a bimonthly review of the mitsubishi companies and their ... · konker™ zeolite membrane...
TRANSCRIPT
A Bimonthly Review of the Mitsubishi Companies and Their People Around the World 2016
October & November
Official Website ■ http://www.mitsubishi.com/mpac/e/monitor/back/index.html
The Mitsubishi Monitor is published by the Mitsubishi Public Affairs CommitteeMarunouchi Nakadori Bldg., 2-3, Marunouchi 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005, JapanPhone: 81-3-5218-8660 Fax: 81-3-5218-8661
©2016 Mitsubishi Public Affairs Committee
Volume 30 No.5
For more information about the Mitsubishi companies, see “Mitsubishi Profile” ■ http://www.mitsubishi.com/mpac/e/activity/profile.html
Printed in Japan on recycled paper
We want your feedback! ■ http://www.mitsubishi.com/mpac/e/talk/form.html
* The Enikki entries above, when necessary, have been translated into English from the language they were originally written in.
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
The Dragon 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.
Phan Huong GiangAge 9, GirlSocialist Republic of Viet Nam
11th
Dragon boats are long boats propelled by paddles that were first built in ancient China. Racing between them is said to have originated when local fishermen paddled out to a court official who had waded into a river to commit suicide in protest at corruption after being banished by his king. The fishermen beat drums as they raced to save him from dragons and great fish believed to live on the bottom of the deep river. Later, racing between dragon boats spread to South-east Asia and in modern times has emerged as an international sport.
Dragon Boat Race
In the February/March issue through to the October/November issue of Mitsubishi Monitor in 2016, we shall be featuring some Enikki essays from the 2010-2011 (10th) and 2012-2013 (11th) editions of the Mitsubishi Asian Children’s Enikki Festa which give a sense of the national character and regional characteristics of the countries in which the submitting children live, along with photographs of the scenes portrayed in the Enikki.
©AP/AFLO
Viet Nam
Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Shirakawago is a historic village in Gifu Prefecture where the entire village is deluged by a curtain of
water in early November each year. Shirakawago village is famous for its heavy snowfall landscapes and its illuminated night views in winter. But it is also known for its tradition
of discharging all the fire-hydrants in the village at once in November as a fire-fighting exercise in preparation for the winter when dry air and the use of oil stoves are conducive to fire outbreaks. The gasshozukuri*1 thatched roofs for which the village is also famous can catch fire very easily and so in 1971 the local government recommended that water cannons be installed. Capable of turning through a full 360-degrees, 59 water cannons are currently installed in the village, and the full salvo in November is carried out to check that they are functioning properly. The practice is an indication of how capable the local residents are of responding to a fire outbreak and to their high awareness of the need to conserve the regional community.
Shirakawago: A Tradition of Discharging All The Firehydrants
©JIJI PRESS
©JIJI PRESS
Note 1:Thatched and steep roofs which resemble palms placed together and fingers pointing upward in prayer.
Delivering A Refreshing and
Healing Experience
Concession Granted for Canberra Light Rail Project
Canberra Metro PC Pty Ltd (Canberra Metro), a joint stock
company established between Mitsubishi Corporation (MC),
Pacific Partnerships (Australia), John Holland (Australia) and
Aberdeen Infrastructure Investments (United Kingdom), has
signed an agreement with the Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Government granting it a concession to undertake Light Rail
Transit (LRT) operations in Canberra under a public-private
partnership (PPP) scheme. The project is being promoted as one
of the ACT Government’s top priorities and forms the first phase
of LRT network development
in Canberra. Through Canberra
Metro, MC will be seeking to
provide a safe and punctual
public transportation service
that is in keeping with
Canberra’s verdant townscape,
that improves convenience for
residents and that stimulates
economic activity in the region.
■
http://www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/en/pr/archive/2016/ html/0000030228.html
CG image of LRT in operation
Australia
Zeolite Membrane Technology Creates New Japanese Sake Featured On Ise-Shima Summit Menu
Mitsubishi Chemical and Japanese brewer
Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten have developed a
new 30% alcohol sake called “concentration
ZAKU gyoshuku H” using Mitsubishi Chemical’s
KonKer™ zeolite membrane technology to
concentrate flavor, aroma and alcohol content.
