"Serve Kirin Beer When Entertaining the Mitsubishi Group"... 'Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Sumitomo as Liberal Arts' Becomes a Must-Read for Working Professionals, Surpassing 20,000 Copies Sold!
Key facts
- "Serve Kirin Beer When Entertaining the Mitsubishi Group"... 'Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Sumitomo as Liberal Arts' Becomes a Must-Read for Working Professionals, Surpassing 20,000 Copies Sold!
- Asuka Shinsha Co., Ltd. announced that its book 'Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Sumitomo as Liberal Arts' (author: Kiyohiro Yamakawa) has surpassed 20,000 copies in sales, leading to an 8th printing. The author, a veteran economic journalist with over 30 years of experience, has compiled essential knowledge about the three major Japanese business groups—Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo—including their history, details of key companies, data such as stock prices and employee numbers, and university employment rankings.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 4, 2026
Direct answer
Asuka Shinsha Co., Ltd. announced that its book 'Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Sumitomo as Liberal Arts' (author: Kiyohiro Yamakawa) has surpassed 20,000 copies in sales, leading to an 8th printing. The author, a veteran economic journalist with over 30 years of experience, has compiled essential knowledge about the three major Japanese business groups—Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo—including their history, details of key companies, data such as stock prices and employee numbers, and university employment rankings.
- Citation
- "Serve Kirin Beer When Entertaining the Mitsubishi Group"... 'Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Sumitomo as Liberal Arts' Becomes a Must-Read for Working Professionals, Surpassing 20,000 Copies Sold! (June 4, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 4, 2026
Asuka Shinsha Co., Ltd. announced that its book 'Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Sumitomo as Liberal Arts' (author: Kiyohiro Yamakawa) has surpassed 20,000 copies in sales, leading to an 8th printing. The author, a veteran economic journalist with over 30 years of experience, has compiled essential knowledge about the three major Japanese business groups—Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo—including their history, details of key companies, data such as stock prices and employee numbers, and university employment rankings.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 4, 2026 at 01:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 3, 2026 at 16:20
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 6, 2026 at 23:25 (79h 4m after Collected)
Asuka Shinsha Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Naohisa Doi) has announced that its book 'Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Sumitomo as Liberal Arts' (author: Kiyohiro Yamakawa) has surpassed 20,000 copies in sales, leading to an 8th printing.
The author, a veteran economic journalist with over 30 years of experience, has leveraged his knowledge to conduct a comprehensive investigation, covering essential knowledge about the Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo groups.
"When entertaining Mitsubishi affiliates, you must serve Kirin beer."
Have you ever heard of such a 'rule'?
In fact, Kirin Beer is a part of the Mitsubishi Group. If you are conscious of the 'group,' finding a store that serves Kirin Beer is an important skill for a business professional.
Conversely, if you choose a restaurant that serves Sapporo Beer, which is part of the Mitsui Group, for an entertainment event... it might not decide everything, but it could give you the image of 'someone who doesn't understand.'
As these examples show, the three major groups—Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo—have many 'origins and relationships that working professionals should know.'
This book covers not only the history of the three major groups but also details of key companies, their origins and relationships, rankings based on 'numbers' such as current stock prices and employee counts, and even university-specific employment rankings, providing a volume truly worthy of being called a 'liberal arts book' that explains each group.
Why does Mitsubishi place importance on 'organization'? Why does Mitsui have a 'free atmosphere'? Why does Sumitomo feel a 'strong bond'? Understanding the history of each group allows for a deep understanding of their characters.
Recommended by Azabu Keibajo, author of 'The Game of Life: Reiwa 1st Year'!
I wish I had read this during my job hunting!
It is history and geopolitics...
An astonishing book that articulates the 'atmosphere' of the Japanese economy.
A business textbook for those about to enter society and for people working in the core of Japan's business world! It is full of knowledge that 'you think you know but don't.'
