Sumitomo Corporation

Sumitomo is an integrated trading company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The firm engages in multifaceted business activities by making the most of its integrated corporate strength. These business activities include sales of a variety of products and services within Japan, import and export, trilateral trade, and domestic and international business investment.

Sumitomo Corporation's history dates back to the 17th century, when Masatomo Sumitomo opened a book and medicine shop in Kyoto. Masatomo wrote a document entitled "Monjuin Shiigaki (Founder's Precepts)," describing how a merchant should conduct business. Forming the basis of Sumitomo's Business Philosophy of pursuing integrity and sound management rather than easy gains, these teachings have been passed down and adhered to across the Sumitomo Group.

Sumitomo Corporation was originally founded as The Osaka North Harbour Company Limited in December 1919. The company engaged in real estate management, conducting land reclamation in the Hokko (North Port of Osaka) area and the development of the surrounding areas. In 1944, the company merged with The Sumitomo Building Co., Ltd. and was renamed Sumitomo Real Estate Building Co., Ltd. In November 1945, the company was renamed Nippon Engineering Co., Ltd. and advanced into the trading business, handling products from Japan's major manufacturers as well as products manufactured by its own group companies.

In 1949, the company listed its shares for public trading on the Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya stock exchanges.