“Concentration ZAKU gyoshuku H” is made from
the brewer’s “ZAKU Ho No Tomo” junmai*1 sake
using KonKer™ technology to remove water
molecules. The process doubles the alcohol
content, flavor and aroma to create a crisptasting
sake. The new sake was on the buffet
menu for delegates at the G7 Ise-
Shima Summit in May as well as being
displayed and offered for tasting at
the Mie Prefecture International Media
Center during the summit.
Front Line
2
News&Products
Yusen Logistics provides
ocean transport of foodstuffs
using “Maxtend” controlled
atmosphere (CA) technology in
reefer containers. CA refers to
the regulation of the atmosphere
composition inside the
container and this is managed
by an external Maxtend unit.
Developed by Mitsubishi
Australia Limited, Maxtend was first offered to customers in 1999
and is already used widely in the import and export of perishable
produce, including avocado, bananas, asparagus and blueberries.
Changing the composition of the atmosphere inside the container
brings a major increase in the time foodstuffs can be kept fresh
compared with systems that control temperature alone. Different
products require different atmosphere compositions to keep them
fresh and this know-how is a part of the Maxtend. The Trans-
Pacific Partnership agreement is due to come into force in the
near future and the demand for the Maxtend
is expected to grow with the increase in
imports and exports of perishable foodstuffs
it will bring.
Front Line
Yusen Logistics Co., Ltd.Est. 1955
Sumitomo Fudosan Shiba-Koen Tower 2-11-1, Shiba-Koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011
Yusen Logistics, with ocean and air freight forwarding and contract logistics as its pillars and a network spanning 42 countries and regions, is meeting the increasingly diverse and sophisticated respects of its customers by developing total logistics solutions. Aiming to be a “world-leading total logistics provider” providing high-quality transportation and logistics solutions. Yusen Logistic continues to fulfill its customers needs while contributing to the sustainable development of society through business activities under the values of “integrity, Innovation and Industry.”
■ http://www.yusen-logistics.com
Japan
Japan
3
Greening of Event Space at Yokohama Landmark Tower
Cover Story
Mitsubishi Estate and Sakata Seed Corporation have reached
agreement on a comprehensive tie-up on greening of the
Yokohama Landmark Tower, using flowers and green plants
to create a more refreshing and invigorating ambience. Under
the agreement, the companies have implemented a greening
strategy embracing the five-story Garden Square atrium that
lies at the center of the Landmark Plaza shopping complex
located in the lower floors of Landmark Tower. The Garden
Square has also been renamed the Sakata Seed Garden Square after Mitsubishi Estate concluded a naming rights deal
for the first time in a facility that it operates.
The new Sakata Seed Garden Square sees a major increase
in the number of cultivated plants decorating the interior.
In addition to ornamental foliage plants, the seasonal rotation
of original varieties of flowers developed by Sakata Seed will
offer visitors to the building a healing area full of flowers and
greenery. The space will also be used throughout the 2016 fiscal
year to stage events relating to agriculture and hor ticulture.
The greening project has been partly funded by a subsidy from
the Yokohama City Environmental Planning Bureau under the
Yokohama Green-Up Plan.
In Yokohama’s futuristic port district Minato Mirai 21, the
26th Japan Flower & Garden Show 2016 (staged by The Japan
Home Garden Association) was held for the first time at the
PACIFICO Yokohama convention center in April this year.
The event is scheduled to return there in 2017 and 2018, while
the 33rd National Urban Greenery Fair Yokohama - Garden
Necklace YOKOHAMA 2017 is to be staged from March
through June in 2017 with the Grand Mall Park in the Minato
Mirai 21 district as one of its main sites. Sakata Seed will
be cooperating in the staging of such events with the aim of
attracting more visitors to the district.
