Mitsubishi is one of the largest companies in
Japan.
Founded in 1850 by Yotaro Isawaki, it was initially a transport and shipping company. In 1873 it took the the name Mitsubishi Shokai (三菱商会). The name Mitsubishi (三菱) means 'three rhombi', which is reflected in the company's logo.
At the start of the 20th Century the company, which by itself accounted for over half of the Japanese merchant fleet, entered into a period of diversification that would eventually result in the creation of three entities:
- Mitsubishi Bank was founded in 1919. After its merger with Bank of Tokyo in 1996, this became Japan's largest bank.
- Mitsubishi Corporation, founded in 1893, serves the internal financing needs of the group
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which includes these Industrial companies.
- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, the 4th largest Japanese auto manufacturer.
- Mitsubishi Atomic Industry, a nuclear power company.
- Mitsubishi Chemical, the largest Japanese chemicals company
- Nikon, a well known brand of photographic equipment.