Powering New Visions and Possibilities

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
G. Sandali Anuththara
Kirari Kosaka
Age 11, Girl
Democratic Socialist
Republic of Sri Lanka
Age 11, Girl
Japan
My father told me that a little brother would join our household today. He told
me to clean my new brother’s room and then packed clothes in a bag and
left early in the morning. I couldn’t wait for my parents to come home.
At around one o’clock, my father and mother came home with my little
brother. My little brother’s face was beautiful, like a pink rose. I wanted to
hold him, but I am little, and my parents wouldn’t let me. Still, I was happy.
A Bimonthly Review of the Mitsubishi Companies and Their People Around the World
2015
June & July
Saturday, October 20
We went to see bullfighting at the Uruma festival. The event began with
eisa folk dancing and shishimai lion dancing to set the mood. I couldn’t
wait for the bulls to come out. Finally, a big gate opened and a snorting bull
appeared. The bull let out a low sound when it entered the ring, like it was
ready for a fight. The longest fight lasted 25 minutes. Both of the bulls in
that fight were out of breath at the end, and they had a lot of horn wounds
on their hips. I liked hearing the men who shouted and moved around to
urge the bulls to fight. “Aiya!” “Heiya!” I want to go again next year.
＊ The Enikki entries above, when necessary, have been translated into English from the language they were originally written in.
Rice Planting Season Arrives
R
ice seedlings are planted in paddy fields in Japan between the months of May
and June, an extremely labor-intensive task. In years gone by rice farmers would
employ local help from the neighborhood as well as helping each other out.
The period between the 1970s and 1990s saw a rapid acceleration in the technical
innovation and spread of rice transplanters. Most farmers soon came to own tranplanters
and this mechanization of the work produced a dramatic increase in efficiency and
productivity. Today development
has even reached the stage of
unmanned transplanter robots
guided by GPS technology.
A tradition in Japan, the
arrival of the rice-planting season
is marked by Otaue-matsuri
or rice-planting festivals held
at shrines and at paddy fields
owned by the Imperial family,
where prayers are offered for a
bountiful harvest.
Ride-on rice transplanters are now common throughout Japan.
© Jiji Press Photo
One of the three great rice-planting festivals
in Japan, the Otaue Shinji ceremony is
still held at the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in
Osaka adhering strictly to ancient Shinto
rituals. To enhance the vitality of the
paddy field and the rice seedlings, Shinto
priests and shrine maidens play and sing
traditional Japanese music and perform
dances as the rice is planted.
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
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Volume 29 No.3
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Powering New Visions
and Possibilities
News &
Products
Swiss
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) gave the
MITSUBISHI Concept XR-PHEV II1 compact SUV concept
model, powered by a new plug-in hybrid EV system, its
global debut at the 85th Geneva International Motor Show
held in March.
The MITSUBISHI Concept XR-PHEV II is a small SUV
Full-scale Start to Artificial Carbonated
Hot Water Appliance Business
MGC Pharma, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, and
Catalent Pharma Solutions, a leading contract manufacturer of
China & ASEAN
develop processes for biosimilars3 with the aim of winning active
Rayon, has made a full-scale start to opening up markets in the
pharmaceutical ingredient production contracts. The new agreement
artificial carbonated hot water appliance business targeting the
with Catalent will enable MGC’s contract antibody drug services to
beauty and hair salon industry in China and the ASEAN bloc of
provide customers with a one-
nations (Thailand, Vietnam). The company has already established
stop solution encompassing
the WATERCOUTURE brand for water used in the beauty industry
all phases from cell line
and unveiled its new WATERCOUTURE Soda Shower WS101E at
development to commercial
the Cosmoprof Asia 2014 beauty product exhibition held in Hong
production, and thereby proceed
Kong. This marked the start of the company’s efforts to strengthen
to being approved as a contract
its overseas sales. The WS101E has been developed as hot a
manufacturing organization.
water carbonator to care of hair for use in beauty salons. It is
smaller and easier to operate than our past products, while also
realizing the same high concentration
of carbonated hot water.
Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The SKY-SYSTEM® uses a
The SKY-SYSTEM® sterilizes the ballast water through the automatic
injection of chemicals without using filtration or electrical method.
