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History

History

1878 Fusakichi Kasahara founded a machine spinning company in Shimosuwa-machi, Nagano prefecture.
(The birth of Kasahara Group, the origin of KIMICA)
1941 Fumio Kasahara established Kimitsu Chemical Institute (KIMICA Corporation).
Undertaking the entrepreneurship of the seaweed chemical industry using cast/unused seaweed and becoming the first alginate manufacturer in Japan.
1947 Renamed Kimitsu Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.
1961 Founder Fumio Kasahara obtained a Doctor of Engineering degree from the University of Tokyo for establishing the alginate industrial production method.
1964 Showa Emperor and Empress visited the Kasahara Industry Co., Ltd. Ueda Factory (Kasahara Group).
1970 Showa Emperor and Empress visited the Kasahara Industry Co., Ltd. Sukagawa Factory (Kasahara Group).
1973 Founder Fumio Kasahara awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon, a prestigious Japanese honor recognizing excellence in science, academia, sports and the arts.
1983 Founder Fumio Kasahara awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, a prestigious Japanese honor recognizing notable achievements in culture, academics, arts and public services.
1986 Acquired Animals Medicines manufacturing license.
1988 The first alginate plant in the Southern Hemisphere constructed in Chile.
Established Osaka Algin Co., Ltd.
1995 The Secondary Expansion Plan implemented on the company’s 50th anniversary.
1996 Established ALVA, a seaweed cultivator/supplier in Chile.
1999 New PGA production line constructed in Chile Plant.
2000 Achieved ISO9002 certification.
2001 Renamed KIMICA Corporation from Kimitsu Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.
Established KIMICA America Inc., a local subsidiary in North America.
2003 Achieved ISO9001 certification.
2004 Increased corporate capital to JP¥100,000,000.
2005 Equity participation in M2 S.A., a seaweed cultivator / supplier in Chile.
2006 Equity participation in Qingdao Bright Moon Seaweed Group Co., Ltd., one of the largest alginate manufacturers in China.
2007 Acquired a pharmaceutical manufacturing license.
2010 Relocated the head office to Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, from Uchi-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.
2013 Started Solar Photoelectric Generation in Chiba Plant, Japan.
Published “Best in the world– the challenge of Alginate manufacturer KIMICA” by Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun.
2014 FSSC22000 certificate achieved.
Established an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) plant in Chiba Plant, Japan.
2015 Renamed and reorganized the Chilean subsidiary from KIMICA Chile Ltda to Alginatos Chile S.A. (Alchi).
2016

Heisei Emperor and Empress visited the Kasahara Industry Co., Ltd. Ueda Factory (Kasahara Group).
Awarded the 14th Courageous Management Award by the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Started PGA production in China.
(Established Qingdao KIMICA Bright Moon Marine Sci-Tech Co., Ltd. through a joint venture with Qingdao Bright Moon Seaweed Group Co., Ltd.)
2018 Established KIMICA Europe GmbH in Germany, a local subsidiary in Europe.
2020 Received the Japan SDGs Award (SDGs Partnership Award).
2021

Received ”TOKYO Telework Award” by the Governor of Tokyo.

President & CEO Fumiyoshi Kasahara received a Doctorate degree in Pharmacy from Takasaki University of Health and Welfare for his developments on Calcium Alginate.

Certified as "Sustainable★Selection 3 Stars".

Received the 30th Food Safety, Security and Environmental Contribution Award.

Received the Grand Prize and Minister of the Environment Award at the 22nd Green Purchasing Award.

Received the Minister of the Environment Award Grand Prize at the 9th Good Life Award.
2022

Established KIMITEX Corporation.

Nominated for the Earthshot Prize.
New R&D Facility opened in Chiba Plant
2023

Relocated the head office to YANMAR Bldg. 5th Floor, 2-1-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku Tokyo.

KIMICA HONKAN certified with the Five-Stars under the BELS certification.
Received the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.
2024 Received the Special Jury Prize at the 14th “Most Valuable Company in Japan” Award
  • 1961
    Founder Fumio Kasahara received a Doctorate degree in Engineering by Tokyo University.

  • 1964
    Showa Emperor and Empress visited the Kasahara Industry Co., Ltd. Ueda Factory (Kasahara Group).

  • 1970
    Showa Emperor and Empress visited the Kasahara Industry Co., Ltd. Sukagawa Factory (Kasahara Group).

  • 1988
    The first alginate plant in the Southern Hemisphere constructed in Chile.

  • 1996
    Established ALVA, a seaweed cultivator/supplier in Chile.

  • 2006
    Equity participation in Qingdao Bright Moon Seaweed Group Co., Ltd., one of the largest alginate manufactures in China.

  • 2013
    Published “Best in the world – a challenge of Alginate manufacturer KIMICA”.

  • 2016
    Heisei Emperor and Empress visited the Kasahara Industry Co., Ltd. Ueda Factory (Kasahara Group).

  • 2016
    Received the Grand prize of the Courageous Management Award.

  • 2016
    Established a subsidiary in Qingdao, China.

  • 2020
    Received the Japan SDGs Award, awarded by Prime Minister Suga.

  • 2021
    Received the 30th Food Safety, Security and Environmental Contribution Award.

  • 2021
    Received the Grand Prize and the Minister of the Environment Award at the 22nd Green Purchasing Award.

  • 2021
    Received the Minister of the Environment Award Grand Prize at the 9th Good Life Award.

  • 2022
    New R&D Facility “KIMICA HONKAN” opened.