• Founded: 1870
• Founder: Yataro Iwasaki
• Origin: Tokyo, Japan (originally a shipping company)
• Industry: Diversified conglomerate
• Headquarters (group companies): Primarily Tokyo, Japan
• Logo: Three red diamonds
• Global Presence: More than 90 countries through numerous affiliated companies
• Core Philosophy: Corporate responsibility, integrity, and global business development2

Foundation (1870)

Mitsubishi was established in 1870 when Yataro Iwasaki founded a shipping company with just three steamships. During Japan’s rapid modernisation in the Meiji era, the enterprise expanded beyond maritime transport into mining, shipbuilding, finance, insurance, and international trade.3

Growth into a Conglomerate

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mitsubishi grew to become one of Japan’s largest zaibatsu (family-controlled industrial conglomerates). The group diversified extensively into:

• Mining
• Banking
• Shipbuilding
• Heavy machinery
• Manufacturing
• Insurance
• International commerce

This rapid diversification positioned Mitsubishi as a primary driver of Japan’s industrialisation.4

Post-World War II Restructuring

Following Japan’s defeat in World War II, Allied occupation authorities dissolved the centralised Mitsubishi organisation in 1946. Rather than ceasing operations, its constituent businesses were reconstituted as independent companies. Many subsequently resumed using the Mitsubishi name and logo, remaining legally separate entities connected through historical ties and cooperative relationships rather than common ownership.5

The word “Mitsubishi” is derived from two Japanese terms:

• Mitsu (三) = Three
• Hishi (菱) = Water chestnut (diamond-shaped)

When combined, hishi is pronounced bishi, forming “Mitsubishi”, which translates to “three diamonds”. This name directly references the group’s distinctive emblem.6

The Mitsubishi logo comprises three red diamonds. Its design synthesises two traditional Japanese family crests:

• The three-tiered diamond crest of the Iwasaki family.
• The three oak leaves crest of the Yamauchi family, rulers of the Tosa domain from which the founder originated.

The emblem symbolises trust, integrity, quality, stability, and unity, and has become one of the most recognisable corporate symbols globally.7

All Mitsubishi companies adhere to the Three Principles (Sankoryo):

1. Corporate Responsibility to Society: Contributing positively to society through business activities.
2. Integrity and Fairness: Conducting business honestly, transparently, and ethically.
3. Global Understanding: Promoting international cooperation and responsible global commerce.

These principles have guided the group’s companies for decades.8

The Mitsubishi name is utilised by numerous independent firms. Key entities include:

Mitsubishi Corporation

Japan’s largest general trading company, with interests spanning energy, metals, food, infrastructure, finance, chemicals, and global investments.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)

A manufacturer of aircraft, rockets, ships, defence systems, industrial machinery, power plants, and energy technologies.

Mitsubishi Motors

A producer of passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Notable models include the Outlander, Pajero (Montero), Triton/L200, Xpander, Mirage, and Eclipse Cross.

Mitsubishi Electric

Manufactures air conditioners, factory automation systems, elevators, robotics, satellites, semiconductor devices, and consumer electronics.

MUFG (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group)

One of the world’s largest banking and financial institutions.

Mitsubishi Chemical Group

Produces chemicals, pharmaceuticals, advanced materials, and industrial products.

Mitsubishi Estate

Develops office buildings, commercial properties, residential projects, and urban infrastructure.9

Collectively, Mitsubishi companies operate across the following sectors:

• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Energy
• Electronics
• Banking
• Finance
• Real estate
• Heavy machinery
• Construction
• Shipbuilding
• Chemicals
• Food
• Healthcare
• Logistics
• Mining
• Trading
• Environmental technologies
• Telecommunications10

Mitsubishi companies conduct business in over 90 countries, maintaining manufacturing plants, research centres, and regional offices worldwide. Their products and services support industries, governments, and consumers across Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania.11

Throughout its history, Mitsubishi companies have contributed to advancements in:

• Electric and hybrid vehicles
• Space systems
• Industrial robotics
• Renewable energy
• Smart infrastructure
• High-speed transportation
• Factory automation
• Artificial intelligence applications
• Carbon reduction technologies

Research and development remain a central focus across the group.12

Although it shares the Mitsubishi name and logo, Mitsubishi Motors operates as an independent company within the broader group. It is particularly noted for its SUVs, pickup trucks, rally racing heritage, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and reliable commercial vehicles. Notable achievements include multiple victories in the Dakar Rally and a strong reputation in all-wheel-drive engineering.

Mitsubishi is widely recognised for several key strengths:

• Long corporate history
• Engineering expertise
• Manufacturing quality
• Global business reach
• Technological innovation
• Strong industrial capabilities
• Diversified operations

Like many large multinational groups, some Mitsubishi companies have faced business and regulatory challenges over the years; however, the Mitsubishi name remains among Japan’s most recognisable corporate brands.

• Mitsubishi is over 150 years old.
• It began as a shipping business with only three steamships.
• The three-diamond logo has remained largely unchanged since the company’s early years.
• Mitsubishi is not a single corporation but a collection of independent companies sharing a common heritage and guiding principles.
• The Mitsubishi name appears on products ranging from automobiles and air conditioners to satellites, power plants, elevators, and financial services.

Mitsubishi is one of the world’s most established industrial brands, with origins dating to 1870. Founded by Yataro Iwasaki as a shipping enterprise, it evolved into a diversified Japanese business group spanning automotive manufacturing, heavy industries, finance, electronics, chemicals, infrastructure, and global trade. Although its companies are legally independent today, they remain linked by the iconic three-diamond emblem and shared principles of corporate responsibility, integrity, and a global outlook. Over more than a century and a half, Mitsubishi has played a significant role in Japan’s industrial development while building a substantial international presence.

1. About Mitsubishi | mitsubishi.com
2. mitsubishi.com Mitsubishi Companies
3. Origin | mitsubishi.com
4. History of Mitsubishi group | MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC PHILIPPINES
5. History | MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC Global website
6. About Mitsubishi Electric | MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC PHILIPPINES
7. Getting to Know Mitsubishi | mitsubishi.com
8. Mitsubishi’s Journey | mitsubishi.com
9. Discover | Mitsubishi Motors Philippines
10. Our Heritage | Mitsubishi Motors
11. Corporate History | About Us | Mitsubishi Corporation
12. Corporate Profile | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries