Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi is a Japanese multinational conglomerate consisting of a group of autonomous companies that share the Mitsubishi brand and historical associations. The name Mitsubishi (三菱) means “three diamonds,” a reference also reflected in the emblem of three red diamonds arranged in a triangular pattern.

Origins and development: The Mitsubishi Group traces its roots to 1870, when Yataro Iwasaki founded a shipping business that grew into a diversified enterprise involved in mining, shipbuilding, trading, and finance. Over the 20th century the group expanded into manufacturing and electronics, among other industries. After World War II, Japan’s zaibatsu structures were dissolved, but many Mitsubishi companies continued as independent firms that maintain the brand and collaborate as a keiretsu network.

Structure and principal companies: Mitsubishi is not a single company but a set of independent corporations that share historical ties and branding. Core members include Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (industrial and defense equipment), Mitsubishi Electric (electronics and electrical equipment), Mitsubishi Motors (automobiles), Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings (chemicals), Mitsubishi Corporation (trading and investment), and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (banking and financial services). The group’s financial arm, MUFG, is a major banking organization associated with Mitsubishi activities.

Global presence and activities: Mitsubishi operates across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, finance, and services with operations worldwide. Mitsubishi Motors participates in the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance, reflecting formal cooperation with other automakers. While each company is legally independent, the Mitsubishi Group maintains a shared identity and long-standing business relationships that continue to shape its global footprint.