Mitsui Chemicals Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, President: Osamu Hashimoto, hereinafter referred to as 'Mitsui Chemicals') won the Bronze Award in two categories: 'Paper Internal Newsletter Division/Up to 19 Pages' and 'Video Internal Newsletter Division' at the 'Internal Newsletter Awards 2024' hosted by WizWorks Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, President: Daisuke Takahashi).
The 'Internal Newsletter Awards' is an annual internal newsletter event that consists of a nationwide internal newsletter planning competition and an award ceremony for outstanding projects, starting in 2002. This year, there were 240 submissions from 524 projects (including departments).
Evaluation Results:
Cover of the award-winning Autumn 2023 issue of 'MCI Net'
(1) Paper Internal Newsletter Division / Up to 19 Pages
[Award-winning project]
The internal report, first published in 1949, was named 'MCI Net' in 1997 along with the establishment of Mitsui Chemicals. It is now passed on as a communication tool that connects approximately 20,000 group employees. The main purposes are ① timely dissemination of management information, ② fostering a sense of unity among employees and increasing motivation, ③ promoting the involvement of each employee toward achieving management goals. The paper-based internal report is mainly produced with the aim of making people think carefully by hand
In the award-winning issue, we featured departments challenging new business creation towards achieving the long-term management plan 'VISION 2030', as well as departments working on recycling
[Judge's Comments (excerpt)]
■ An excellent internal report that is thoroughly developed in line with the issuance purposes and the internal background.
■ The content clearly reflects the division of roles with the web-based internal report. While many internal reports use multiple media, there are not many examples where the distinction has been so thoroughly tackled as it is here.
■ I felt the essence of the manufacturing industry and also sensed the dignity of a leading company.
President Hashimoto, who will appear on Hashimoto Radio.(2) Video Internal Communication Division
[Award-winning project]
President Hashimoto's "Hashimoto Radio" is part of internal communication that conveys the top executive's raw voice, and it has been published on the company's portal site and other platforms since April 2023, typically twice a month. With changes in work style due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have incorporated radio into the internal communication, allowing employees to enjoy listening at their convenience, even during work. Each time, the president engages in a 5-minute talk with employees as the personalities of the company, along with various themes, including questions from employees and casual topics.
The themes covered in the award-winning program are as follows: ① Questions to the president "How to find fulfillment", ② "The president's daily life - Management and rest for the mind", ③ "Public opinion and the company's reputation".
[Judge's Comments (excerpt)]
■I realized that radio, which is a "listening-only information provider", is an optimal medium that does not burden employees and can be utilized in spare moments. The president's cheerful and unique character is likely to be the foundation of this project.
■Not only being a one-way communication from the top, but also picking up employee posts and achieving interactivity are points to learn from for internal communication, beyond the framework of audio content.
Mitsui Chemicals will continue to strengthen internal communication through internal reports, etc., to disseminate information to group employees and promote mutual understanding, enhancing internal communication.
(For reference)
WithWorks Co., Ltd. website:
Internal Report Award website:
