Grand Prix Winners
2012-2013
Started in 1990, the Mitsubishi Asian Children’s Enikki Festa is a program that seeks
to promote literacy education and to stimulate cultural exchange among children by
allowing them to learn about each other through “enikki” (illustrated diaries).
■ http://enikki.mitsubishi.or.jp/e/index_f.html
Manaswi Budhathoki
Phan Huong Giang
Age 10, Girl
Federal Democratic
Republic of Nepal
Age 9, Girl
Socialist Republic
of Viet Nam
We are playing break the pinata in the garden.
The pinata, a pot filled with sweets, is hanging from a tree limb.
I am blindfolded and am trying to break the pot with a stick.
My friends are teasing me in good spirits.
The Dragon Boat Races
Dragon boat races are a long tradition in our nation. They are
a beautiful tradition. The races on Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake are
especially exciting. This spot reminds us of Vietnam’s heroic legends.
＊ The Enikki entries above, when necessary, have been translated into English from the language they were originally written in.
Kadomatsu New Year Decorations
Keeping in Step with the Times
T
he Japanese bedeck their homes with a variety of New Year decorations
just after Christmas. The kadomatsu decorate gates and front doors, and
are considered the most important of all New Year decorations. They differ
in their design from region to region but in general they have a central
element of three cut bamboo stems around which are arranged pine
branches, with everything being wrapped at the bottom with rice straw
shaped like a flower pot. From a forest conservation standpoint, however,
in recent years many local authorities distribute posters or offer a service
enabling people to download a kadomatsu image for printing out. And
for those who, because their residential conditions
do not allow the use of large kadomatsu, some
shops offer kadomatsu in a flower arrangement
form. Whatever shape they may take, however,
it is the custom not to forget to remove the
©OKAYAMA CITY
kadomatsu once matsu-no-uchi 1 has passed.
photo:
Mitsutoshi Kimura
/ AFLO
Note 1: The period for putting kadomatsu on display. Originally it was from
January 1 to 15 but the period differs depending on the region of Japan.
photo: Kenji Hashimoto / AFLO
For more information about the Mitsubishi companies, see “Mitsubishi Profile” ■ http://www.mitsubishi.com/mpac/e/activity/profile.html
The Mitsubishi Monitor is published by the Mitsubishi Public Affairs Committee
Marunouchi Nakadori Bldg., 2-3, Marunouchi 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
Phone: 81-3-5218-8660 Fax: 81-3-5218-8661
Volume 29 No.6
Official Website ■ http://www.mitsubishi.com/mpac/e/monitor/back/index.html
We want your feedback! ■ http://www.mitsubishi.com/mpac/e/talk/form.html
©2015 Mitsubishi Public Affairs Committee
Printed in Japan on recycled paper
A Bimonthly Review of the Mitsubishi Companies and Their People Around the World
2015-2016
December & January
At the Forefront of
Steel Manufacturing
Cover Story
Hot-Strip Rolling Mill Order
from SAIL of India
India
News &
Products
All-new Pajero Sport Mid-size SUV
Makes World Debut in Thailand
Technology Transfer and Adaption of
H2Station® CAR-100 Fueling Packing
Japan
Mitsubishi Kakoki Kaisha (MKK) and Danish company H2
Logic A/S, a leading manufacturer of hydrogen fueling stations,
have executed an agreement for a technology transfer of the
Thailand
H2Station® CAR-100 product and the development of a low-cost
Overseas Promotion of Advanced
Hybrid Greenhouse Businesses
China
Australia
fueling packing which complies with Japanese laws and market
Mitsubishi Plastics group has
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s (MMC) all-new Pajero Sport
requirements. The CAR-100 is an integrated package housed
been expanding its advanced
made its world premiere in August 2015 in Thailand, where it is
in a container and can start fueling hydrogen within 48 hours of
hybrid greenhouse businesses
produced at Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co. Ltd. It is the first
installation. MKK has been involved in the construction of hydrogen
overseas. The group’s hybrid
full redesign of the Pajero Sport mid-size SUV in seven years.