[Table of Contents]
Introduction – Why 'Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Sumitomo as Liberal Arts' is Necessary
Chapter 1: The Characters of the Three Groups as Seen from History
'The Organization of Mitsubishi' Born from Growing with the Nation
'The People of Mitsui' Brought by a Clerk-Centered System
'The Unity of Sumitomo' Where Rational Management and 'Family Precepts' Coexist
A Thorough Comparison of the Unique Colors of Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo from History
Chapter 2: The Positions of Major Mitsubishi Group Companies
Dissecting the Strongest Formation of 'The Organization of Mitsubishi,' Proud of Its Ironclad Unity
Mitsubishi Group ① Mitsubishi Heavy Industries: A Heavy Industry Manufacturer Representing Japan
Mitsubishi Group ② Mitsubishi Corporation: A Global 'Trading Company' Handling Everything from Cup Noodles to Space
Mitsubishi Group ③ MUFG Bank: The Red Bank, an Intersection of Tradition and Change
Mitsubishi Group ④ Mitsubishi Estate: The Owner of Marunouchi Challenges Japan's Tallest Building
Mitsubishi Group ⑤ Mitsubishi Electric: What Was Gained and Lost by Breaking Away from a 'Lazy Monopoly'
Mitsubishi Group ⑥ Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation: The 'Unsung Hero' of Marunouchi
Mitsubishi Group ⑦ Mitsubishi Materials: A 'Materials Trading Company' Supporting Coins and Rockets
Mitsubishi Group ⑧ Mitsubishi Chemical Group: The Overly Complex History of a 'Giant That Keeps Changing Its Name'
Mitsubishi Group ⑨ Tokio Marine Holdings: The Power of the Top Non-Life Insurance Company Without the 'Mitsubishi' Name
Mitsubishi Group ⑩ Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company: A Unique Insurance Company Born from the Merger of Two Former Zaibatsu
Mitsubishi Group ⑪ Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha: The Course of the 'Ship's Mail' That Originated from the Group but Does Not Bear the 'Mitsubishi' Name
Mitsubishi Group ⑫ AGC: A Lone Wolf Consistent Since the 'Asahi Glass' Era
Mitsubishi Group ⑬ Kirin Holdings: The Group's Foremost Food Company Bets on 'Health Science'
Chapter 3: The Positions of Major Mitsui Group Companies
The Power of a Free and Open Federation: 'The People of Mitsui,' Where Personalities Clash
Mitsui Group ① Mitsui & Co.: The Representative of the Group, Embodying 'The People of Mitsui'
Mitsui Group ② Mitsui Fudosan: The Pioneer of 'Skyscrapers' and the Driving Force Behind Nihonbashi
Mitsui Group ③ Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation: The Forbidden Merger of Two Major Zaibatsu
Mitsui Group ④ Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank: Japan's Only Dedicated Professional Group
Mitsui Group ⑤ Mitsui Chemicals: A Leader Chasing Mitsubishi and Distinguishing Itself from Sumitomo
Mitsui Group ⑥ Mitsui E&S: Abandoning Its 'Shipbuilding' Origins to Become an Engine Manufacturer with a Global Top Share
Mitsui Group ⑦ Mitsui Mining & Smelting: Facing Industrial Disease and the Counterattack of 'Ultra-Thin Copper Foil' Supporting Smartphones
Mitsui Group ⑧ Toray Industries: From a Declining Industry to the Development of 'Heattech'
Mitsui Group ⑨ The Japan Steel Works: A Long-Established Technology Supporting Everything from 'Cannons' to 'EV Batteries'
Mitsui Group ⑩ Mitsui O.S.K. Lines: The Pioneer of 'Mitsui + Sumitomo,' Its Face as 'Mitsui of the Sea'
Mitsui Group ⑪ Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance: From the Struggle to Find a Merger Partner to Becoming Number One in the Industry
Mitsui Group ⑫ Modec: A Small Elite Force Supporting Offshore Energy Plants
Mitsui Group ⑬ Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings: Can the Glory of 'Echigoya,' Which Created Japan's Department Stores, Be Regained?
