[Mitsui Group 350th Anniversary Project] 30 Young Challengers Present Two Years of Achievements and Future Outlook

On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the Mitsui Group held the 'Challenger Presentation: STAGE UP MEETING 2026' at Tokyo Midtown Yaesu Innovation Field to mark the third year of the 'Mitsui Mirai Challengers Audition,' a key project of the group's 350th-anniversary celebrations.

In 2023, the Mitsui Group marked 350 years since Takatoshi Mitsui, the founder, expanded into Edo and opened Echigoya in Nihonbashi in 1673. Throughout this history, the group has fostered a culture of freedom and openness, prioritizing people and proactively addressing the changes of each era. To commemorate this milestone, the group is conducting a five-year project from fiscal 2023 to 2027 to reaffirm its purpose and demonstrate its commitment to solving social issues.

The 'Mitsui Mirai Challengers Audition,' launched as part of this project, is a program designed to discover and support young people with dreams and goals for a better future, covering three categories: 'Business/Social Activities,' 'Research/Study Abroad,' and 'Culture Creation.' From 722 applicants, 30 challengers were selected. Since March 2024, these challengers have been working toward innovation and realizing their visions. The Mitsui Group provides not only financial support but also leverages its management resources to assist them. This includes hosting art exhibitions, facilitating influencer-led flea markets, providing spaces for inclusive playgrounds, and introducing business locations. Furthermore, some challengers have signed partnership agreements with Mitsui Group companies to collaborate on new initiatives. The group also fosters an environment for sustainable growth by organizing networking events to deepen connections among the challengers.

This year, marking the halfway point of the four-year support period, the 'STAGE UP MEETING 2026' was held to review achievements and discuss future prospects. 29 challengers participated (including online), sharing their progress and engaging in high-energy discussions. Additionally, SMBC President Akihiro Fukutome announced the five winners of the 'SMBC Special Award,' established to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the former Mitsui Bank (2026), targeting the 60 finalists of the audition.

The Mitsui Group remains committed to supporting these 30 young challengers and continuing its various activities to embody its purpose and address social challenges through its 350th-anniversary project.