Kowa Kowabo Company, Ltd.

History

From the founding to the Showa era.From the founding to the Showa era.

1894~1945

1894

Founded as a cotton clothfabric wholesaler, “Hattori Kanesaburo Wholesale Store.”

The history of the Kowa Group dates back to a private store, when the privately owned “Hattori Kanesaburo Wholesale Store” which was founded by Hattori Kanesaburo by naming after him in the 27th year of the Meiji era. At first, the store originally sold tie-dyeing and Chita cotton produced around in Narumi and Arimatsu.

1912

Meeting held for the incorporation of Hattori & Co., Ltd. Head office established in Miya-machi, Higashi-ku, Nagoya, and Osaka branch located in Minamikyuhoji-machi, Higashi-ku, Osaka.

Clarification of the company structure was required with the transition to a stock company. The modernization of management was an essential step when the Hattori Kanesaburo Wholesale Store grew beyond the cotton fabric wholesale business and developed into a textile trading company.

New Hattori Sizing Mills constructed. (First production Factory)

The first production Factory of Hattori & Co., Ltd. was the “Hattori Sizing Mills,” which was built in Tsuzura-cho, Naka-ku, Nagoya (presently located at 2-chome, Matsubara, Naka-ku) in the 1st year of the Taisho era. The Mills had approx. 50 employees, three sizing machines, and the related equipment for thread sizing.

1913

Osaka branch moved to Fushimi-machi, Higashi-ku, Osaka.

Senshu in the Osaka district (around Sakai and Kishiwada at the present) was a major production area for cotton fabric. Business was expanded in Osaka, which was the export base site for cotton products at that time in Japan.

1914

New Sakurada Mills constructed.(Launched cotton fabric manufacturing)

The Sakurada Mills introduced a new loom and transferred the sizing machine from the Hattori Sizing Mills, resulting in the first cotton fabric manufacturing Factory of Hattori & Co., Ltd. The equipment at that time comprised 4 sizing machines and 308 looms.

1916

New Komaki Factory constructed.

The post-World War I economic boom arrived and the domestic economy flourished. In particular, the cotton industry was booming and production rose dramatically, centering on cotton fabric exports. Under such circumstances, Hattori & Co., Ltd. constructed the Komaki Factory specializing in cotton fabric manufacturing. When the Komaki Factory started operations, its equipment inventory was 112 broad looms and 68 narrow looms.

New Wakayama district office constructed.

Hattori & Co., Ltd. planned the production and sales of their own flannelette and constructed a store in Ono-machi, Wakayama (the beginning of the Wakayama district office).

1917

New Atsuta Factory constructed.

'The Atsuta Factory was planned as the first spinning Factory of Hattori & Co., Ltd. and was located in Higashi-okoshi, Atsutahigashi-machi, Minami-ku, Nagoya. Factory operations initially started with 72 looms.

Osaka branch moved to Awaji-machi, Higashi-ku, Osaka.

1918

New Kochino Mills constructed.

The Kochino Mills started operations with approx. 200 looms and specialized in cotton fabric manufacturing.

1919

New Yokohama Mills constructed.

The Yokohama Mills was constructed in Minamiota-machi, Yokohama. Operations started with 3,200 spinning machines.

New Hamamatsu district office constructed.

The Hamamatsu district office was newly constructed as the base for cotton fabric and fabric for yarn-dyeing in the Enshu district where cotton fabric manufacturing had flourished for years.

Spinning operations started at the Atsuta Factory.(Launched spinning)

The Atsuta Factory started spinning operations with the introduction of 4,000 spinning machines, and became the main Factory for cotton fabric manufacturing and spinning.

1920

New Fukui Mills constructed.

The Fukui Mills launched operations with 7,600 spinning machines and 256 looms.

1921

Nankai Senko Co., Ltd. constructed.(Launched dyeing)

World War I brought dramatic modernization to the dyeing processing industry in Japan. During that time, “Nankai Senko Co., Ltd.” was established as a separate company, branching out into the dyeing industry.

1923

The Tokyo district office burned down in the Great Kanto Earthquake and the Yokohama Factory was completely destroyed.

