Awards Ceremony Held for Catalysis Society of Japan Award for Education

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (Tokyo:4183; President & CEO: Tsutomu Tannowa) received the Catalysis Society of Japan 2015 Award for Education on March 21st in a ceremony held at the Osaka Prefecture University.

Prior to 2006, the Company provided elementary school pupils opportunities to safely participate in scientific experiments under the supervision of experienced company staff. In 2006, however, the Company renewed its program and reintroduced it under the name of “Laboratory Classes in the Wonders of Chemistry”. The new program was specifically constructed to bolster interest in chemistry and nurture curiosity. By encouraging curiosity and helping children make discoveries about chemistry and science, the program stimulates a child’s natural eagerness to learn. Many children go home saying, “I’m going to show this to my mom and dad” and “I never thought chemistry could be so fun!”

Currently, over 5000 children participate in the programs annually. “Classes” are held at over 30 locations, including elementary schools, in Japan. The program has been so successful that it has been expanded overseas to locations such as Singapore and China.

The program was also recently awarded the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) “Award for Companies Promoting Experience-based Learning Activities for the Youth (Judges’ Commendation)”. Mitsui Chemicals is pleased that its efforts to help children nurture a healthy curiosity of science and promote an affinity with chemistry have been highly evaluated.

Mitsui Chemicals will continue these and other activities related to catalysis science and chemistry which help promote experience and understanding of the next generation.