Mitsui Group ⑭ Sapporo Holdings: A Land Return Strategy Betting on 'Ebisu'
Chapter 4: The Positions of Major Sumitomo Group Companies
The 'Unity of Sumitomo' of Trust and Practical Benefit: Technology and Spirit Supporting the World
Sumitomo Group ① Sumitomo Corporation: Hurrying Transformation from 'Not Chasing Fleeting Profits' to 'Skillful Investment'
Sumitomo Group ② Sumitomo Realty & Development: From 'Debt King' to Tokyo's 'Landlord,' a Unique Growth Philosophy
Sumitomo Group ③ Sumitomo Life Insurance Company: The 'Wild' Sales Power and the Health Promotion Business Challenged with 'Vitality'
Sumitomo Group ④ Sumitomo Metal Mining: From the 'Source' Besshi Copper Mine to EV Batteries
Sumitomo Group ⑤ Sumitomo Chemical: 'Pollution Control' as Its Origin: Hardship in the Petrochemical Industry
Sumitomo Group ⑥ Sumitomo Forestry: A Sustainable Company Protecting Not Only Housing but Also Global Forestry
Sumitomo Group ⑦ Sumitomo Heavy Industries: A Heavyweight in the Industrial Machinery World with Roots in 'Besshi'
Sumitomo Group ⑧ NEC: After Defeats in PCs and Semiconductors, Betting on Survival in AI and Consulting
Sumitomo Group ⑨ Sumitomo Electric Industries: From a 'Wire and Cable Manufacturer' to a Technology Company 'Connecting the World'
Sumitomo Group ⑩ Sumitomo Rubber Industries: The Strength That Swallowed the British Brand 'Dunlop'
Sumitomo Group ⑪ Sumitomo Pharma: Can the Renowned Pharmaceutical Company Facing 'Patent Cliffs' Forge a Path to Revival?
Chapter 5: The Current State of the Three Groups as Seen from Numbers
Data Speaks Honestly! The Reality of the Three Groups
Ranking ① Market Capitalization: Which Companies Are Highly Valued in the Stock Market?
Ranking ② Number of Employees: Which Surprising Companies Contribute to Japanese Employment?
Ranking ③ Overseas Sales Ratio: 'Global Expansion' Power Beyond Corporate Groups
Ranking ④ Starting Salary for University Graduates: Over 300,000 Yen Becoming Common to Secure Excellent Students!
2025 University-Specific Employment Rankings for Major Companies
University ① Trading Companies: Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsui & Co., Sumitomo Corporation
University ② Real Estate: Mitsubishi Estate, Mitsui Fudosan, Sumitomo Realty & Development
University ③ Banks: MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
University ④ Non-Life Insurance: Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance
University ⑤ Shipping: Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
University ⑥ Electrical Machinery: Mitsubishi Electric, NEC, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Toshiba
University ⑦ Heavy Industry: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Sumitomo Heavy Industries
University ⑧ Chemicals: Mitsubishi Chemical, Mitsui Chemicals, Sumitomo Chemical
[Author Profile]
Kiyohiro Yamakawa
Born in Tokyo in 1967. Graduated from Waseda University, School of Political Science and Economics, Department of Economics in 1991. Toyo
The author, a veteran economic journalist with over 30 years of experience, has leveraged his knowledge to conduct a comprehensive investigation, covering essential knowledge about the Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo groups.
"When entertaining Mitsubishi affiliates, you must serve Kirin beer."
Have you ever heard of such a 'rule'?
In fact, Kirin Beer is a part of the Mitsubishi Group. If you are conscious of the 'group,' finding a store that serves Kirin Beer is an important skill for a business professional.
Conversely, if you choose a restaurant that serves Sapporo Beer, which is part of the Mitsui Group, for an entertainment event... it might not decide everything, but it could give you the image of 'someone who doesn't understand.'
As these examples show, the three major groups—Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo—have many 'origins and relationships that working professionals should know.'
This book covers not only the history of the three major groups but also details of key companies, their origins and relationships, rankings based on 'numbers' such as current stock prices and employee counts, and even university-specific employment rankings, providing a volume truly worthy of being called a 'liberal arts book' that explains each group.