Although the Tokyo district office and Yokohama Mills were established only as a steppingstone for market expansion to metropolitan areas during the boom times in 1919, this natural disaster completely destroyed the two bases.

1929

Tsunejiro Miwa assumed office of the President and senior executive director.

1932

New Gamagori district office constructed.

The Gamagori district office, which handles thick cotton products made from low-count yarn, was constructed at Gamagori, the old weaving district.

1935

New representative office constructed in Bombay (current Mumbai in India). This was the first overseas base.

Since the late Meiji era, employees had been sent overseas to represent the company. With the increase in export business, district offices and representative offices were constructed at various overseas locations and employees were deployed there. In 1931, India became the first export counterpart to Japanese manufacturers, ahead of China. Accordingly, our first overseas office was established in Bombay.

1937

“Sodo jeans” sent to the Nagoya Pan-Pacific Peace Exposition received an honorary award and high-quality domestic product award.

“Nagoya Pan-Pacific Peace Exposition” was held in the harbor district at the southern part of Nagoya City (participating countries: 29, total visitors: 4.5 million).

Mukden and Shanghai district offices newly constructed to accelerate overseas business.

After the establishment of Manchukuo in 1932, many businesspersons from Japan visited there and trading increased. Thus, the Mukden district office was constructed. Poplin and calico, etc. were purchased from Japan and sold locally. In addition, the Shanghai district office was established in a room in the Aichi trading palace.

1938

New Wakayama Factory constructed.(Launched sewing industry)

A group of 30 lockstitch sewing machines were set up in a corner of the Wakayama district office and sewing operations started. This was our first sewing factory. As a result, an integrated production system from spinning, to cotton fabric manufacturing, to dyeing, and finally to sewing was established.

1939

Hattori & Co., Ltd. established Kaneka Hattori & Co. and separated the spinning division (current Kowabo Company, Ltd. ) from the trading division (current Kowa Company, Ltd. )

Based on the business separation regulations by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry promoting a controlled economy policy, the corporate structure was changed for “the separation of commerce and industry.”

1940

Hattori & Co., Ltd. (current Kowabo Company, Ltd. ) absorbed three companies: Matsusaka Cotton Co., Ltd., Nankai Senko Co., Ltd., and Yadagawa Senko Co., Ltd.

Hattori & Co., Ltd. held a temporary shareholders meeting on December 2, 1939 and passed a resolution for the merger of three companies that were previously under their management. This was part of the system construction for integrated production and processing from spinning, cotton fabric manufacturing, dyeing, to sewing. This merger was intended to promote further operating efficiency, increase the actual production results, and secure the allocation of raw materials and general goods in the future.

Company name was changed from Hattori & Co., Ltd. to Koa Spinning Co., Ltd., and from Kaneka Hattori & Co. to Hattori & Co., Ltd.

“Kaneka Hattori & Co.” was changed to Hattori Co., Ltd., and “Hattori Co., Ltd.” taking over the manufacturer section was changed to “Koa Spinning Co., Ltd” as suitable names for each business category. As a result, the two-company system, commerce and industry, was established in fact as well as in name.

Hattori & Co., Ltd. constructed a representative office in Chile.

There was an increasing demand in Chile for “Osunaburugo” (cotton fabric for flour bags sewn with low-count yarn), bleached cotton fabric, and yarn-dyed cotton purchased from Japan. In 1941, cobalt ore was shipped from Chile to Japan as a strategic material.

1941

Hattori & Co., Ltd. newly constructed the Saigon representative office (current Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam)

The Saigon office mainly handled textiles such as cotton fabric, bleached cotton, and printed cotton. Later, activities focused on the collection of bulrush mats and vegetables.

The Bombay representative office closed due to the impact of World War II.

Trading at the Bombay office proceeded smoothly until the middle of 1939. However, business activities became difficult with the outbreak of World War II. Following the recommendation from the local consulate general, Hattori Co., Ltd. left Bombay and returned to Japan.

1942

The Chile representative office closed due to the impact of World War II.

The resident employees in Santiago at that time boarded a ship in Montevideo, Uruguay and returned to Japan via Africa.