fueling stations in Japan using the company’s own HyGeia steam
greenhouses combine two systems:
A full-feature off-road SUV, the all-new Pajero Sport brings with
reforming technology. The collaboration with H2 Logic strengthens
Nae-Terrace™, a closed seedling
Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) have
it a refined and high-quality exterior design, a comfortable interior,
MKK’s market leader position in the supply and construction of
growth system utilizing artificial light;
signed a contract with Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) for
high-quality vehicle performance, environmental performance on a
hydrogen fueling stations in Japan. MKK expects to market launch
and Napperland™, a system for
Packaging for the vegetables ecoLEAFTM
on sale in Australia
hydroponic cultivation for leaf vegetables. Unaffected by the weather
®
a Japanese version of the H2Station CAR-100 during 2016.
the construction of a large-scale hot-strip rolling mill in India with a
par with the best in its class, and comprehensive advanced safety
production capacity of 3 million tons per annum. The rolling facility
features. Sales started in Thailand in the fall, and MMC plans
or soil conditions, they enable planned production of seedlings,
will be built at the Rourkela Steel Plant, located in the eastern
to introduce the all-new Pajero Sport sequentially in Australia,
stabilization of quality and steady production by controlling
state of Odisha (Orissa). The plant is to produce a wide range
the ASEAN nations, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and
temperature, light, culture solutions and carbon dioxide. The
of steels, including high-quality grades for use in the automotive
Russia, ultimately selling the new model in some 90 countries.
vegetables are grown without the use of pesticides in the system. In
and household appliance industry, as well as API1 grades. The
May 2014, the group established a sales base of hybrid greenhouse
contract is valued at approximately 50 billion yen and the plant is
systems in China.Then it started to expand the agricultural
scheduled to start operating from the beginning of 2018.
businesses in Australia. In July 2014, the group established KAITEKI
Fresh Australia Pty Ltd in Victoria, Australia, which produces and
MC and L&T will serve as contractors for the project, with
MC undertaking project management. Mitsubishi Heavy
sells vegetables grown in the hybrid greenhouse. Agricultural
The CAR-100 hydrogen fueling package
Industries group member company Primetals Technologies
■
(PT) will execute the designing and engineering of the entire
production in Australia faces challenges due to droughts and
http://www.kakoki.co.jp/english/news/pdf/p150710.pdf
serious water shortages, and this system is less water-intensive
than traditional methods. The Australian company began selling leaf
plant and will supply the main mechanical equipment. Hitachi
Ltd will design, engineer and supply electrical equipment and the
by Mitsubishi Corporation Machinery, Inc.
The all-new Pajero Sport
■
automation system. Overall project execution will be supported
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/publish/pressrelease_en/
products/2015/news/detail0977.html
worldwide, this is its first full turnkey steel plant project in India.
2
Factors leading to SAIL’s choice were the reputation MC, PT
and Hitachi have in executing such projects globally; PT’s
FUSO Trucks Launched in
Trinidad and Tobago and Cambodia
vegetables called ecoLEAF™ in the autumn of 2015 and plans to
Trinidad and
Tobago
Cambodia
Commercial Oil Production Gets Underway
at Ungani Field in Western Australia
launched its FUSO brand light-medium and medium-heavyAustralia
duty trucks in Trinidad and Tobago and in Cambodia. The trucks
are produced at Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd.’s
proposed technology for finishing rolling equipment; Hitachi’s
Mitsubishi Corporation
Oragadam plant. The launch of these trucks in Trinidad and
advanced electrical control systems for rolling mills; and the
(MC) and Buru Energy
Tobago marks the debut of the FUSO brand in Latin America
tie-up with local partner L&T, which has vast experience in plant
Limited have been working
and the first time the company has exported FUSO brand left-
engineering and construction in India.
together in the exploration
hand drive vehicles. At a presentation by local distributor Diamond
and development of onshore
Motors the new trucks were introduced to over 100 customers and
India produced approximately 90 million tons of crude steel
build the brand.
