Social Contribution Activities
Human Resources Development
We provide a variety of learning opportunities to develop talents leading to new value creation.
Mitsui SASUGAKU Academy
Mitsui's SASUGAKU Academy is a learning program aimed at developing people's ability to create a sustainable future. The program is designed to nurture students' ability to see the issues facing the earth as their own responsibility, to think of ideas for creating a sustainable future, and to collaborate with others to implement these ideas. Mitsui's corporate mission is to "Build brighter futures, everywhere" and we believe it is important to work with the next generation of youth to create a sustainable future, which is why we launched this program in 2014. In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, we offered the SASUGAKU Academy online for the first time at one elementary, junior high, and senior high school. Based on the results of a questionnaire conducted on students who took the program, we verified its viability and effectiveness for use in schools, and reported the results at the 33rd Annual Conference of the Japanese Society of Environmental Education, held on August 28, 2022. Following our presentation there was a lively Q&A session with the audience, indicating the high level of interest in the Mitsui SASUGAKU Academy among companies and educational institutions.
Supporting Human Resource Development for Future Generations through Scholarship Schemes
Supporting Overseas Students through the Mitsui Bussan Trade Promotion Foundation
The Mitsui Bussan Trade Promotion Foundation was established by the former Mitsui & Co. in 1927 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its founding and to "encourage trade." Its first chairman was Takashi Masuda, the first president of the former Mitsui & Co.
After the war, the program was dormant due to the dissolution of the former Mitsui, but in 1989, it was re-launched as an international exchange support program, offering scholarships and free accommodation to foreign students from overseas.
To date, a total of 404 students have been supported.
Mitsui Bussan Scholarship Program for Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the countries with which we have built a close relationship through business. In 1992, we established this fund with the aim of contributing to further strengthening relations between Japan and Indonesia and fostering talented individuals who will contribute to Indonesia's development. This Program selects Indonesian high school students as scholarship recipients and supports them for 5.5 years from Japanese language school to graduation from university.
In addition, Mitsui & Co. has been operating a scholarship program for university students in Mozambique and a scholarship program through the Mitsui USA Foundation.
Global Human Resource Development
Aiming to contribute to building the future of the countries and regions in which we operate, we are engaged in activities that deepen mutual understanding and lead to international exchange with the young people who will lead the next generation.
Mitsui-endowed Lecture Programs at Overseas Universities
We have been offering endowed lecture programs in the United States, China, and Poland.
Contributing to Global Human Resource Development through Training in Japan
In 1971, Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd. established the Mitsui Educational Foundation with the aim of bringing about greater mutual understanding and friendship among Japanese and Australian youth, while contributing to stronger ties between the two nations. Every year, the foundation selects 8 students from universities across Australia to send on a three-week study tour to Japan. The young visitors to Japan have shown a keen interest in learning about a wide range of topics and have been given opportunities while in Japan to visit universities and other educational facilities, companies, factories, and sites that play a significant role in Japan's history and culture. The foundation also offers other opportunities for the participants to learn more about Japan, including a homestay where the students are able to experience Japanese lifestyles firsthand, and a two-day exchange opportunity with university students who plan to work for Mitsui.
As of 2019, the Mitsui Educational Foundation program has welcomed 388 students to Japan over the 48 years since it was first established.
Support provided to date
TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program
Mitsui has participated in the TOMODACHI Initiative, a public-private partnership program led by the U.S. government and U.S-Japan Council to foster the development of young leaders for the next generation, since the foundation of the initiative until 2021.
In 2013, we have launched the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program, through which 20 selected young leaders working in Japan and the United States are given the opportunity to visit each other's countries. With the program themes of leadership, innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit, participants broadened their perspectives and knowledge as next-generation global leaders through site visits and dialogues not only with top executives from the government and industrial sectors but also with young leaders. Furthermore, we encouraged potential leaders in the three prefectures affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 to participate in the Japanese delegations with the aim of developing leaders who could drive the reconstruction process. We also created opportunities for networking with American delegations visiting the earthquake-affected areas. Through these activities, we worked to foster exchange in relation to disaster reconstruction activities, promote local cultures, and tackle various issues, such as the promotion of inbound tourism and revitalization of industry, supporting the recovery of earthquake-affected communities.
A cumulative total of 139 young leaders participated in the Japanese and American delegations.
