Cambodia Assistance Network 1- Social Actions of the Marubeni Group-
Marubeni Corporation
2010.5.12
Cambodia Assistance Network: birth of an inter-company collaboration resulting from a chance encounter Marubeni-Itochu Steel Inc. had with Nihon University students
Thai university students, who have strong ties with the Kanaya seminar, visited MISI for training.
"Mishi-manju" (or Misi steamed buns). due to the homonym within the names the Kanaya seminar held at the College of International Relations, Nihon University caught the attention of Marubeni-Itochu Steel Inc. (MISI). "Misi steamed buns" are souvenirs that are planned and developed under the direction of the Kanaya seminar students. These buns are filled with a sweetened potato paste, a local specialty of "Mishima" city in Shizuoka prefecture, the place where the Kanaya seminar is held. Since their creation in 2006, the buns have been exclusively sold at kiosks in JR Mishima station, stands at stations along the Izuhakone Railway, as well as shops in the Izu area.
Chance encounter
One day in 2007, workers at MISI were delighted to receive these so called "Misi steamed buns" as a homecoming souvenir. "These aren't really called 'Misi steamed buns,' right? That sounds just like our company name..." When Yaegashi General Manager of the General Coordination Department in MISI hastily searched for more information, he found out that students of Nihon University also use the money they make from the sale "Misi steamed buns" to support international cooperation efforts. "Well, this "MISI/misi" connection has to be fate. I wonder if there's anything we can do to help those students." Yaegashi General Manager soon contacted the Kanaya seminar. Along with Professor Kanaya, he personally took volunteer leave to visit Cambodia, the target of student assistance.
Expanding the assistance network
The motto of the Kanaya seminar's activities is "Glocal.*" Utilizing proceeds from sales of "Misi steamed buns" and other work, students have steadily made a social contribution by constructing water towers at elementary schools in Cambodia since 2006. As MISI supports these activities, it cooperates in promoting the sales of "Misi steamed buns." "We only need 150,000 yen to construct a water tower. If we boost our sales of "Misi steamed buns", we'll be able to supply more clean water somewhere in Cambodia."
In August of 2009 the Kanaya seminar students visited MISI to promote the sales of "Mishi-manju" to workers.
The support network has expanded. In September, students visited Cambodia to provide supplies, such as clothes donated by Mishima residents, to four elementary schools. This time, the Marubeni Corporation Phnom Penh Liaison Office and Marubeni Logistics Corporation also responded to MISI's call. The collective strengths of the Marubeni group handled the transportation of supplies.
*Coined word from "global" and "local."
This term refers to the movement and philosophy characterized by people acting globally while respecting the regional characteristics and culture of each region.
The first water tower completed in Cambodia in September 2006
MISI employees and students of the Kanaya seminar, College of International Relations, Nihon University
Yaegashi MISI General Manager (front row, third from right) and Ms. Masada (front row, second from right)
Marubeni Group magazine "M-SPIRIT" VOL.54 (November, 2009)
Job titles listed are as of 2009.
