Mitsui Matsushima Holdings Co., Ltd.
A Japanese holding company that evolved from a coal mining business into a diversified M&A-driven investment group.
Last updated September 27, 2026
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Overview
Mitsui Matsushima Holdings Co., Ltd. is a Japanese holding company headquartered in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Originally founded in 1913 as Matsushima Coal Mining Co., Ltd., a joint venture between Mitsui Mining and the Koga family's Koga Mining to develop the Matsushima coal mine in Nagasaki Prefecture, the company spent most of the 20th century as a coal producer, operating the large Ikeshima coal mine. After the closure of Ikeshima in 2001, the company gradually transformed its business portfolio. In 2018, it shifted to a holding company structure and changed its name to Mitsui Matsushima Holdings. Since then, it has aggressively pursued M&A, acquiring companies in niche markets such as Japan Straw (straws and cups), Meikoh Shoji (shredders), KMT (premium pet food), Systec Kyowa (housing components), CST (mask blanks), and Nihon Katan (overhead line fittings). In March 2024, the company fully exited the coal business, completing its transition to a diversified investment company. It is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market and is a member of the Mitsui Group's Monday Club. The company aims to build a collection of niche, stable, and understandable professional companies under its "Mid-Term Management Plan 2030."
History
Mitsui Matsushima Holdings traces its origins to January 25, 1913, when Matsushima Coal Mining Co., Ltd. was established with capital of 2 million yen as a joint venture between Mitsui Mining and the Koga family's Koga Mining to develop the Matsushima coal mine in Nagasaki Prefecture. The first chairman was Koga Haruichi. In 1935, the company acquired the rights to the Oshima coal mine from Mitsui Mining and began development. In 1952, it increased capital to 50 million yen and began development of the Ikeshima coal mine. The company was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Second Section in October 1961, moved to the First Section in February 1962, and listed on the Fukuoka Stock Exchange in April 1962. In 1970, the Oshima mine was closed, concentrating operations on Ikeshima. In 1973, the coal business was transferred to Ikeshima Coal Mining Co., Ltd., and the company changed its name to Matsushima Kosan Co., Ltd. In 1983, it absorbed Mitsui Mining Building Materials Sales Co., Ltd. and changed its name to Mitsui Matsushima Industry Co., Ltd. The Ikeshima mine was closed in November 2001. In 2013, the company celebrated its 100th anniversary. In February 2014, it acquired Japan Straw Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of straws and paper cups, marking the start of its M&A-driven business succession. In October 2015, it acquired Hanabishi Sewing Co., Ltd. In February 2017, it acquired Clean Surface Giken Co., Ltd. (now CST Co., Ltd.), a manufacturer of mask blanks. In June 2017, it acquired ownership of the Mitsui Minato Club. On October 1, 2018, it spun off its coal sales business to Mitsui Matsushima Industry Co., Ltd. (2nd generation) and changed its name to Mitsui Matsushima Holdings Co., Ltd., transitioning to a holding company structure. In April 2019, it acquired 99.79% of Meikoh Shoji Co., Ltd., known for MS shredders. In 2020, it acquired KMT Co., Ltd. (pet-related business) and Sansho Electronics Co., Ltd. (crystal device manufacturing equipment). In February 2021, it acquired Systec Kyowa Co., Ltd. (housing components). In May 2022, it acquired 50.06% of Nihon Katan Co., Ltd. (overhead line fittings). In February 2023, it acquired 50.1% of Marubeni Office Supply Co., Ltd., renamed MOS Co., Ltd. In July 2023, the Liddell coal mine in Australia closed. In September 2023, it acquired Plus One Techno Co., Ltd. In December 2023, it acquired 50.1% of Japan Chain Holdings Co., Ltd. In March 2024, it fully exited the coal business after 111 years. In April 2024, it transferred 66% of Hanabishi to Yoshimura Co., Ltd. In July 2024, it acquired M.R.F. Co., Ltd. In August 2024, it established MM Investments Co., Ltd. to start a stock investment business. In October 2024, its TSE Prime Market industry classification changed from 'Mining' to 'Manufacturing - Other Products'.
- 2024
Exited coal business; acquired M.R.F. Co., Ltd.; established MM Investments Co., Ltd.; changed TSE industry classification to Manufacturing
- 2023
Acquired MOS Co., Ltd., Plus One Techno Co., Ltd., Japan Chain Holdings Co., Ltd.; Liddell coal mine closed
- 2022
Acquired Nihon Katan Co., Ltd.; moved to TSE Prime Market
- 2021
Acquired Systec Kyowa Co., Ltd.
- 2020
Acquired KMT Co., Ltd. and Sansho Electronics Co., Ltd.
- 2019
Acquired Meikoh Shoji Co., Ltd. as subsidiary
- 2018
Transitioned to holding company structure, renamed Mitsui Matsushima Holdings Co., Ltd.
- 2017
Acquired CST Co., Ltd. and Mitsui Minato Club
- 2015
Acquired Hanabishi Sewing Co., Ltd. as subsidiary
- 2014
Acquired Japan Straw Co., Ltd. as subsidiary
Products and positioning
A diversified holding company focusing on M&A of niche market leaders, aiming to build a collection of professional companies essential to Japan.
Straws and cups
Shredders
Premium pet food
Housing components
Mask blanks
Overhead line fittings
Industrial chains
Thermal register rolls
Crystal device manufacturing equipment
Real estate secured lending
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