Yokohama Landmark Tower celebrates its 25th anniversary
in 2018, and Mitsubishi Estate and Sakata Seed will continue
to cooperate in promoting the attractiveness of the Minato
Mirai 21 district.
Note 1: Sake made without added alcohol.
Note 1: Impacting Paradigm Change through Disruptive Technologies Program
Ceremony at Sakata Seed Garden Square
concentration ZAKU, gyoshuku H
Tasting session
First International KD Bus Operation
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation has launched
the “ROSA” light bus on the Vietnamese market to respond to
increasing market demand for this type of bus. To deliver ROSA
buses to customers as soon as possible, the company has
started production at an assembly plant located in Cu Chi on
the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City. GDP in Viet Nam is growing
at a rate on a par with the Philippines, the fastest in Southeast
Asia. This has brought a rapid increase
in demand for light buses for use in
school, hotel, office, factory and tourist
transportation. FUSO has introduced
four ROSA models in Viet Nam to meet
diverse customer needs.
■
http://www.mitsubishi-fuso.com/en/press/160512/160512.html
“ROSA” vehicle in Viet Nam
“ROSA” launch in Viet Nam
Viet Nam
Ethylene gas absorbent used inside container
Bananas and mangos ready for transport in Maxtend CAs. CAs being transported on container ship.
Worldwide
Controlled Atmosphere Containers Transform Perishable Foodstuff Transportation
Front panel of Maxtend. Nitrogen gas is introduced into the container through the valve before sailing and the controller regulates the composition of the internal atmosphere.
New Biped Robot Climbs Vertical Ladder 12x Faster/Avoids Falling
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Professor
Atsuo Takanishi of the Faculty of Science
and Engineering and Assistant Professor
Kenji Hashimoto of the Waseda Institute
of Advanced Study have created an
algorithm that enables a biped robot to
climb up and down a ladder 12 times
faster than its predecessor. Their work
is part of the Tough Robot Challenge in
the ImPACT*1 Program led by Japan’s
Council of Science, Technology and
Innovation. The new 2-point foot contact
algorithm allows the robot to move two
limbs at a time and replaces the previous
one which used a 3-point foot contact
mechanism to move one limb at a time.
The new algorithm makes it possible for
biped robots to negotiate vertical ladders
in carrying out maintenance tasks and
in operating to prevent disasters in
dilapidated infrastructures and factories.
Japan
Standing on two legs
2-point foot contact bipedal robot negotiating ladder
valve controller
valve CO2 sensor
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.
4 5
GlobalSpotlight
Myanm
arfrom
Ms Su Pyae NyeinOfficer
Ms Zin Hlaing WaiDeputy Manager
Mitsubishi CorporationYangon Branch
Mitsubishi Corporation Yangon Branch
“A Work of Art Is A Scream of Freedom” – Christo, Bulgarian artist By Ms Su Pyae Nyein
Bermuda - The Tiny Island with Big Ideas - Industry Innovation -
In 2000 Tokio Millennium Re AG (TMR) was founded in Bermuda by our parent Tokio Marine Nichido Fire
to diversify its domestic insurance business into international reinsurance. Today, TMR has grown into
a global reinsurer headquartered in Switzerland, employing over 180 employees from over 30 countries,
mainly from North America, Europe and Asia. TMR offers reinsurance and capital market solutions to
clients around the world from its five offices in Switzerland, Bermuda, USA, UK, and Australia, with a
diverse employee base. In eight rewarding years at TMR, I was privileged to lead the expansion of our
business with capital markets including the incorporation of our subsidiaries, Tokio Solution Management
Ltd. and Shima Reinsurance Ltd. in 2012. I was CEO of Tokio Solution until January, when I became Head
of the Bermuda branch, overseeing the branch and Tokio Solution. The Bermuda branch offers a strong
team culture where collaboration and innovation are essential to our success.
Bermuda is also known for business innovation and collaboration. Bermuda is recognized as having a
well-developed regulatory regime for reinsurance that
has been recently granted Solvency II equivalency
by the EU. Bermuda’s reinsurance industry dates
to 1940s, and today is the largest single non-
governmental source of GDP on the island. Bermuda
is home to 20 reinsurers and insurers that directly
employ over 1500 people on the island and nearly
39,000 globally. The captive insurance concept
was developed in Bermuda and we are the leading
domicile for insurance linked securities.