Why does Mitsubishi place importance on 'organization'? Why does Mitsui have a 'free atmosphere'? Why does Sumitomo feel a 'strong bond'? Understanding the history of each group allows for a deep understanding of their characters.
Recommended by Azabu Keibajo, author of 'The Game of Life: Reiwa 1st Year'!
I wish I had read this during my job hunting!
It is history and geopolitics...
An astonishing book that articulates the 'atmosphere' of the Japanese economy.
A business textbook for those about to enter society and for people working in the core of Japan's business world! It is full of knowledge that 'you think you know but don't.'
[Table of Contents]
Introduction – Why 'Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Sumitomo as Liberal Arts' is Necessary
Chapter 1: The Characters of the Three Groups as Seen from History
'The Organization of Mitsubishi' Born from Growing with the Nation
'The People of Mitsui' Brought by a Clerk-Centered System
'The Unity of Sumitomo' Where Rational Management and 'Family Precepts' Coexist
A Thorough Comparison of the Unique Colors of Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo from History
Chapter 2: The Positions of Major Mitsubishi Group Companies
Dissecting the Strongest Formation of 'The Organization of Mitsubishi,' Proud of Its Ironclad Unity
Mitsubishi Group ① Mitsubishi Heavy Industries: A Heavy Industry Manufacturer Representing Japan
Mitsubishi Group ② Mitsubishi Corporation: A Global 'Trading Company' Handling Everything from Cup Noodles to Space
Mitsubishi Group ③ MUFG Bank: The Red Bank, an Intersection of Tradition and Change
Mitsubishi Group ④ Mitsubishi Estate: The Owner of Marunouchi Challenges Japan's Tallest Building
Mitsubishi Group ⑤ Mitsubishi Electric: What Was Gained and Lost by Breaking Away from a 'Lazy Monopoly'
Mitsubishi Group ⑥ Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation: The 'Unsung Hero' of Marunouchi
Mitsubishi Group ⑦ Mitsubishi Materials: A 'Materials Trading Company' Supporting Coins and Rockets
Mitsubishi Group ⑧ Mitsubishi Chemical Group: The Overly Complex History of a 'Giant That Keeps Changing Its Name'
Mitsubishi Group ⑨ Tokio Marine Holdings: The Power of the Top Non-Life Insurance Company Without the 'Mitsubishi' Name
Mitsubishi Group ⑩ Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company: A Unique Insurance Company Born from the Merger of Two Former Zaibatsu
Mitsubishi Group ⑪ Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha: The Course of the 'Ship's Mail' That Originated from the Group but Does Not Bear the 'Mitsubishi' Name
Mitsubishi Group ⑫ AGC: A Lone Wolf Consistent Since the 'Asahi Glass' Era
Mitsubishi Group ⑬ Kirin Holdings: The Group's Foremost Food Company Bets on 'Health Science'
Chapter 3: The Positions of Major Mitsui Group Companies
The Power of a Free and Open Federation: 'The People of Mitsui,' Where Personalities Clash
Mitsui Group ① Mitsui & Co.: The Representative of the Group, Embodying 'The People of Mitsui'
Mitsui Group ② Mitsui Fudosan: The Pioneer of 'Skyscrapers' and the Driving Force Behind Nihonbashi
Mitsui Group ③ Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation: The Forbidden Merger of Two Major Zaibatsu
Mitsui Group ④ Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank: Japan's Only Dedicated Professional Group
Mitsui Group ⑤ Mitsui Chemicals: A Leader Chasing Mitsubishi and Distinguishing Itself from Sumitomo
Mitsui Group ⑥ Mitsui E&S: Abandoning Its 'Shipbuilding' Origins to Become an Engine Manufacturer with a Global Top Share
Mitsui Group ⑦ Mitsui Mining & Smelting: Facing Industrial Disease and the Counterattack of 'Ultra-Thin Copper Foil' Supporting Smartphones
Mitsui Group ⑧ Toray Industries: From a Declining Industry to the Development of 'Heattech'
Mitsui Group ⑨ The Japan Steel Works: A Long-Established Technology Supporting Everything from 'Cannons' to 'EV Batteries'
Mitsui Group ⑩ Mitsui O.S.K. Lines: The Pioneer of 'Mitsui + Sumitomo,' Its Face as 'Mitsui of the Sea'
Mitsui Group ⑪ Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance: From the Struggle to Find a Merger Partner to Becoming Number One in the Industry
Mitsui Group ⑫ Modec: A Small Elite Force Supporting Offshore Energy Plants
Mitsui Group ⑬ Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings: Can the Glory of 'Echigoya,' Which Created Japan's Department Stores, Be Regained?