It is capable of wiping out marine microorganisms and bacteria in
all types of water, including seawater, brackish water, freshwater and
ice-cold water. While the chemicals used have powerful sterilizing
properties, the system is environment-friendly because it dissolves
Note 1: Biosimilars are generic biological drugs featuring quality/safety levels and efficacies comparable to
those of brand-name products.
Note 2: Antibody drug producing cells produce antibodies that are used as raw materials for antibody drugs.
Note 3: Used in the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus infections, cancers and rheumatism.
“2014 Top 100 Global Innovators”
WATERCOUTURE Soda Shower WS101E (left: In use, right: Installation image)
list of what it assesses to be
CapitaGreen Office Building
Tops Out in Singapore
the world’s 100 most innovative
active substances quickly and renders the ballast water harmless
before it is discharged (The system also has a neutralizing function in
case active substances remain.) The energy-efficient SKY-SYSTEM®
In the first office building venture in Asia by the Mitsubishi Estate
efficiency front-engine/front-drive system ideal for an urban
group, the CapitaGreen building in Singapore has topped out and
crossover. The system is estimated to achieve very low
tenants have started to open their premises. Located in the heart of
CO2 emissions of below 40 g/km, among the lowest of any
the Central Business District, in Raffles Place, the project involved
PHEV, while also delivering gutsy and smooth performance.
the development of a large-scale, 40-story office building featuring
In its exterior design, the refined silhouette deriving from
state-of-the-art specifications. CapitaGreen was designed by Toyo
its dynamic and athletic form
Ito & Associates, Architects (Tokyo) who have won numerous
and an edgy side character
awards both in Japan and overseas,
line vibrantly hint at the
including the Pritzker Architecture
exciting performance this
Prize. The building’s innovative
urban crossover will deliver
façade design has a 55-percent
with its high-power motor.
green ratio, with lush greenery in the
sky terraces and in the expansive
Europe, the all-new L200 pickup truck that is due to go on
rooftop sky garden, earning it a
sale in Europe this summer.
Grade A landmark status. Fitted out
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/events/
motorshow/2015/gms2015/
with cutting-edge energy-saving
plant and equipment the building
boasts a highly comfortable and
functional specification.
having to dry-dock.
U.S.A.
2014 THOMSON REUTERS
TOP 100
GLOBAL INNOVATORS
companies or research institutes
Singapore
Concept XR-PHEV II is a lightweight, compact and high-
■
2
system which has received approval from Japan’s Ministry of Land,
contained in ballast water without affecting the local ecosystem.
http://www.mgc.co.jp/php/files_en/150105e.pdf
Thomson Reuters has issued the
to environmental technologies and is currently developing
Note 1: XR stands for X (crossover) Runner. A stylish crossover model which nimbly negotiates
roads in towns and cities.
Inc. has developed the SKY-SYSTEM®, a ballast water management
chemical treatment that sterilizes aquatic organisms and bacteria
Three Mitsubishi Companies Win Accolades
for Intellectual Property Initiatives
driving pleasure, and toughness & safety. The company is
MMC also unveiled at the show, for the first time in
Japan
is compact, easy to maintain and can be simply installed without
embodies the concepts of environmental responsibility,
The new PHEV system presented in the MITSUBISHI
NYK group company Nippon Yuka Kogyo, with Katayama Chemical,
Mitsubishi Rayon Cleansui, a group company of Mitsubishi
next-generation technologies @earth TECHNOLOGY, which
view to introducing them in the near future.
producing cells2 produced with Catalent’s GPEx® technology to
production up to the clinical trial phase, of biosimilars.1 Under the
Outlander PHEV. MMC continues to develop its stable of
PHEV systems best suited to each model in its lineup with a
agreement, MGC Pharma will use highly efficient antibody drug
Ballast Water Treatment System
Protects the Marine Ecosystem
jointly engage in the contract research/development, and contract
concept expected to be MMC’s second PHEV following the
placing particular focus on electric vehicles in its approach
Front Line
pharmaceuticals in the U.S., have entered into an agreement to
based on independent analysis of
patent ownership data. Asahi Glass
The SKY-SYSTEM® ballast water management system. Ballast water is seawater that ships
carry to maintain balance. Ballast water is normally taken on in ballast tanks in the ship’s
bottom at the unloading port, and then discharged at the loading port. Chemicals injected into
the pipes which take ballast water into the ship sterilize marine organisms.
