Solutions for visualizing, understanding, and streamlining carbon emissions from various angles, such as business sites and products, corporate activities, and consumer behavior.
Efforts to conserve energy have been underway for several decades, but in recent years, the methods used have become more sophisticated, including AI and other technologies and billing methods based on usage. These solutions optimize energy usage.
Solutions related to batteries and hydrogen, such as electrification (EV) of mobility (means of transportation) such as cars and buses, which used to be fueled by gasoline, to reduce CO2 emissions, and to extract hydrogen for industrial use and to encourage its practical application.
Solutions related to batteries and hydrogen, such as electrification (EV) of mobility (means of transportation) such as cars and buses, which used to be fueled by gasoline, to reduce CO2 emissions, and to extract hydrogen for industrial use and to encourage its practical application.
Solutions that contribute to the fixation and absorption of CO2 in the atmosphere through forest protection and forest management, and offset the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that cannot be fully reduced through the purchase of carbon credits.
One solution is to reduce emissions in society as a whole by recycling metals, plastics, and other resources and products at various stages of economic activities.
A New Approach to Donation: Co-Creating Social Impact with the Mitsui & Co. Co-creation Fund
The "Mitsui & Co. Co-creation Fund," launched in 2023, is a social contribution initiative that goes beyond simple financial support. It brings together professionals tackling social issues and Mitsui & Co. officers and employees to "co-create" impact. This fund also serves as an R&D function for sustainability-driven business. We spoke with the project leads to learn more about the intentions behind this initiative.
Mitsui & Co. engages in a wide range of social contribution initiatives. These include the "Sasugaku Academy," which offers elementary, junior high, and high school students opportunities to learn about sustainability—from foundational knowledge to real-world application. There's also the "Yatsuda Regeneration Project," where participants help revive abandoned rice paddies and experience firsthand the return of biodiversity and the value of nature. Another initiative, "Making Picture Books in Foreign Languages," delivers books to children in conflict- and poverty-affected areas, primarily in Asia.
In addition, Mitsui supports the Brazilian community in Japan and provides disaster relief funding in the wake of natural catastrophes.
Among these diverse efforts, one initiative in particular stands out—the Mitsui & Co. Co-creation Fund , launched in 2023. This article takes a closer look at how the fund is helping shape a new approach to social contribution and sustainability at Mitsui.
"Community Contribution," "Environmental Conservation," and "Human Resource Development" — All with Employee Involvement
--First of all, please tell us about the overall picture of Mitsui's social contribution activities.
Tanefusa: Our social contribution activities are based on the three pillars of "Community Contribution," "Environmental Conservation," and "Human Resources Development." These include disaster relief. We also place importance on the participation of our officers and employees in all of them.
--Has this emphasis on officers and employees participation been a long-standing tradition?
Tanefusa: We've engaged in various social initiatives over the years, but in 2021 we reevaluated our approach. As a result, we reaffirmed our focus on the three pillars mentioned earlier and our commitment to employee involvement. At the same time, we introduced new guidelines that emphasize "building relationships of trust" and "resolving societal issues."
Akira Tanefusa
Deputy General Manager, Global Social Dept., Corporate Sustainability Div., Mitsui & Co.,Ltd.
Joined Mitsui & Co.,Ltd. in 1992, engaged in trading of food ingredients in the Food Business Unit and business investment in the Corporate Division, and has been involved in the Mitsui Co-Creation Fund as part of social contribution activities in the Corporate Sustainability Division since September 2023.
More Than a Donation: It's a Partnership-Based Support Program
--Was the Mitsui & Co. Co-creation Fund created as part of Mitsui's broader social contribution efforts?
Tanefusa: Yes. We used to have a predecessor initiative called the "Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund," but it was largely a one-way donation program to various organizations. As employees were not directly involved, for many employees, "we don't really know what it is."
To change that, we launched the "Mitsui & Co. Co-creation Fund" in March 2023, emphasizing direct employee involvement under the theme of "Co-creation." While building on the strengths of the Environmental Fund, we redesigned it to allow more active participation in addressing social issues. A key feature of the program is that while fairness is ensured through evaluations conducted by an external review committee, Mitsui officers and employees serve as "Co-creators" who are involved throughout the entire process—from recommending candidates to providing ongoing support. Without a recommendation from them, an application cannot be submitted.
--What is the goal of "co-creation"?
Tanefusa: We call the "individuals" who are working to solve social issues "Issue Finders." The Mitsui & Co. Co-creation Fund is unique in that the Issue Finders are paired with Mitsui officers or employees as "Co-creators" to carry the project forward. So it's not just a donation, but an ongoing, collaborative form of support.
By working together with those who are seeking solutions to social issues, we gain new insights and learn from them. At the same time, we offer our expertise and networks that we have cultivated over the years. We hope to build such a relationship.
--Do officers and employees participate in these activities outside of work hours?
Tanefusa: Since this is an official company program, Co-creators can devote up to 10% of their working hours to these activities.
--How does the grant selection process work?
Sasaki: It's a recommendation-based system. Officers and employees can nominate an Issue Finder, or we may receive external applications through our website or other channels. First, we conduct a matching process, followed by an application, internal review, and final approval.
It's important to note that grants go to individuals — the Issue Finders. Legal entities are required to receive the funds, but our selection is based on the passion and commitment of individuals, not corporations.
Yosuke Sasaki
Deputy General Manager, Global Social Dept., Corporate Sustainability Div., Mitsui & Co.,Ltd.
