Kuraray Europe GmbH

Kuraray Marks 100th Anniversary and Holds Commemorative Ceremony

24.06.2026

Carrying forward a spirit of gratitude and challenge, advancing toward the next century as “One Kuraray”

Scenes from the Ceremony Venue
Scenes from the Ceremony Venue

Kuraray Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Hitoshi Kawahara) hereby announces that the Company marked its 100th anniversary on June 24, 2026, and held a commemorative ceremony on the same day. The ceremony was held at the Tokyo International Forum for Kuraray Group employees and 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 emphasized the importance of sharing values across countries, regions, languages, and cultures at this important milestone. He also expressed the intention to realize “One Kuraray” by connecting people, technologies, and knowledge beyond organizational and business boundaries to create new value together.

Founded in 1926 in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, Kuraray began with the commercialization 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 fiber, 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.


(References)


【100th Anniversary Websites and Creative Materials】
 
  • 100th Anniversary Special Website
    The special website features a 100th anniversary commemorative video, along with content such as “Timeline,” “Kuraray Today,” “Our Initiatives,” and “Vision for the Future,” presenting Kuraray’s history, its current initiatives, and its perspective toward the next 100 years.
    URL：https://100th.kuraray.com/en/
     
  • 100th Anniversary Commemorative Book『OUR STORIES ~How I Met Kuraray~』
    Through an accessible manga format, the book highlights Kuraray’s corporate culture of embracing diverse values and encouraging a spirit of challenge.
    URL：https://www.kuraray.com/global-en/company/history/anniversary-manga/
     
  • 100th Anniversary Commemorative Video “100 Years of Possibility with Kuraray”
    This corporate brand video introduces employees and workplaces from around the world, offering a look at the people and environments that support Kuraray’s 100-year journey of value creation.
    URL：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNcz97-I8B8
     
  • Kuraray 100th Anniversary History Video: “To achieve what no one else can—Kuraray’s 100 Years of Challenges” 
    Since 1926, Kuraray has worked to solve social issues and create new value. As we look back on our journey so far, we reaffirm our commitment to carrying forward our mission, “For people and the planet—to achieve what no one else can,” for the next 100 years.
    URL：https://youtu.be/oVITZrZ6gBc
President Kawahara’s Speech
President Kawahara’s Speech

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