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) has
Although MC has a wealth of experience with steel plants
Seedlings
Nae-Terrace™
Hydroponics
The leaf vegetable seedlings
are transferred to Napperland™
in 2014, and the Ministry of Steel plans to expand that to 300
oil and gas in the Canning
government officials,
million tons by 2025. MC will
Super Basin, located in the
and their quality and
use this project as a platform
Kimberley region of Western
finish were highly
to explore opportunities for
Australia. This marks the
further engagement in India’s
first time for a Japanese company to commence commercial
plans to strengthen
steel industry.
onshore oil production in WA. Oil produced from the Ungani fields
the position of FUSO
is of very high quality, including its notably low sulfur content, and
brand trucks both in
1-1, Marunouchi 1-Chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8252
stable demand for it is expected in Asia and Oceania. The joint
left-hand drive and
Mitsubishi Plastics contributes to establishing a better society
by providing a wide spectrum of advanced products and
materials. By enhanced technology and product development
capabilities, the company will optimize the infinite potential of
plastics and advanced materials.
other global markets.
venture plans to expand sales to oil refiners mainly in Southeast
Asia through MC group network members such as Petro-
The FJ medium-heavy-duty left-hand truck
Diamond Singapore (Pte) Ltd and Diamond Tanker Pte. Ltd.
■
http://www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/en/pr/archive/2015/
html/0000028122.html
http://www.mpi.co.jp/english/news/201407030720.html
http://www.mpi.co.jp/english/news/201507170792.html
praised. MFTBC
The production site (Courtesy of Buru Energy)
■
■
http://www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/en/pr/archive/2015/
html/0000028309.html
http://www.primetals.com/en/PressAndMedia/Pages/
NewsDetails.aspx?NewsID=29
■
■
Note 1: American Petroleum Institute (API) grades.
Note 2: A plant that is designed, supplied, built, or installed fully complete and ready to operate.
■
2
Front Line
http://www.mitsubishi-fuso.com/en/press/150623/150623.html
Mitsubishi Plastics
Est. 1943
■ http://www.mpi.co.jp/english
3
Global Spotlight focuses on employees from the Mitsubishi companies who are excelling
in their respective fields around the world. In each issue we will get to know different
employees, who will tell us about their hometowns, businesses, culture, and pastimes.
from
from
“No rush, but move fast”
the USA
My Company and Job
This is definitely one of the most frequent phrases that you can
hear in Hong Kong, which truly explains the attitude of most
Mitsubishi Polycrystalline Silicon America Corporation
of the people here. Hong Kong is an extremely fast-paced city
(dba Mitsubishi Polysilicon) is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi
where people are always hurrying off, from walking, dining, even to speaking. Working efficiently is an
Materials Corporation. Our company produces ultra
expected norm in your workplace; while feeling stressed out could be just part of your life, and most people
Photos are provided by Mr. Simon Lam
get used to it and ironically a lot of people love to get neck-deep in work here, including me. It’s no wonder
high-purity polysilicon for the semiconductor industry.
photo: AP / AFLO
Semiconductors are generally small and complex devices, and
why Hong Kong remains one of the most competitive cities in the world. On the other hand, Hong Kong
are found in thousands of products such as computers, cell phones, appliances, and medical equipment.
people, especially the younger generation, do know how to
Due to the extraordinary precision and quality required of semiconductors, the material from which they
enjoy life, to relax after working long hours. For me, I love to
are made must be equally extraordinary as is the ultra high-purity
escape from the “urban jungle” and go hiking. You will be
polysilicon manufactured by Mitsubishi Polysilicon.
surprised to know that Hong Kong has so many mountains
As Vice President Accounting, Treasurer, I am responsible for the
Hong Kong
Global
Spotlight
with amazing scenic views.
accounting and financial activities of the company. I was fortunate to
be one of the first employees hired at the Mobile, Alabama, plant in
1996 and have experienced several plant expansions over the years.
