Sojitz was formed in 2004 by the merger of Nissho Iwai Corporation (日商岩井株式会社, Nisshō Iwai Kabushiki-gaisha) and Nichimen Corporation (ニチメン株式会社, Nichimen Kabushiki-gaisha).[1] The name "Sojitz" is derived from the names of Nissho Iwai and Nichimen, both of which include the character "日" (sun).