MHI Sponsors Charity Musical Performances in Tokyo As Part of Annual CSR Activities: 1,300 Children Invited To Enjoy "The Great Adventures of Sinbad"

In sponsoring this charity event MHI sought to cultivate the artistic sensitivity and emotional development of the children who will be tomorrow's adults through firsthand enjoyment of the musical theater. The first performance, which took place on July 15, a national holiday, was sponsored exclusively by MHI. Approximately 400 people, all from Tokyo, were invited to attend, including children with special needs, children in welfare facilities, children in nursery schools and kindergartens, and their guardians. Some 20 MHI employees served as volunteer assistants in operating the event, taking charge of preliminary preparations, audience management and post-performance cleanup.

The second and third performances, which took place on July 16, were co-sponsored by MHI and Konan Elementary School. On this day the musical was seen by the near 900 students of the school.

The Poplar Theater Company is highly acclaimed for the way its productions focus on the positive aspects of embracing dreams and upholding the virtues of honesty, and many of its performances have been supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. The choice of "The Great Adventures of Sinbad" was requested by Konan Elementary School in light of the school's location near the ocean and its unique architectural design suggestive of a ship. The musical version is based on the popular adventure tale of swashbuckling sailors depicted in the Arabian Nights, known to children the world over. The story teaches its audiences the importance of being brave in the face of difficulty and of having invincible determination to realize one's dreams.

MHI has been sponsoring charity musical performances in Tokyo every year since 2009. In 2011 and 2012 performances were also presented for students at elementary schools in the region affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Going forward, MHI will continue to direct its efforts into activities that reflect its CSR commitments to forge close ties with both the Earth and society and to serve as a bridge to the next generation.