Mitsui & Co., Ltd., also known as Mitsui Bussan, is a major general trading company in Japan. It is a key member of the Mitsui Group.
On July 1, 1876, Mitsui Bank was established as Japan's first private bank with Takashi Masuda as its president. It later became part of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation after a merger with Taiyō-Kobe Bank.
In 1878, Mitsui invested in maritime transportation by establishing Osaka Shosen Kaisha (OSK) to support its trading activities. This later merged with Mitsui Steamship to form Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL).
In 1900, Mitsui Bank became the holding company of the Mitsui zaibatsu, joined by Mitsui & Co. and Mitsui Mining. This marked the consolidation of various industrial concerns under these companies.
During the UK's withdrawal from the gold standard in 1931, Mitsui Bank and Mitsui & Co. were implicated in speculation around the transaction. This led to political controversy in Japan and the assassination of Mitsui executive Takuma Dan.
In 1947, Daiichi Bussan Kaisha, Ltd. merged with other trading companies, including Mitsui & Co., leading to the formation of Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
Testimony at the Tokyo War Crimes trials in 1948 revealed that the revenue from the narcotization policy in China, including Manchukuo, was estimated to be between 20 million to 30 million yen per year, with another source stating the annual revenue was estimated at US$300 million a year.
In 1949, Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. was established with 3 million yen in capital, as the real estate division separated from the Mitsui Company and became wholly owned by the Mitsui family.
In 1956, Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. listed its stock, marking a significant milestone in its corporate history.
In 1961, Mitsui Fudosan completed the liquidation and absorption of the Mitsui Company, consolidating its position in the real estate sector.
In 1966, Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. was established, marking a significant expansion of the Mitsui & Co. business operations into the United States.
In 1968, Mitsui Fudosan completed the iconic Kasumigaseki Building, the first skyscraper in Japan located in Tokyo.
In 1969, Mitsui Fudosan initiated the construction and sales of detached houses, further diversifying its real estate offerings.
In 1971, the firm took a stake in an offshore gas field near Das Island in Abu Dhabi, which supplied liquefied natural gas to Japan exclusively.
In 1973, Mitsui Fudosan expanded its operations internationally by establishing Mitsui Fudosan America, Inc. in the United States.
In 1974, Mitsui Home Co., Ltd. was established, further diversifying Mitsui Fudosan's presence in the real estate market.
The book 'The 100 Year History of Mitsui & Co., Ltd.' was published by Mitsui & Co. in 1977, providing insights into the company's journey.
In 1980, Mitsui Fudosan introduced the joint development system, a significant innovation in real estate development and collaboration.
In 1985, the firm invested in a major Western Australian LNG project, contributing to its involvement in natural resources projects.
The Ohtemachi Head Office building was finished, and the Head Office was relocated from Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato Ward to Ohtemachi, Chiyoda Ward.
Nitto Soko Co., Ltd. was established as a new spin-off company from Mitsui & Co., Ltd.'s warehouse division in November 1994.
In 2000, Mitsui Pharmaceuticals was acquired by the German Schering AG from Berlin.
In 2002, the Office Building Fund operation was initiated, marking the beginning of a strategic financial plan related to office buildings.
In 2003, the construction of the 'Nakanoshima Mitsui Building' in Osaka was successfully finished, adding a significant landmark to the city's skyline.
The 'Nihonbashi 1-chome Mitsui Building' (COREDO Nihonbashi) was finalized in 2004, contributing to the urban development of Tokyo.
The 'Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower' was completed in 2005, becoming a prominent structure in Tokyo's skyline and business district.
In 2006, 'Urban Dock LaLaport TOYOSU' was opened in Tokyo, offering a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options for visitors.
On October 1, 2007, Mitsui & Co. Steel Ltd. was inaugurated after changing its trade name from Mitsui & Co. Steel Construction Material Ltd. This marked a significant event in the company's history.
On April 1, 2008, Mitsui & Co. Steel Ltd. changed its trade name from Mitsui & Co. Steel Construction Material Ltd. This change reflected a strategic shift or rebranding within the company.
In April 2009, Kyogi Soko Co., Ltd. and Toshinsoko, Ltd. merged to form a new entity named Tri-net Logistics Co., Ltd.
On September 1, 2010, Mitsui & Co. Ltd. relocated its head office to Akasaka Biz Tower in Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo.
In May 2011, MOEX Offshore, a subsidiary of Mitsui Oil Exploration, agreed to pay US$1.07 billion to settle BP claims related to the Deepwater Horizon well explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
On July 1, 2012, a new Automotive Steel Unit was established as a result of business restructuring with the Iron & Steel Products Business Unit of Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
Took over steel scrap business activities from Mitsui Bussan Metals Co., Ltd. and established a new Ferrous Raw Materials Unit.
On October 1, 2014, a new Global Infrastructure Steel Business Division was established.
On November 1, 2014, the domestic construction materials business and metal scrap business of Mitsui & Co. Steel Ltd. were integrated with all businesses operated by Metal One Structural Steel & Resource Corporation to create Metal One Mitsui Bussan Resource & Structural Steel Corporation.
On April 1, 2015, the Steel Plate & Sheet Unit was divided into two new units: Steel Plate & Pipe Business Unit and Steel Sheet Business Unit.
In 2016, MITSUI OUTLET PARK LINKOU was opened in Taiwan, providing a new retail destination for shoppers in the region.
The tinplate domestic sales business is moved from Mitsui & Co., Ltd. to the newly formed Steel Sheet Business Unit.
On April 1, 2018, the Flat Steel Products Global Trade Unit was created, taking over the export business of Hot Rolled & Cold Rolled Steel, Tin Mill Products, and Electrical Steel from Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
In November 2019, shares of Mitsui&Co.Global Logistics(Shanghai)Ltd. and Mitsui&Co.Global Logistics&Insurance(Thailand)Ltd. were transferred to MGL, making these companies subsidiaries of MGL within the Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Group.
On October 1, 2020, the newly established Energy Steel Products Unit was transferred from Mitsui & Co., Ltd. This unit focuses on energy materials used for oil and gas development, production, and transportation.
In May 2021, Mitsui & Co. Global Logistics (Vietnam) Company Limited was established in Vietnam.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kashiwa-no-ha Park Side, a hotel supporting cancer treatment with 145 rooms, is set to open on July 1, 2022.
Mitsui Fudosan Group introduced their long-term vision 'VISION 2025' in Tokyo, outlining their strategic goals and objectives for the future.