Mitsui Group ⑭ Sapporo Holdings: A Land Return Strategy Betting on 'Ebisu'
Chapter 4: The Positions of Major Sumitomo Group Companies
The 'Unity of Sumitomo' of Trust and Practical Benefit: Technology and Spirit Supporting the World
Sumitomo Group ① Sumitomo Corporation: Hurrying Transformation from 'Not Chasing Fleeting Profits' to 'Skillful Investment'
Sumitomo Group ② Sumitomo Realty & Development: From 'Debt King' to Tokyo's 'Landlord,' a Unique Growth Philosophy
Sumitomo Group ③ Sumitomo Life Insurance Company: The 'Wild' Sales Power and the Health Promotion Business Challenged with 'Vitality'
Sumitomo Group ④ Sumitomo Metal Mining: From the 'Source' Besshi Copper Mine to EV Batteries
Sumitomo Group ⑤ Sumitomo Chemical: 'Pollution Control' as Its Origin: Hardship in the Petrochemical Industry
Sumitomo Group ⑥ Sumitomo Forestry: A Sustainable Company Protecting Not Only Housing but Also Global Forestry
Sumitomo Group ⑦ Sumitomo Heavy Industries: A Heavyweight in the Industrial Machinery World with Roots in 'Besshi'
Sumitomo Group ⑧ NEC: After Defeats in PCs and Semiconductors, Betting on Survival in AI and Consulting
Sumitomo Group ⑨ Sumitomo Electric Industries: From a 'Wire and Cable Manufacturer' to a Technology Company 'Connecting the World'
Sumitomo Group ⑩ Sumitomo Rubber Industries: The Strength That Swallowed the British Brand 'Dunlop'
Sumitomo Group ⑪ Sumitomo Pharma: Can the Renowned Pharmaceutical Company Facing 'Patent Cliffs' Forge a Path to Revival?
Chapter 5: The Current State of the Three Groups as Seen from Numbers
Data Speaks Honestly! The Reality of the Three Groups
Ranking ① Market Capitalization: Which Companies Are Highly Valued in the Stock Market?
Ranking ② Number of Employees: Which Surprising Companies Contribute to Japanese Employment?
Ranking ③ Overseas Sales Ratio: 'Global Expansion' Power Beyond Corporate Groups
Ranking ④ Starting Salary for University Graduates: Over 300,000 Yen Becoming Common to Secure Excellent Students!
2025 University-Specific Employment Rankings for Major Companies
University ① Trading Companies: Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsui & Co., Sumitomo Corporation
University ② Real Estate: Mitsubishi Estate, Mitsui Fudosan, Sumitomo Realty & Development
University ③ Banks: MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
University ④ Non-Life Insurance: Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance
University ⑤ Shipping: Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
University ⑥ Electrical Machinery: Mitsubishi Electric, NEC, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Toshiba
University ⑦ Heavy Industry: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Sumitomo Heavy Industries
University ⑧ Chemicals: Mitsubishi Chemical, Mitsui Chemicals, Sumitomo Chemical
[Author Profile]
Kiyohiro Yamakawa
Born in Tokyo in 1967. Graduated from Waseda University, School of Political Science and Economics, Department of Economics in 1991. Toyo
FAQ
Who is the target audience for this book?
People about to enter society and those working in Japan's core business world.
What is the background of the author, Kiyohiro Yamakawa?
He is a veteran economic journalist with over 30 years of experience and a graduate of Waseda University.
What is unique about this book?
It explains the 'unwritten rules' and characteristics of each group: Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo.