The "Sumitomo Business Spirit" grew out of the guiding principles set down by Sumitomo founder Masatomo Sumitomo in his "Monjuin Shiigaki" (the Aphorisms of Monjuin). This corporate spirit has been developed, deepened, and handed down over generations in the Sumitomo Family enterprise, and its essence was distilled in the Sumitomo's Family Constitution established in 1882, and formulated into two business principles in 1891. Although there were some corrections to the wording, the "Sumitomo Business Principles" have been inherited with no change in the contents up to now.
Business Principles (Formulated in 1891)

Article 1 shows that the basis of the Sumitomo Business Spirit is the attachment of importance to trust, above all things.

Article 2 shows that Sumitomo as a company should be in pursuit of profits by quickly and exactly taking changes in society into consideration. It emphasizes the importance of positive progressive spirit to decide on the adoption and abolition of business projects continuously without being satisfied with existing business conditions. The latter part, however, admonishes against acting rashly and carelessly in pursuit of immediate temporary benefit, and mentions the importance of trust and soundness.

Although other important aspects of the Sumitomo Business Spirit have never been formerly codified, Sumitomo's traditional spirits such as "Respect for human resources", "Farsighted planning" and "Conformity of self-interest and altruism, of public and private affairs", are united with the business principles and continuously inherited to each of Sumitomo group companies.