Celebrating Diversity and Accomplishments -
We like to honor our Japanese roots whenever we can and
cultivate a unique and fun way to celebrate our successes.
My colleague Tsuyoshi Harigai and I located a beautiful 60-year-
old Taiko drum in Kyoto – we had to have it! It blends our
competitive spirit with the Japanese history of the Taiko as a call to rally the troops to impress the enemy.
Our Taiko drum has also become a cherished feature at community and corporate events.
In addition to TMR’s Japanese heritage, the Bermuda branch is steeped in
rich island culture, among lush greens, cerulean seas and miles of pristine pink
beaches. Described as a “place of eternal spring” by Princess Louise and
“Paradise” by Mark Twain, the island is well known for charming pastel-painted,
white-roofed houses, its flora and fauna, and a spectacular coral reef.
Bermuda is tiny but has been a pioneer in areas of commerce and life.
Despite its small size, approximately 21 square miles,
the island has made a big impression worldwide. Bermuda
greatly influenced ocean sailing with the development of the
Bermuda rig, the now ubiquitous configuration in modern
sailboats for recreation and racing. Duly, Bermuda will set
the scene for the 35th America’s Cup in 2017, where we’ll be
cheering on Japanese Team in their bid for the Cup.
from Bermuda
Ms Kathleen FariesHead of Bermuda
Tokio Millennium Re AGA group company ofTokio Marine Nichido Fire Insurance
©Bridgeman Images/PPS
Trapped for over 5 decades under repressive military rules and state censorship, Myanmar contemporary
artist could not hold art exhibitions or performances without approval from the censorship board. So, it was
such a shame for artists not able to show off talent and techniques.
Currently, it is exciting to see how the new government has brought changes to Myanmar contemporary
art. Artists now have more freedom to let loose their unlimited creativity unlike in the old days. Without
boundary or censorship, artworks are now more colorful and meaningful. Artists do not hesitate to
illustrate their vision, idea and inspiration, for example, a collection of portraits of Gen. Aung San, Burma’s
independence leader, which was strongly censored under the military government rules is hanging on the
wall of the gallery at the art exhibition in front of thousands of visitors locally or internationally.
Nowadays, a number of art galleries are also curating more art exhibitions.
Artists are also considering the contemporary art in l ine with business, which will
lead to the revolutionary of Myanmar art market. They will not let their artworks to
be undervalued in the dealer’s hands like in the old days since the country is more
open to the outside world. Our young generations will also have
an opportunity to learn fine arts and arts career management
from degree level to doctorate level.
All in all, it cannot be denied that the transparency and
development of Myanmar contemporary arts affect the community
and society for the better way. Therefore, I believe that Myanmar
contemporary arts should be promoted by the government.
Supporting Flood Victims By Ms Zin Hlaing Wai
Days offs are perfect moments for doing things that you have less time
to do during weekdays. Especially, life would be very enjoyable if people
spend the time off in putting all their efforts in helping people.
Myanmar is one of the developing countries, which still has more efforts
in rehabilitating people in disaster areas. As the new government is trying to develop a concrete system for
this task, it reversely encourages its citizens to work cooperatively in giving voluntary service to the public.
There are tons of requirement in our country but it is encouraging knowing that over 1000 volunteer groups
currently are working in finding and rescuing victims of natural disasters.
We are one of them in which are working closely with our MC colleagues and friends founded as a voluntary
group. It regularly organizes members in collecting money every month as fund raising for continual support.
Funds are being operated to help people in disaster area by offering basic necessities such as, water, food,
clothing, temporary shelter and medical aid.
As there have been several places of flood hit areas in the country as
a result of bad weather, it is sure there will also be more efforts in fighting
against natural disaster in the future. Hopefully, the new government and
voluntary groups are working hand in hand more effectively with a proper
system in reacting to continue disasters relief services throughout Myanmar.
