The Rules Governing the House of Sumitomo were established in 1882. Consisting of 19 chapters in 120 pages, the Rules Governing the House of Sumitomo articulate the traditional spirit of the House of Sumitomo bequeathed by founder Masatomo Sumitomo. The rules position the Besshi Copper Mines at the heart of Sumitomo’s business and they describe the organizational structure and the operational method of the Besshi Copper Mines.
Article 3 of Chapter 1 Family Precept expresses the fundamental principle of the Rules Governing the House of Sumitomo. It reads, “Accord prime importance to integrity and sound management in the conduct of business; let the fortunes of the business be shaped by the needs of the times and economic considerations, but under no circumstances pursue easy gains.”