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 14^th 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.
2024
Received the Special Jury Prize at the 14th “Most Valuable Company in Japan” Award