Today, I enjoy working alongside 150 wonderful co-workers who are
committed to producing quality polysilicon for the world market.
Diversity in Culture
Ruled as a separate British
colony for more than 150 years, Hong Kong has developed a unique culture
– a fusion of East and West. Local Chinese continue to keep many Chinese
Mr. Rob Howell
Vice President
Accounting & Treasurer
Mitsubishi Polycrystalline
Silicon America Corporation
A subsidiary of
Mitsubishi Materials
The Location and Things to Do
customs and the Chinese New Year is a key festival to celebrate. At the
Mitsubishi Polysilicon is located in the Mobile, Alabama,
trees are found in major shopping malls and many scrapers around Victoria
metropolitan area which is in the southeastern United States,
Harbour will be all decked out with twinkling Christmas lights. Another
near the Gulf of Mexico. Mobile is one of Alabama’s largest
interesting proof of a blended culture is the wedding ceremony here. The
cities with a population of approximately 1.2 million within a
new couples will generally follow the Chinese traditions or rituals in the
60-mile radius. Being a coastal city, Mobile was founded in
morning time, while later they tend to have a more Western ceremony to
1702 as the first capital of colonial French Louisiana. Known
exchange vows. The way they dress is also very different from day to night.
same time, Christmas and Halloween are very popular here. Christmas
as the City of Six Flags, Mobile has enjoyed a rich history of
French, Spanish and British influences. We are proud of our
heritage as the birthplace of Mardi Gras (French Catholic carnival tradition) in the United States.
Near the water, the area enjoys a semi-tropical climate and 32 miles of beautiful white-sand beaches.
and eating a variety of delicious seafood from the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding waterways.
to be one of the members managing the
A subsidiary of Meiji Yasuda Life
Insurance Company
newly founded Meiji Yasuda Asia Equity
“football state” where all residents
Active Fund in the same year. The last four
must declare allegiance to their favorite
years have been very fruitful for me as I have
team. In the fall months, you can
had many opportunities to travel across
always catch me rooting for my alma
Asia and meet with hundreds of companies.
If you ever find yourself along the
Meiji Yasuda Asia Ltd.
Joining Meiji Yasuda Asia as a senior
research analyst in 2011, I was very honored
mater, Auburn University.
Research Analyst
A challenging career suits me
Popular pastimes include swimming, boating and all forms of fishing. Personally, I enjoy catching, cooking
Alabama is well known as a
Mr. Chan Kit Tak
I believe Hong Kong’s diverse culture does really help me in communicating effectively with people of
different background. In fact, this is quite a challenging job not only because our team has to come up with
Gulf Coast of Alabama, please look me
attractive investable ideas, but it is also about taking decisive action and critical thinking everyday in our
up. I’ll be happy to take you fishing,
fast-changing business environment. Thanks to the best efforts of our dynamic team and the help from our
teach you about American football, or
supporting members in the HK office, our fund performance has been outstanding in the industry.
show you the local sights.
I have strong confidence that this track record will continue in future, and that our HK office will serve its role
in exploring more business opportunities and promoting our company’s reputation in Asia.
4
5
Green
Diamonds
Joint Japan-France
Energy Storage Project
Green Diamonds highlights the ongoing efforts of Mitsubishi companies
to foster a greener, more sustainable planet and brighter, more vibrant
communities through wide-ranging environmental and social initiatives.
Forsee Power’s new headquarters near Paris. The parties
France
to the agreement will study the viability of a new business
model for energy storage systems utilizing used lithium-ion
batteries in France and the rest of the European market.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi
DURABIOTM Bio-based Engineering
Plastic wins the Minister of Economy,
Trade & Industry GSC Award
Japan
Corporation have reached agreement with Electricité
DURABIOTM, a bio-based engineering plastic developed
de France (EDF); Forsee Power, a key provider of energy
by Mitsubishi Chemical, won the Minister of Economy,
storage solutions sponsored by EDF; and PSA Peugeot
Trade and Industry Award1 at the 14th Green and
Citroën to launch a joint demonstration project for utilizing
Sustainable Chemistry (GSC) Awards.2 Developed by the
used lithium-ion batteries from electric-powered vehicles.
