Jan. 19, 2026
Sumitomo Corporation
The passing of Mr. Kenji Miyahara, former Chairman
It is with deep regret that we inform you of the passing of former Chairman of Sumitomo Corporation, Mr. Kenji Miyahara, who passed away at the age of 90 on January 5, 2026.
We remain deeply grateful for the unwavering support, guidance, and kindness he received from all our esteemed partners throughout his long career.
The funeral was held privately and attended only by close family members.
A memorial gathering is scheduled to take place on March 18 at The Okura Tokyo.
Further information will be provided once the arrangements have been finalized.
We sincerely appreciate your continued understanding and the warm consideration.
Career History
Kenji Miyahara
| Date of Birth | November 5, 1935 |
|---|---|
| Place of Birth | Kyoto Prefecture |
| Education | Graduated from the Faculty of Law, Kyoto University, March 1958 |
Business Career
| April 1958 | Joined Sumitomo Corporation |
| June 1986 | Director, Deputy General Manager, Iron & Steel Import & Export Division |
| June 1988 | Director, General Manager, Iron & Steel Import & Export Division |
| June 1990 | Managing Director President and Chief Executive Officer, Sumitomo Corporation of America |
| June 1993 | Senior Managing Director in charge of Planning & Coordination Division, Business Investment Division and Credit & Controlling Division |
| June 1995 | Executive Vice President in charge of General Affairs Division, Planning & Coordination Division, Business Investment Division, Accounting & Controlling Division and Credit & Controlling Division |
| June 1996 | President and Chief Executive Officer |
| June 2001 | Chairman of the Board |
| June 2007 | Senior Adviser |
| June 2010 | Honorary Adviser |
| June 2019 | Special Adviser |
Other Major Posts
| May 2000 - May 2004 | Chairman, Japan Foreign Trade Council, Inc. |
| May 2003 - May 2007 | Vice Chairman, Japan Business Federation (KEIDANREN) |
| June 2003 - May 2017 | Chairperson, Japan Machinery Center for Trade and Investment |
| June 2003 - March 2024 | Chairman, International Civil and Commercial Law Centre Foundation |
| July 2007 - June 2014 | Vice Chairman, Japan-China Economic Association |
| August 2007 - June 2011 | Chairman, Netherlands Market Council |
| August 2007 - June 2011 | Chairman, Belgo-Luxembourg Market Council |
| March 2008 - March 2024 | Director, Japan Rehabilitation Aid Association |
| September 2008 - June 2024 | Director, National Employment Support Organization |
| April 2011 - March 2020 | Board of Councilors, Broadcasting Ethics & Program Improvement Organization |
| June 2011 - June 2015 | Chairman, British Market Council |
Honors
| May 1999 | Grand Cross of the Order of Merit, Republic of Colombia |
| April 2001 | Medal with Blue Ribbon, Japan |
| February 2003 | Encomienda of the Order of Civil Merit, Kingdom of Spain |
| September 2003 | The Medal of Friendship-Nayiramdal, Mongolia |
| November 2007 | Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, Japan |
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