(second straight year), Mitsubishi
Electric (fourth year) and Mitsubishi
Heavy Industries (third year) were
among 39 Japanese companies
named in the list. The companies
Ms.Yoshiko Tanahashi, Vice President of
Thomson Reuters’ Japan Sales (right), and
Mr.Toshio Kodama, MHI’s Executive Vice
President and CTO (at that time)
Nippon Yuka Kogyo Co., Ltd. Est.1960
3-9, Kaigan-dori, Yokohama-shi Naka-ku, Kanagawa 231-0002
With manufacture and sales of fuel oil additives for shipping and land-based
plant as its core business, the company also offers analysis of fuel oil, lubricating
oil and water and consulting services. It also develops, manufactures and sells
a wide range of products from marine biofouling inhibitors to industrial chemical
cleaning agents, oil spill treatment agents and car wash detergents and waxes,
as well as undertaking contract business.
and research institutes selected by
Thomson Reuters, which started the
program in 2011, are recognized as
“top global innovators” for their creation
of highly valued inventions destined to
have significant impact on the global
market, for their proper protection
Mr. Nobushi Morooka, Executive Officer in
Charge of Intellectual Property at Mitsubishi
Electric (right)
property rights, and for worldwide
promotion of their innovations through
commercialization.
NYK Est.1885
Yusen Bldg., 3-2, Marunouchi 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005
of their innovations via intellectual
■
■
Mitsubishi Motors at Geneva
International Motor Show 2015
Japan
■
Cover Story
On Track to Becoming a Contract
Developer/Producer of Biopharmaceuticals
Ms. Kuniko Nagai, General Manager of AGC
Intellectual Property Center (right)
http://www.mhi-global.com/news/story/1412101861.html
http://www.agc.com/english/csr/news/images/141202e.pdf
Over the years, the NYK Group has prioritized safe, high-quality
services to earn the trust of its customers. We have drawn on
one of the world’s largest fleets and an international network
covering sea, land and air to deliver the services that only a
comprehensive global-logistics group of companies can offer.
■ http://www.nyk.com/english
3
Thailand the Land of Smile
from
Thailand is one of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Singapore
Glittering City of
Southeast Asia
member countries and is located at the heart of Southeast Asia,
© AFLO
bordering Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Myanmar and is expected
to be the hub of ASEAN. The location and topography are conducive for it to be the transportation center of the
region. Thailand is a democracy and is ranked as the 20th most populous nation in the world with a population of
around 66 million. Due to Thailand’s vast natural and cultural resources, it has many famous tourist destinations
The tiny diamond-shaped island city of Singapore measures 26
kilometers north to south and 50 kilometers east to west, small enough
Marina Bay Sands seen from the
Singapore MUTB office
such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai, and tourism generates revenue for the country equivalent to
Thailand
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
Global
Spotlight
that from exports, which makes a significant contribution to the economic development of Thailand.
to fit comfortably within the confines of Tokyo Bay. At dusk, glittering lights from this tiny cosmopolitan city on
the shores of the southernmost point of the Asian continent pierce through the night skies, casting their warm
embrace upon the 130,000-plus ships calling at the port of Singapore every year.
THAI DNT PAINT
THAI DNT PAINT was founded on
MUTB Singapore
July 17th, 1969, and has been a
manufacturer of paints and coatings
As legal and compliance officer at the Singapore branch of Mitsubishi UFJ
for more than 45 years. Being the
Trust and Banking Corporation, my colleagues and I cater to the branch’s
largest affiliated company overseas under Dai Nippon Toryo, which is one of the largest coating manufacturers in
legal and regulatory compliance needs so that our staff can stay focused on
Japan, our products cover all kinds of application such as decorative paints for buildings, high performance heavy
helping our corporate customers finance their businesses in the Asia-Pacific
duty coatings for industrial plants, and OEM coatings for general and automotive industry. Our partnership was
region. In turn, our customers invest in factories, creating rewarding jobs for
established over the years and our customers include major manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles, parts
The head office building of THAI DNT PAINT
THAI DNT PAINT Factory
workers; help farmers own tractors on hire-purchase to work the land; and
and accessories for cars and other industries, construction and fabrication work
finance enormous ships transporting the oil and gas required to light up cities
dealers and contractors in the country. We also export to foreign countries.
in far-away lands.