company, DURABIOTM is a bio-based engineering plastic
The purpose of the project is to demonstrate efficient
made mainly from plant-derived isosorbide which gives it
and economically feasible energy management practices
outstanding surface impact, heat and weather resistance. It
Commemorative photo of the 14th Green Sustainable Chemistry Award ceremony
based on the optimization of electricity storage, charging
also has excellent transparency and optical properties such
coating process and enable a reduction in emissions of
and generation
as ease of coloring,
volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The product won the
technology to
and its tough surface
Award in recognition of its use of renewable resources,
meet fluctuations
hardness gives it
its lower environmental impact and its provision of higher
in demand. The
superior scratch
performance and thus added value.
demonstration
resistance. These
project will be
properties eliminate
inaugurated in
autumn 2015 at
■ http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/publish/pressrelease_en/
corporate/2015/news/detailf710.html
the need for any
Note 1: Awarded to corporations that have contributed to the development of industrial technology.
Note 2: Awarded to corporations which have contributed to the promotion of chemistry and
chemical technologies that are people- and eco-friendly and that support the development
of a sustainable society.
Bio-based engineering plastic DURABIOTM
Forsee Power’s new headquarters near Paris
Financial Support for India’s
Swaminathan Research Foundation
Inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index
for 13th Straight Year
India
Mitsubishi Corporation has announced that it will
NYK has been selected by the FTSE Group,1 a global index
provide financial support to the MS Swaminathan Research
provider, for inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index, marking the
1
Foundation in India to assist with initiatives supporting
13th straight year that the company has appeared in this
poor rural communities in the southeastern state of Andhra
major yardstick for socially responsible investing (SRI).2 The
Pradesh. A ceremony held in August to commemorate
FTSE4Good Index is a leading indicator used by investors
the five-year project was attended by Chief Minister N.
who value corporate social responsibility and sustainability.
Chandrababu Naidu. The foundation’s Smart Village Project
Ceremony commemorating the start of the Smart Village Project
noteworthy and led to this 13th consecutive recognition.
the sanitary and living conditions of about 8,000 people
NYK also has been selected for a number of other SRI
across eight poor rural communities in Andhra Pradesh.
indexes, including the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia /Pacific
One of the primary aims of the project is to secure urgently
Index (USA). A good corporate citizen, NYK will continue to
needed clean drinking water and install hygienic toilets and
take an active role in social issues, including conservation
other sanitary facilities in the target villages with the ultimate
of the environment, to contribute to the achievement of a
aim of helping them to meet the guidelines of India’s Model
better global society.
Village Scheme.2
■ http://www.nyk.com/english/release/3710/004036.html
Note 2: Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2014. Under the scheme,
the projects are required to set practical targets for improving physical and institutional
infrastructure in terms of hygiene and livelihoods. The scheme aims to provide comprehensive
support for communities as they draw on the lessons learnt from the model villages for their
own development.
A scene in Andhra Pradesh
■ http://www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/en/pr/archive/2015/
html/0000028345.html
Congratula
tions!
NYK’s environmental activities were seen as particularly
is aimed at providing comprehensive support for improving
Note 1: Established in Chennai in May 1988 to support agricultural development and the
improvement of livelihoods in poor rural communities.
6
UK
Note 1: Wholly owned subsidiary of the London Stock Exchange. Employed worldwide, the
FTSE4Good Index Series is designed to measure the performance of companies demonstrating
strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.
Note 2: Investing in companies engaged in ethical activities and confirmed through financial
analyses to meet established investment standards.
*Other Mitsubishi Public Affairs Committee member companies
selected for the FTSE4Good Index in 2015: Kirin Holdings,
Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings, Mitsubishi Estate,
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group,
Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance, Nikon, Tokio Marine Holdings.
7