1943

Company name changed from Hattori & Co., Ltd. to “Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd. ”

The name “Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd. ” was formed by adopting “Ko” from Koa Spinning Co., Ltd., and “fuku” from Hattori & Co., Ltd. to increase the sense of unity with Koa Spinning Co., Ltd.

1945

Company name changed from Koa Spinning Co., Ltd. (current Kowabo Company, Ltd. ) to Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd.

Regarding the company name change, the name “Kowa” embodies sincere anticipation and resolution to restore peace to Japan and bring prosperity to the company.

As a result of the defeat in the war, all overseas branches and district offices of Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd. closed.

The overseas branches and district offices were lost at once due to the defeat in the war. The remaining business was only domestic distribution agency and handling of general merchandise that was not controlled.

Business DiversificationBusiness Diversification

1946~1969

1946

“Kowa Koki ” newly constructed as a new business division of Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd. (Launched manufacturing and sales for optical lenses and optical equipments)

During World War II, the optical equipment industry in Japan was entirely for the production of optical weapons. After the war, GHQ quickly responded to optical equipment companies requesting permission to produce for civil demand, and from October 1945 to 1946, nearly every company was granted permission. Our company branched out into the optical industry during this period.

1947

“Kowa Chemical Works,” a new business division of Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd. established. (Launched pharmaceutical products)

The cotton spinning industry lost 80% of its equipment due to the war. However, the damage ratio for production equipment in the medical industry was less than 20%. After the war, the existing pharmaceutical manufacturers restarted production with the raw materials on hand and those of limited availability. During this time, the company branched out into the pharmaceutical field. This was a good time and opportunity for entering the business of protecting people’s health as a peaceful industry after the war. “Kowa Chemical Nagoya Works Factory” was established in the Yadagawa Factory of the Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd., and the “Kowa Chemical Works Tokyo Laboratory” was set up in a room on the 2nd floor of the Tokyo branch building.

1949

“Kowa Chemical Works Tokyo Laboratory” of Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd. moved to a room in the women’s section of the Tokyo Pharmaceutical Career College in Ueno.

With the expansion of the textile business, the Tokyo branch building eventually ran out of room for the Tokyo Laboratory. Thus, for about 4 years from 1949 to 53, research activities were performed in one room at the women’s section of the Tokyo Pharmaceutical Career College in Ueno.

In July, Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd. started business trip of employees for overseas again.

In 1947, limited private trade was restarted. Our company set up an export department in the main office where international orders were received. The Osaka branch was in charge of purchasing, collecting, and loading (onto a ship) of cotton fabric for export based on orders. When overseas travel was permitted in 1949, the company restarted the overseas deployment.

1950

The stock of Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. was listed on the Nagoya Stock Exchange.

Restoration, expansion, and new entry were promoted in various areas throughout the 20s in the Showa era. As funds were necessary for such activities, each company tried to enhance its capital by listing stocks and issuing corporate bonds.

1951

Construction of the Kowa Chemical Works Nagoya Factory of Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd. was completed in Kaneda-cho, Kita-ku, Nagoya.

“Restamin Kowa injection” released in 1948 was the first antihistaminic drug produced in Japan. “Colgen Kowa” released in 1949 was the first drug in Japan where an antihistamine was integrated with a cold medicine. The advertising strategy for both products was successful and they immediately became key products of the company. Along with the steady increase in OTC drugs sales, relocation and enhancement of factories and laboratories were promoted.

1952

Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd. released a spotting scope for the first time in Japan.

A spotting scope was produced for the first time in Japan. It was originally developed for observing the target in shooting games. Due to its outstanding engineering performance and robust structure, this product gradually dominated the overseas market. In later years, the product was used for the shooting event in the Tokyo Olympics, and it has also become popular for bird watching.

1953

New facilities for the Kowa Chemical Works Tokyo Laboratory of Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd. were completed in Shimotakaido, Suginami-ku, Tokyo, and the laboratory moved out of the women’s section of the Tokyo Pharmaceutical Career College in Ueno.

In order to build our own research laboratory, the company purchased land in Shimotakaido, Suginami-ku, Tokyo. The three-story building with a reinforced concrete structure was built on an area of 3,400 tsubo and laboratories were built on an area of approx. 580 tsubo.

