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A century of Kuraray is a story of transformation and of a guiding question that remains just as relevant today: how can business success and social responsibility go hand in hand? This anniversary is not only a moment to reflect on key milestones, but also an opportunity to reconnect with the company’s founding spirit - the ambition to create tangible value for people and society through innovation.
That ambition feels especially meaningful today. As global challenges such as climate change, resource efficiency, and sustainable industrial development intensify, companies are called upon to think long term, take responsibility, and deliver solutions that combine technological excellence with real societal benefit.
From the very beginning, Kuraray has been shaped by a strong sense of purpose. A commitment to contributing to society has been at the heart of the company’s development.
This philosophy was deeply influenced by the company’s second president, Soichiro Ohara, whose guiding belief still resonates today: “All wealth generated from society should be returned to society.” Acting on this principle, Kuraray supported initiatives such as the Ohara Institute for Social Research, the Kurashiki Institute for the Science of Labour, the Kurabo Central Hospital (now Kurashiki Central Hospital), and the Ohara Museum of Art. These efforts helped improve working conditions and advance healthcare, education, and culture, contributing to a better quality of life.
This legacy continues to shape Kuraray today. Sustainability is not a separate initiative, but an integral part of the company’s DNA reflected in its social engagement, its responsibility toward employees, and its approach to innovation.
Kuraray was founded in 1926 in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, at a time marked by economic and political uncertainty. Despite these challenges, the company quickly set a course for growth and innovation. Early developments, such as the production of synthetic rayon and the establishment of manufacturing sites in Niihama, Saijo, and Okayama, laid the groundwork for future progress.
A defining milestone followed with the development of PVA fibers, the first fully domestically produced synthetic fibers in Japan, alongside the in-house production of PVOH. This step marked Kuraray’s transformation from a textile manufacturer into a chemical company, strengthening both its technological capabilities and independence.
Over the decades, Kuraray has continued to evolve through diversification, breakthrough innovations such as CLARINO™, EVAL™ EVOH resin, and industrial isoprene synthesis, and a steady expansion into global markets, from early exports to China to a strong presence across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Today, Kuraray combines its technological expertise with a clearly defined commitment to sustainability. Its mission “For people and the planet - to achieve what no one else can” captures this ambition: to create value while taking responsibility.
With its management plan PASSION 2026, Kuraray is driving forward concrete actions across the dimensions of Planet, Product, and People. This includes expanding sustainable solutions, reducing emissions, and promoting responsible resource use, while also fostering safety, diversity, and social engagement.
Across the globe, this commitment is brought to life through investments, innovation, and close collaboration along the value chain, from more efficient production processes to the development of advanced, climate-friendly materials.
The 100th anniversary in 2026 is a reflection of this ongoing journey. In Europe, the milestone will be celebrated alongside 35 years of Kuraray Europe, with events taking place throughout the year at all European sites. Employees and their families will come together to honor the past and strengthen their shared future.
Under the theme “Germany meets Japan,” these celebrations will connect Kuraray’s Japanese roots with its European presence. A diverse program of activities will encourage exchange across generations, functions, and countries, highlighting the people behind the company’s success.
Looking to the future, Kuraray continues to build on its heritage and values. The commitment to developing materials that benefit society now extends to addressing global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and biodiversity.
Sustainability is becoming an even stronger compass for innovation and investment. Kuraray is aligning its portfolio to reduce emissions, advance the circular economy, and develop materials that help protect ecosystems while enhancing quality of life.
At the center of this journey are people, their ideas, their responsibility, and their collaboration across regions and generations. Together, they are shaping the foundation for the next 100 years of Kuraray.
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