Kuraray announced that the Company marked its 100th anniversary on June 24, 2026, and held a commemorative ceremony on the same day, held at the Tokyo International Forum for Kuraray Group employees. It was also live streamed in real time to domestic and overseas locations. This enabled employees around the world to share this milestone together and strengthened a sense of unity across the Group.
On this occasion, Kuraray expressed its renewed appreciation to all stakeholders who have supported the Company over the years, as well as to the predecessors who built its foundation. The Company also reaffirmed its commitment to continue taking on challenges together as one unified group toward the next 100 years.
President Hitoshi Kawahara emphasised the importance of sharing values across countries, regions, languages, and cultures at this important milestone. He also expressed the intention to realise “One Kuraray” by connecting people, technologies, and knowledge beyond organisational and business boundaries to create new value together.
Founded in 1926 in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, Japan, Kuraray began with the commercialisation of synthetic rayon. Over the past century, guided by its mission: “For people and the planet—to achieve what no one else can” the Company has developed its businesses based on unique technologies, including PVA fibre, PVOH resin, CLARINO™ man-made leather, and EVAL™ EVOH resin. Today, Kuraray operates globally in 32 countries and regions as a specialty chemical company.
Positioning its 100th anniversary as the starting point for its next century, Kuraray will continue to address social challenges through its innovative technologies and products while striving to open up new possibilities for the future.