THAI DNT PAINT is located in Laem Chabang Industrial Estate, Chonburi
Province, in the eastern part of Thailand. The industrial area is known for
Shaved Ice and Sweet Red Beans
industrial development and manufacturing for export and is next to Laem
Singapore is blessed (some say cursed) with warm summer weather all year
international logistics.
Chabang deep seaport, which is the country’s main commercial gateway for
Mr. James Chan
Laem Chabang Industrial Estate
outdoor temperatures frequently soar to over 30 degrees Celsius. At times
Attractive Pattaya and My Free Time
like this, locals seek refreshment with an affordable, and cherished local iced
Senior Manager
Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and
Banking Corporation
Singapore Branch
round, alternating between wet and dry seasons. In the dry season, daytime
dessert – the Ice-Kachang.
A basic traditional ice-kachang
THAI DNT PAINT
MFG. CO., LTD.
An affiliated company of
Dai Nippon Toryo
tourist destination with special attributes and well known to
and delicious answer to the scorching sun: finely shaven ice is heaped upon a bowl of red beans stewed in sweet
people both local and foreign visitors, as witnessed by the
syrup, with an elaborate psychedelic rainbow of colorful syrups and canned evaporated milk poured on top.
6.7 million tourists who come each year. The city is a center
Over time, the traditional Ice-Kachang has become fortified with ingredients such as cream-style corn
of commerce, services and tourism as well as of activities in
kernels, grass jelly cubes, sweetened palm seeds, small multi-colored jellies and chewy flour balls. Novelty
international sailing and water sports such as the Top of the Gulf Regatta which takes advantage
toppings such as chocolate syrup, Gula Melaka (palm sugar syrup), ice cream and even tropical fruits such as
of the 15 kilometer-long Pattaya beach and Jomtien.
mango and durians are added to enhance the taste and presentation of this traditional dessert.
Sold in countless outlets around the island city, the exact origins of this
© AFLO
There are several large hotels that are popular for staging international exhibitions and with restaurants serving
a variety of cuisines where visitors can choose to dine at leisure. A number of shopping centers selling both
humble everyday dessert is a matter of much debate and mystery.
local and cultural products are conveniently located and all this poises Pattaya to become a MICE City in future.
One of the many competing theories points to the sudden appearance
Pattaya’s richly diverse attractions will impress and make you enjoy an extended stay.
of the icy dessert in the early half of the last century, use of azuki beans
Striving for wisdom through a well-balanced life and
as a basic ingredient and the uncanny physical resemblance it shares with
attentive valuable free time. Reading to discover investment
the traditional Japanese summertime favorite Kakigori as a clue to this
opportunities, watching movies, listening to music,
unassuming local dessert’s possible Japanese origins.
exercising, taking care of loved ones, visiting temples to
If you ever have the chance to visit Singapore, do take the opportunity
earn merit and touring natural attractions occupy most of
to escape the heat and indulge your taste buds with this wonderful cooling
4
Executive Vice President
20 kilometers away from Laem Chabang is Pattaya City, a
In its most basic and traditional version, the Ice-Kachang is a refreshing
dessert while pondering over the mysterious origins of this icy treat!
Mr. Tares
Mahakitpaisal
my free time. You can touch and see the value of what is
A fancier version featuring green rice flour jelly,
mango strips, palm seeds and azuki beans in syrup
around us and of what we are.
Left: Som tam (Thai papaya salad), right: Tomyomkung
5
Green
Diamonds
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.
Two Scholarship Programs Support
Education in Laos
which make it difficult for many students to receive a broad
Lao PDR
based education.