1954

Construction of the new main office building of Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. was completed.

The head office in Miya-machi, Naka-ku, Nagoya had carried out activities there since 1901. However, the office space became too small as the business expanded. Shortly after the war, branch offices were constructed in Asahi-cho and Kobiki-cho, Naka-ku. After that, an office building suitable for the center of the Kowa Group was planned for construction when the situation gradually settled down. The building was completed almost at the same time as the Nagoya television tower, which symbolized the start of the television epoc.

A general meeting was held for the incorporation of Kowa Shinyaku Co., Ltd.

The medical products manufactured by Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd. were sold through an existing medical wholesaler since the release of “Thmenne.” However, when the wholesaler suffered financial problems, we developed our own sales system for sales channels, and Kowa Shinyaku Co., Ltd. was thus established.

1955

Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd. established the U.S.-based affiliated company “Kowa Optical Corporation” as the sales base for optical products in the United States.

“Kowa Optical Corporation” was established as the sales base for optical products in the United States. Initially, a wide range of products including textiles and optical products was to be available and the company name was to be “Kowa American Corporation.” However, because of the strict limits on expanding overseas business due to foreign currency restrictions in Japan, both our business and company name were limited to “optical” at the beginning.

1956

Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd. established the joint corporation “Nippon Hoechst Co., Ltd.” together with Hoechst Company in West Germany (current Germany).

At that time, the medical division had gone past the initial stage and was aiming to grow. As part of the strategy, the company enhanced the range of new medicines through cooperation with overseas companies. “Farbwerke Hoechst AktienGellschaft,” which was contemplating entering the Japanese market, agreed with our policy, resulting in the joint establishment of “Nippon Hoechst Co., Ltd.” As Japan’s currency was not liberalized until 1967, it was unusual to set up a joint corporation with a foreign company.

1957

The number of spinning machines for long fiber was increased in the Kochino Factory of Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd.

At the time of the increase in spinning machines at the Kochino Mills, the total inventory of spinning equipment in Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. was approx. 280,000 units including cotton, spun rayon, synthetic fiber, and combed yarn, the peak in equipment scale both before or after the war.

The supply of lumber and chemical products was started.

As part of the non-textile business of Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd., the import of lauan from Mindanao in the Philippines and the bulk import of chemical agents from abroad were started.

1958

Company name changed from Kowa Optical Corporation to Kowa American Corporation.

In order to achieve the initial goal established when Kowa Optical Corporation was founded, the company continued negotiations with the authorities. As a result, permission was received to change the company name to Kowa American Corporation to create the company profile as originally planned.

Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. opened the Kowa Golf Center.

Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. lost almost the entire Atsuta Factory due to aerial attacks during the war. The old Factory was originally at the center of Nagoya on a large site of approx. 40,000 tsubo. Then, as the number of golf enthusiasts increased in the 30s of the Showa era, the site was used to construct a golf center.

Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd. newly established the Kowa Electrical Machinery Research Laboratory.

In the 30s of the Showa era, the production and applied technology of semiconductors based on transistors made rapid progress. With the need for electronics technology development, Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd. promoted the production of transistor radios and started producing samples of six-transistor radios and eight-inch portable televisions within Musashi Kogaku Co., Ltd., which was a subsidiary. In 1958, the electric machinery division was newly established in order to launch our own domestic sales. With the establishment of the Kowa Electric Machinery Research Laboratory, the structure of the electric machinery division was completed, from production to sales.

An interchangeable lens for the 8-mm cine camera and a filming lens for CinemaScope were displayed at the Brussels World Exposition and an honorary award was received.

In the optical division in the first half of the 30s in the Showa era, lenses and eyeglasses such as binoculars, spotting scopes, and filming lenses for CinemaScope were steadily produced. In the camera field, the market needs quickly changed from twin-lens reflex to the 35mm camera. So, Kowa Company, Ltd. produced new products for the 35mm camera for worldwide introduction.

1959

Takayasu Miwa became the President of Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. and Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd.

Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd. separated the import division into two parts, the import wool and hemp division and the material division. In the same year, the export of shoes to the United States was started.

Chemical shoes were produced in Kobe and exported to the United States. They were sold in the U.S. via Kowa American Corporation.

