin University, Mr. Fukushima – Consul General of Japan in Sao Paulo city, made a congratulation speech to all present.

Mr. Sawada - president of JETRO São Paulo initiated the symposium and made a short presentation about JETRO's activities and commented recent trends of investment in Brazil by Japanese companies, and explained about the difficulties that these companies have in common, such as, excessive taxes and limited protection of high technologies.

Then Mr. Fujii, president of Mitsui Brazil spoke about the activities of Mitsui in Brazil not only in business areas but also in social contributions in Brazil. He stressed the importance of flexibility to the changes of customers' needs and long-term commitment to the host country.

Subsequently, Prof. Martone of FEA spoke about recent economic development of Brazil, explaining various indexes and trends until 2014.

At the end, Prof. Carvalho of FEA mentioned prudent fiscal policy execution, low inflation and establishment of democracy as Brazil's recent achievement on the one hand, and tax reform, juridical reform and insufficient logistic infrastructure as Brazil's challenges on the other hand. Then he wrapped up the symposium emphasizing importance of education in order to address the challenges for Brazil's further development and achieve them.

About sixty people participated in the symposium.

In Augut 20, 2012 the 8th Mitsui Bussan Forum was held - 2012

In Augut 20, 2012 the 8th Mitsui Bussan Forum was held -  2012from left to right:
Prof. Watanabe, Mr. Sugimoto, Mr. Hasegawa, Prof. Aoyama, Profa. Hasebe, Prof. Hasebe, Mr. Sato and Prof. Ninomiya

The 8th course sponsored by Mitsui was held at São Paulo University on August 20th. The course was divided in 3 sessions with separate subjects. The subject of the first session was "Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in Japan", which was lectured by Mr. Yoshimitsu Aoyama (Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo). Mr. Aoyama gave an update on the diffusion of ADR in Japan highlighting the utilization in order to resolve the disputes caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. He ended the session by noting that it would be necessary for Japanese government to consider financial backing for ADR entities and training of the human resources in the area of ADR.

The subject of the second session was "Consumer protection laws in Japan", which was lectured by Mrs. Yukiko Hasebe (Professor of Faculty of Law, Gakushuin University). Mrs. Hasebe illustrated the characteristics of the class action of Brazil comparing with that of USA, and explained the movement for the introduction of class action legal system in Japan.

The subject of the last session was "Human rights of foreigners in Japan", which was lectured by Mr. Yasuo Hasebe (Professor of Faculty of Law, The University of Tokyo). Mr. Hasebe pointed out that human rights of foreigners are sometimes restricted, despite the doctrine that human rights should be universal. He introduced 2 theories regarding relation between nation and citizen to explain why this phenomenon happens.

All sessions were very interesting and the audience was listening to the lectures intently.

Mitsui Brasil President Fujii and his wife attend Kaeru Project Christmas party - 2011

Mitsui Brasil President Fujii and his wife attend Kaeru Project Christmas party -  2011Mitsui & Co. (Brasil) President Fujii and his wife handing Christmas presents to the children.

On December 3, 2011, a Christmas party was held at a Sao Paulo City elementary school by representatives of the Kaeru (Going Home) Project. Mitsui & Co. was represented at the party by Mitsui & Co. (Brasil) President Fujii and his wife.

Under the Kaeru Project, the Institute for Educational and Cultural Solidarity (a local non-profit organization) cooperates with the state and city educational authorities to support the smooth adaptation and return to Brazilian society and education of children returning to Brazil from Japan. Mitsui has endorsed the aims of the project and provided support since the project's establishment in 2008.

The party was attended by approximately 150 guests, including children who have been supported by the project and their parents. After a greeting from a representative of the NPO, a musical performance was given by the children. President Fujii and his wife had a very enjoyable time, and particularly enjoyed handing over Christmas presents to the children.

Mitsui will continue to support the project so that the smiles we saw on the faces of the children on the day of the party also appear on the faces of other children returning to Brazil in the future.

Brazilian International Press Award Ceremony - 2011

Mitsui & Co. Ltd. won a special award as part of an awards program sponsored by TV Globo, the biggest TV station in Brazil.

This press award has a 14-year history in the United States, but this is the first time that an award ceremony has been held in Japan, on September 1st, 2011. Sponsored by TV Globo and supported by the Brazilian Ministry of External Relations and other Brazilian government organizations, these awards are presented to individuals, organizations and companies that have helped to raise the profile of Brazil and contributed to cultural exchange in the countries concerned.

The awardees are selected by media organizations belonging to the Brazilian community in each country. Mitsui was selected for the award by Brazilian media organizations in Japan in recognition of our contribution to the Brazilian community in Japan.

Mitsui was the only corporate awardee. Many of the other winners were organizations and individuals with links to Mitsui, including the Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan, represented by its President, Mr. Oswaldo Kawakami, who is also the Petrobras representative in Japan, and Sister Mori, the founder of SABJA, a non-profit organization supported by Mitsui.

Mitsui-Sponsored Lecture held at University of São Paulo - 2011

Mitsui-Sponsored Lecture held at University of São Paulo -  2011President Fujii of Mitsui & Co. (Brasil) S.A. (left) gives a letter of thanks to Professor Murayama from Meiji University's School of Law after the lecture

On April 26, 2011 the Mitsui Bussan do Brasil Foundation welcomed Professor Masayuki Murayama from Meiji University's School of Law to address the University of São Paulo Law School for the 6th Mitsui-Sponsored Lecture.

The theme of the lecture was "New Developments in Japanese Research into Civil Disputes". During the lecture, Professor Murayama explained that Japanese research into civil disputes predates Western research and those changes in the national attitude to civil disputes and revisions to the legal system in Japan have meant a gradual move in methods of dispute resolution away from arbitration by a patriarchal figure and towards a legal basis for resolutions. As a result, changes can now be seen in the previously low number of lawsuits that was seen before as characteristic of Japan. Approximately 40 people listened attentively to the fascinating lecture.

Mitsui & Co. will continue to work on projects involving the Mitsui-Sponsored Lectures as a way of promoting exchange between the legal communities of Japan and Brazil and encouraging mutual understanding between both cultures.

"Mitsui donates 150,000 BRL to aid Brazil, floods and landslides relief effort" - 2011

Mitsui & Co. (Brasil), S.A. has pledged to contribute R$150,000 (approximately US$ 90,000) to help emergency relief efforts for the areas recently devastated by the historic floods and landslides in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We would like to express our sincerest condolences to the victims and wish for the earliest possible recovery and restoration of the areas affected.

Mitsui & Co. donates Japanese law translations to the University of São Paulo Law School - 2010

Mitsui & Co. donates Japanese law translations to the University of São Paulo Law School -  2010

On November 3, 2010, the Mitsui Bussan do Brasil Foundation invited the General Consul of Japan in São Paulo Obe to speak at the 5th Mitsui Lectures on the theme of "The Outlook for Japan-Brazilian Relations". General Consul Obe described the future relationship between the countries in terms of three characteristics (bi-directionality, partnerships in international society and multi-layers) and four directions (economy, partnerships in international society, strengthening of relationships at a social level and vitalization of cultural and personnel exchanges). Later, an announcement was made concerning a second donation by Mitsui & Co (Brasil) S.A. of Japanese law translations to the University of São Paulo Law School, and a speech was made by the School's Prof. Magalhaes expressing his thanks for the donation. A commemorative plaque was also revealed, which is to be displayed in the library where the books are planned to be kept.

Mitsui & Co. (Brasil) S.A. plans to continue sponsoring lectures and donating books as a way of contributing to the training of human resources capable of contributing to the development of relations between the two countries through the study of Japanese society and law.