With this in mind, in May 2014, Nikon established the
Proprietary Product to Help Earthquake
Recovery Efforts
The UR30ST copper
Japan
alloy wire encourages
growth in farmed fish
Nikon group company Nikon Lao Co., Ltd. was established
Nikon-EDFJapan Scholarship for Laos and the Nikon-
Mitsubishi Materials subsidiary Mitsubishi Shindoh Co.,
because the antimicrobial
in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR in March 2013, and
JICA Scholarship for Laos hoping that the programs will
Ltd. has, with the Japan Copper Development Association
action of copper has
commenced operation in October that year. Although Laos
contribute to the development of human resources and that
and the International Copper Association, taken part in an
antifouling properties
has experienced rapid economic growth and development
they will improve the economic future of Laos and cultivate
earthquake recovery project to support the farming of silver
that cut down algae and
in recent years, it still faces severe economic conditions
friendship with Japan.
or coho salmon in the town of Minami-sanriku,
shellfish that cling to nets.
Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, by providing its own UR30ST
And because this reduces
copper alloy containment wire for fish pen nets.
the need to coat nets with
antifouling agents and the
use of antibiotics it allows
farming in a more natural
environment.
After the scholarship conferment
ceremony in Dongtha
(October 2014)
The Nikon-EDFJapan Scholarship for Laos is a program that supports the education
of 100 junior high school students every year with the cooperation of the Education
for Development Foundation Japan (EDF-Japan). Using EDF’s international education
support system, between September and October in the fiscal year ending March 2015,
Nikon provided school supplies, including uniforms, teaching materials and school
bags, to scholarship students in 25 junior high schools in Savannakhet Province.
After the scholarship conferment ceremony at Savannakhet University (March 2015)
World-First Vehicle-to-Home
Power Supply by PHEV
electric vehicles such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV series. This
Japan
The UR30ST is very strong and has outstanding
Fouled nylon nets
corrosion-resistance and durability and so, particularly
The Nikon-JICA Scholarship for Laos is a program that was established in full
cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the JICA
Laos Office. The program supports university students pursuing their degrees at
Savannakhet University. Every year, Nikon provides financial aid to 40 students
recommended by the university.
■ http://www.nikon.com/about/csr/society/education/laos-scholarship/index.htm
approval now makes it possible to use the Outlander PHEV
as an emergency power source, supplying electricity stored
Fish pen made from UE30ST
overseas, helps solve the problem of farmed fish escaping
when sea lions and other predators bite through nets.
■ http://www.mitsubishi-shindoh.com/en/ur30/index.htm
Clean UR30ST nets
MUFG Volunteer Activities
Around the World
Worldwide
The Outlander PHEV1 made by Mitsubishi Motors
in the vehicle’s drive battery to run domestic appliances in a
The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (BTMU) implemented
Corporation has been approved for recognition as an all-
power outage or a natural disaster. This is a world-first for a
its second annual “MUFG Gives Back,” a global one-month
electric vehicle as its engine does not run while the vehicle
PHEV, and both current and future owners of the Outlander
volunteer initiative in November 2014. Aimed at deepening
is connected to a V2H2 system. To date, the use of a V2H
PHEV will be now able to use the V2H system.
ties between local communities where the bank conducts
system providing a two-way power connection between
business, this initiative mobilizes colleagues working at
vehicle and home had only been approved in Japan for all-
branches across the globe to join forces and give back to
their local communities.
With its scope now widened to include Japan, last
Emergency power supply system
November more than 5,000 staff volunteers took part in
Argentina: Working with TECHO to help build a transitional house over two days for a family
living in poverty (Buenos Aires Branch)
more than 100 activities in 30 countries and regions. Each
① At the time of a blackout
region organized volunteering activities that helped to
support the education of youths, protect the environment,
② Supplying electrical power
to a home using the PHEV
or give back in other ways. Not restricted to BTMU but
Fuse box
V2H
system
extending to employees in all MUFG group companies,
participation in the volunteer initiative and associated cultural
*The photo is a composite image
exchanges helps them to promote activities that serve the
local community with a greater sense of group unity.
Note 1: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
Note 2: Vehicle-to-home
■ http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/publish/pressrelease_
en/corporate/2014/news/detail0954.html
■ http://www.bk.mufg.jp/global/csr/topics/topics20150121.html
Philippines: Engaging kids in cultural exchange, money-saving tips (Manila Branch)
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