Joined in 2003. Previously worked in trading and investment of automotive steel products and M&A, including assignments in Russia. In 2021, leaded to establish the Mitsui & Co. Co-creation Fund and currently oversees overall strategy for Mitsui's social contribution activities.
Tanefusa: Each grant ranges from 10 million to 100 million yen, with a maximum project duration of three years. We select two projects per year. Evaluation criteria include the execution capabilities of the Issue Finder, expected social impact, and the motivation of our officers and employees to engage as Co-creators. We also hold follow-up meetings regularly to share progress and address any challenges.
--What's important in matching Issue Finders with Mitsui officers and employees?
Sasaki: We focus on two elements: "WILL" and "CAN." The Co-creator must empathize with the Issue Finder's purpose (WILL), and also be capable of creating value together (CAN). It's not meaningful if the Co-creator has interest but cannot contribute anything of substance.
--Is there any criteria for the selection of Issue Finders?
Sasaki: For details, please refer to our official website. But in principle, the candidate must be affiliated with an organization or group that has legal status. Profit-seeking organizations and social startups are eligible. However, intrapreneurial projects within large corporations are not.
There are no restrictions on the genre of the social issue or the country/region. That said, we do not support projects related to politics or religion.
R&D for Sustainability-Focused Business Creation
Tanefusa: The Mitsui & Co. Co-creation Fund is only a donation, not a business investment, so we are not seeking direct earnings or returns. On the other hand, though not a condition, we hope that the fund will also lead to generate some kind of business connection in the future.
For example, when we integrate social contribution into our business activities, our business partners also benefit from supporting these initiatives. This could lead to further strengthening of the relationship between our company and our business partners and to new business initiatives, including participation in grant projects.
Sasaki: I also believe that social contribution activities will become a kind of "R&D" for Mitsui in creating businesses that contribute to sustainability.
For example, while CO2 credits are now widely accepted, this was unimaginable a few decades ago. Today's social issues could become tomorrow's business opportunities. Of course, becoming the seed of a business is not a prerequisite, but we believe it is important to explore possibilities through co-creation.
--It's an interesting idea that has never been done before. I feel new and expanding possibilities for social contribution activities.
Sasaki: To be extreme, I believe it would be ideal if one day Mitsui no longer needed to engage in social contribution activities.
--What do you mean by that?
Sasaki: I envision a future in which all of Mitsui's businesses inherently contribute to solving social issues.
We believe that our current businesses already contribute to solving social issues. However, it is difficult to address all social challenges solely through our existing business activities. Fundamentally, we believe that many of these issues have the potential to be solved through business, and that by raising awareness of sustainability and deepening the commitment to social contribution among all employees, we can create opportunities to tackle social issues that have not yet been fully captured. I see the Mitsui & Co. Co-creation Fund as a tool to help us deeply explore and cultivate that mindset.
Earlier, I referred to it as "R&D" because we are still far from being able to solve all social issues through business alone. That's why we must first actively engage in social contribution activities—and by involving employees in those efforts, we can nurture sustainability-minded talent. Ultimately, this will allow all of our businesses to align with solving social challenges. For that reason, I believe it's vital that we continue to engage in meaningful social contribution work.
Up to ¥100 Million in Grants – Long-Term, Hands-On Growth Support
--It seems quite rare that the grant amount can go up to 100 million yen.
Sasaki: Yes, there are many funds and foundations that provide grants of 10 to 20 million yen per project, but very few provide 100 million yen. Moreover, there are no restrictions on the use of the funds, such as that they can be used for personnel expenses. We are flexible to change the plan if there is a reasonable reason.
If we were serious about solving social issues, we thought it would be better to increase the size of the fund and grow it to a large scale, with our support and assistance along the way. This would have a greater social impact.
--It's also unique that the program is not limited to nonprofit organizations.
Sasaki: That reflects a significant shift in the times. In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in "impact investing," which seeks both social problem-solving and financial returns. Additionally, donation amounts tend to increase whenever there is a major disaster.
In other words, there is a growing momentum in society to "do good." Overseas, we see examples like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and in Japan, the Yamada Shintaro D&I Foundation established by the founder of Mercari. These individuals choose the most suitable form—be it an NPO or a business—for addressing social issues. The term "Issue Finder" we use also serves as a concept that encompasses all such initiatives.
--What kind of people do you expect to apply for the program?
Sasaki: People who have a high level of essential understanding of social issues and the ability to communicate and involve others. We would like such people to apply.
Tanefusa: Many social issues cannot be solved within a two- or three-year span—they inevitably take more time. While the Mitsui & Co. Co-creation Fund can offer up to 100 million yen in grants, we want to avoid situations where activities cease as soon as the funding ends.
We want projects to be able to continue working toward solving issues even after the co-creation period is over.
To achieve this, Issue Finders are required to have a variety of abilities, including fundraising. Although any genre is acceptable, we would like applicants who possess such abilities to apply.
--Lastly, what is your dream that you would like to achieve through the Mitsui Co-Creation Fund?
Sasaki: I believe it is important to balance economic efficiency and social impact when solving social issues. The issue of GHG emissions has already been established as a market. This signifies a fundamental shift in systems and rules, fostering the creation of a new ecosystem. I hope such a thing will happen in all social issue areas.
The spark for such systemic change is often what's called "catalytic capital." When Mitsui provides grants, it gives credibility to the organizations or companies that Issue Finders belong to, allowing their initiatives to expand. That's the kind of ecosystem we hope to help create.
In addition, by generating interest among officers and employees, businesses related to solving social issues will be generated further from within the company. I hope to see both of these developments take place.
