Lecture at Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library: Business insights from Edo-period classical texts in preparation for EXPO2025 | Sumitomo Pavilion Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan

On November 16, 2024, the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library hosted a lecture titled “ Insights from Edo-period classical texts for Contemporary Business.” The event featured Mr. Hirofumi Saijo, Secretary General of the Sumitomo EXPO2025 Promotion Committee, as a speaker.

The lecture featured Mr. Teruaki Sueoka, Advisor of Sumitomo Historical Archives (left),
and Mr. Hirofumi Saijo, Secretary General of the Sumitomo EXPO2025 Promotion Committee (right).

The lecture was designed as a learning opportunity by combining the Nakanoshima Library’s unique business support services with classical texts. The first session highlighted the 400-year history and achievements of the House of Sumitomo, which laid the foundation for the library.

A key focus of the lecture was Monjuin Shiigaki (the Founder’s Precepts), written by Masatomo Sumitomo, the founder of the House of Sumitomo. The text offers principles for ethical business conduct that continue to shape Sumitomo Group’s current and future initiatives. The lecture explored the origins of Sumitomo Group, with a spotlight on the upcoming Sumitomo Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

Mr. Sueoka, Advisor of Sumitomo Historical Archives, provides insights into the Founder’s Precepts,
discussing Sumitomo’s business philosophy and how it underpins the contemporary Sumitomo Group.

Mr. Hirofumi Saijo, Secretary General of the Sumitomo EXPO2025 Promotion Committee,
discusses Sumitomo Group’s initiatives for Expo 2025 during the segment on contemporary business.

Participants listened attentively as the connections between Sumitomo’s business philosophy and Sumitomo Group’s involvement in the Sumitomo Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan were explained.