Marubeni : Announcement regarding Marubeni Group corporate image animation produced by Studio Ghibli, Inc.

March 15, 2016 Marubeni Corporation

Announcement regarding Marubeni Group corporate image animation produced by Studio Ghibli, Inc.

The Marubeni Group, together with Studio Ghibli, Inc. ("Studio Ghibli"), has produced an animation to convey its corporate image as a group that contributes to regional economies and society.

From its foundation in 1858 to the present, the Marubeni Group has aimed to contribute to regional economies and society through its diverse business activities. Underlying this commitment is the unchanging sprit of its employees to play a part in building a prosperous society and enriching the lives of people.

The Marubeni Group has now expressed this corporate image as an animation utilizing the world view held by Studio Ghibli. Adopting the motif of what is said to be Japan's oldest manga, Choju Jinbutsu Giga (Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Humans), the animation tells the story of mutual compassion and cooperation between a hare and a frog set against an old Japanese backdrop. This announcement relates to the first of three short animations, which follow the journey of these two travelers. The animation is a new Studio Ghibli production in which Mr. Katsuya Kondo, who worked as the supervising animator on Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, produced the illustrations and composition. The accompanying music was composed and performed by leading Japanese pianist, Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii.

The Marubeni Group will use the animation throughout its global business regions and locations. As stated in the new mid-term management plan GC2018 announced in February 2016, the Marubeni Group aims to become a true global company that contributes to both regional economies and society. The Marubeni Group will continue its business activities to make someone in the world happy and to further enrich society.

URL: https://youtu.be/KY5WmcfGj-g

[Overview of Studio Ghibli]

A leading Japanese animation studio that started out in 1985 and has released animated features in more than 35 countries. Studio Ghibli has received critical acclaim for its works. Among its many achievements, Spirited Away won the Golden Bear at the 2002 Berlin International Film Festival, Howl's Moving Castle won an Osella Award at the 2004 Venice Film Festival, and the latest feature, When Marnie Was There, was nominated at the 88th Academy Awards.

[Profile of Nobuyuki Tsujii]

Born in Tokyo in 1988. In 2009, Tsujii became the first Japanese pianist to win a goal medal in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition held in Fort Worth, Texas. Tsujii continues to work on the international stage as a leading Japanese pianist.