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The Toho Titanium Group manufactures high-purity titanium, titanium ingots and sponge for aerospace, in addition to their catalysts and chemicals business segment, where they utilize their technologies from titanium production. In this interview with the president Mr. Yasuji Yamao, we learn about the company’s goals for reducing their carbon footprint while still catering to the demand of titanium being light, durable and corrosion-free, as well as their plans for further global expansion

Through their expertise in cold forged manufacturing technology, Kamiita Sosei ensures high quality while preventing material loss. Using their technology and accumulated know-how, the company specializes in producing various kinds of parts for speakers and automobiles. In this interview, president, Mutsuko Takeyama, explains how the company is gearing up for the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) with competitively-priced and high-quality automotive parts.

Established in 1948 and 1959, respectively, Tokai Spring Mfg. Co., Ltd. and its sister company Tokai Riki Mfg. Co., Ltd, have played a vital role in the Japanese automobile industry supply chain for decades -- with the former manufacturing spring parts and the latter supplying wipers and control valves for Japan’s leading car makers. In 2020, the two companies came together to form Tokai Riki Co., Ltd., combining their expertise in order to enhance innovation, business development, and the ability to address the latest needs of the industry. We spoke to president Yasuyuki Nishi, who explained how Tokai Riki leveraging its proprietary technology, such as its fine wire weaving technology and CAE analysis system, to develop wipers, flow control valves, and springs suitable for the next generation of automobiles.

IRISO Electronics Co., Ltd. was established in 1966 with the goal of contributing to the growth and development of the electronics industry. With unparalleled innovativeness and creativity, they have become a comprehensive connector manufacturer over the past 50 years. We sat down with Suzuki-san to discuss IRISO’s overseas business expansion and advancement into the interior vehicle device market.

Shishido, a Japanese company specializing in the manufacturing of ionizers for the removal of static electricity, is entering its eighth decade in operation. In a rapidly expanding semiconductor industry, naturally, Shishido has to react quickly to potential opportunities. The company manages this by never resting on its laurels. It releases new products every year as well as working on core technologies such as HDC-AC technology – an optimal option to guarantee safety and cleanliness in the manufacturing of semiconductors both for the short and medium term. We spoke to president Ryuichi Takeuchi to learn more about the company, its technology and plans for the future.

Since its beginnings in 1964, Nippon Fusso has specialized in fluoropolymer coatings and contributed to the development of global industry through the continuous improvement of and dedication to technology, quality and service. As the world enters the fourth industrial revolution, the needs of the market are at the cusp of significant change. To meet them, CEO Satoru Toyooka explains that Nippon Fusso is perfectly placed; with a synergised R&D and Sales Department, over half a century of experience, as well as a talented and diverse workforce, it can be dependably called upon to create an incredibly strong platform to meet its customers’ ever shifting and increasingly exact needs.

Founded in 1963, Nippon Fruehauf is a leading Japanese transportation technology firm that produces truck bodies, trailers, and containers, with a growing presence across Asia. Over the past decade, it has established joint ventures in China, Thailand and the Philippines. A specialist in temperature-controlled transportation, Nippon Fruehauf is branching out as it tackles the issue of preserving perishable goods throughout the supply chain from producer to consumer. The company’s focus must “not only be on courier refrigeration but also on warehouse storage and customer refrigeration systems”, saya company president Toshikazu Tanaka.

A leading manufacturer of plastic products since 1948, Shonan Plastics has developed an innovative method for pipeline rehabilitation. A firm that specializes in plastic molded products, plastic mold design and non-excavation construction methods, Shonan Plastics is dedicated to monozukuri, the spirit of innovation and perfection that’s a core philosophy for Japanese businesses. We spoke with president Takao Kamiyama to get his take on monozukuri and learn more about the company, including about its ‘3S Segment Method’, which involves assembling translucent plastic segments on the pipe’s inside wall and injecting a cement-based filler between the segments and the inner surface.

Since its establishment in 1949, Nichiden Seimitsu has been providing high-quality precision stamped parts, precision dies and other products for automation and mechanical equipment. Today, Nichiden has streamlined its production through the development of the unique ismart box – a system that controls production processes from raw materials to the final product. In this interview, President and Representative Director Masahiro Yoshida, discusses the ismart, along with the company’s long history of success, stemming from the company’s philosophy to continuously evolve through its improvements in quality and service.

A construction materials company may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but Japan’s Koshii is helping to buck this trend with its high-performance, environmentally friendly wood products. For over 70 years, the company has been supplying its customers with highly reliable wood products, from paneling to foundations, using the latest technology and techniques to ensure quality. President Jun Koshii explains the key to this longevity has been the company’s focus on “cost, quality and delivery.”