Big Data Reduces Sea Vessel CO2 Emissions In fiscal 2015 NYK achieved a 14.3 percent reduction in
fleet CO2 emissions. This exceeded the goal established
in 2011 in the company’s “More Than Shipping 2013”
mid-term management plan that called for a 10 percent
reduction by fiscal 2015 in the CO2 emission rate per unit of
transportation*1 compared with the rate recorded in 2010.
This accomplishment is the result of cooperative efforts
by shipowners, ship-
management companies,
crews, and NYK in
utilizing Big Data to
reduce fuel consumption.
NYK has worked
to contribute to the
protection of the global
environment and the
creation of sustainable
societies by managing environmental risks and reaching
an optimal balance between environment and economy,
as called for in the company’s environmental management
vision established in March 2005.
Green Diamonds
6 7
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.
Sharing Tokyo’s Solid Waste Management Knowhow Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and group company Mitsubishi
Heavy Industries Environmental & Chemical Engineering co-
hosted a forum on large city solid waste management in
Yangon, Myanmar, a country undergoing robust economic
development. The forum was the fourth and final in a series
sharing Tokyo’s expertise in a field that is of growing social
concern in Myanmar. The forum, hosted jointly by the MHI
Group and Myanmar Engineering Society as one of MHI’s
CSR activities, looked at the lessons to be learnt from
Tokyo’s experience in solid waste treatment, including its
history, technology, and laws and regulations, and was
aimed at contractors in Myanmar. The series of forums,
which started in September last year, was well received
and attracted 734 participants in total.
Myanmar
IoT Supports Community-wide Energy Saving, More Pleasant Daily Life
Mitsubishi Electric has launched a new energy management
system (EMS) called DIAPLANET TOWNEMS that utilizes
the IoT,*1 the Cloud*2 and other resources to reduce energy
usage in a wide range of applications connected to the local
grid as well as to make daily life safer and more comfortable
in keeping with community needs. Making the television the
control center for household EMS services, DIAPLANET
TOWNEMS provides an environment that encourages all
family members to participate in energy management.
The menu-based system provides a unified service
platform matched to
community needs and
growth that allows
users to select natural
disaster, traffic or other
regional information for
display on the screen,
as well as to reserve public facilities or view electronic
community notices. The service is to be launched as part
of the ZUTTOCITY redevelopment project (Amagasaki City,
Hyogo Prefecture) due for completion in March 2018.
Japan
DIAPLANT TOWNEMS service schematic
Digital signage screen impression
Aries Leader. Oceangoing car carrier fitted with latest energy saving technology.
NYK Blue Jay. 14,000 TEU container ship boasts industry-leading fuel economy.
Note 1: Environmental load unit. NYK uses CO2 per ton of freight moved one kilometer.
Note 1: Internet of Things: network of physical devices, vehicles, buildings and other items—embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity that enable these objects to collect and exchange data.
Note 2 : A kind of Internet-based computing that provides shared processing resources and data to computers and other devices on demand.
■ http://www.nyk.com/english/release/4208/004335.html
■ http://www.mhi-global.com/news/story/1606101990.html
Japan
Cooperating with Volunteer Language Aide Project
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has stated in its
Tokyo Long Term Vision its intention to recruit volunteer
language aides to make visitors from all over
the world feel more welcome and comfortable
in the nation’s capital. This prompted Tokio
Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance(TMNF) to
work with the Bureau of Citizens and Cultural
Affairs and look at how private companies
could cooperate in the education and training
of volunteer language aides. As a result,
TMNF has decided to introduce a series of
lectures on volunteering as part of their new
employee training. The role of the volunteer
language aides is to offer help to foreign
visitors they find around town who seem to
be in difficulty, using simple foreign phrases
to give directions to places they are looking
for or to help them in other ways. TMNF becomes the
first private enterprise to cooperate with the Tokyo
Government in this project and will take this oppor tunity
to further its promotion of activities that are rooted in and
that contribute to the local community.
Japan