Sumitomo Biographies

Teigo Iba, Sumitomo’s second Director-General, was a business leader during the Meiji era and is considered a pioneer in environmental issues in Japan. His activities have had a profound influence on the Sumitomo Group’s operations and environmental considerations, and his ideal of the public interest and the common good continues to resonate deeply with contemporary environmental challenges.

Iba joined Sumitomo in 1879 and became the General Manager of the Osaka Head Office. He embraced the company’s philosophy and strove to realize its vision, rather than seeking status or wealth. His philosophy, “A gentleman loves wealth, but acquires it by the right means,” emphasizes that the pursuit of profit must be consistent with moral principles.

In the mid-Meiji era (around the 1890s), the problem of air pollution caused by sulfur dioxide gas arose at the Besshi Mine, and Iba decided to relocate the smelter approximately 20 km from Niihama to Shisakajima Island. Moreover, he formulated a forest conservation policy and implemented measures to halt ore roasting and smelting, as well as to convert fuel use from firewood and charcoal to coal.

His afforestation project expanded significantly, with more than a million trees planted each year, but the problem of air pollution persisted even after the smelter started operations. Iba said, “We face real challenges, but we must not forget our ideals,” and continued working steadfastly while keeping his ideals in mind. Although he was unable to fully solve the air pollution problem during his lifetime, his efforts embodied a grand vision for the future.

In his later years, Iba said, “Afforestation in Besshi is my true endeavor,” which remains an important message for today’s environmental challenges. Iba’s achievements have contributed to Sumitomo’s growth, and his thoughts and actions continue to serve as a guiding light toward building a sustainable future.