1960

Company name changed from Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd. to Kowa Company, Ltd.

The resolution for a change of company name was brought up at the annual stockholders meeting of Kofuku Sangyo Co., Ltd. and was passed unanimously. The three companies – Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd., Kowa Company, Ltd., and Kowa Shinyaku Co., Ltd. – now shared the same name of “Kowa Company, Ltd.” The Kowa Group was established.

The general gastrointestinal product “Cabagin Kowa” was released.

Kowa Company, Ltd. notices the effects of MMSC (methylmethionine sulfonium chloride) contained in cabbage and develops a product using this as the main ingredient, releasing the gastrointestinal medicine "Cabagin Kowa Tablet" in 1960.

Kowa Company, Ltd. started broadcasting television commercials for OTC drugs.

Numerous television commercials were produced. Unique entertainers appeared in the Cabagin commercial for generations, and the frog mascot in the Colgen commercial was very successful in attracting public attention.

1961

The stock of Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. was listed on the Osaka Securities Exchange.

Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. increased its capital from the 20s to 30s in the Showa era and listed all stocks on the Osaka Securities Exchange in 36th of the Showa era.

Kowa Company, Ltd. newly established the Singapore representative office.

Before the war, the company had many customers in Singapore, which was the center of trade for Southeast Asia. This office was mainly in charge of importing cotton fabric and synthetic textiles from Japan. In addition, the import of non-textile products including tiles, chemical products, cameras, machinery, plywood, and medical products was gradually increasing.

1962

Production of Hong Kong shirts rapidly increased at the Komaki Factory of Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. The textile department in Kowa Company, Ltd. was extended.

In the 30s of the Showa era, the Japanese lifestyle changed dramatically. People were now buying ready-to-wear clothes. In the 37th year of the Showa era, sales of Hong Kong shirts made from tetron cotton blend were booming. In Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd., this shirt was produced at the Komaki Factory and a good sales volume was achieved.

The “Kowa RC” retinal camera was released.

The “Kowa RC” retinal camera was developed, resulting in the new production of medical devices.

1963

In Kowa Company, Ltd., Factory names were changed from “Kowa Koki” to Gamagori Factory and from “Kowa Electrical Machinery Reseach Laboratory” to Chofu Laboratory.

In the middle of Showa era 30s, the camera industry faced the intense competition of new product development and price cuts. Under these conditions, the production of radios and tape recorders at the Kowa Electrical Machinery Laboratory was transferred to the Gamagori Factory of Kowa Koki Manufacturing Co., Ltd. As a result, Kowa Koki was became a factory for mass-producing optical and electronic products. In 1960, the optical section was integrated with the electronic section and the electronic optical department was established. In 1963, the office names were changed to “Gamagori Factory” and “Chofu Research Laboratory.”

Kowa Company, Ltd. established the U.S.-based affiliated company “Kowa Camera Corporation” and the next year, and changed the company name to Prominar International Corporation.

Electronic optical products of Kowa Company, Ltd. were always sold in the United States via the U.S.-based affiliated company “Kowa American Corporation.” However, the items at this company were much larger, such as textiles and general merchandise. Therefore, “Kowa Camera Corporation” was established exclusively for electronic optical products (later changed to “Prominar International Corporation”). The products were sold via this company.

Kowa Company, Ltd. started machinery imports.

The import of machinery by Kowa Company, Ltd. started with a capsule filler from Italy.

1964

The Tokyo Research Laboratory of Kowa Company, Ltd. moved from Shimotakaido to a newly constructed building in Noguchi-cho, Higashimurayama-shi, Tokyo.

The Tokyo Laboratory (Shimotakaido) of Kowa Company, Ltd. became too small as the business expanded. Accordingly, the old Tokyo Reseach Laboratory in Shimotakaido was abolished and the laboratory was moved to a newly constructed building in Higashimurayama.

The Fuji Factory was constructed as the new facilities for pharmaceutical products of Kowa Company, Ltd.

The Nagoya Factory could not be expanded due to the increase in surrounding residential construction. So, another factory was newly constructed, the Fuji Factory. The completion of the Fuji Factory established the two-Factory system: the Nagoya Factory produced a wide variety of products in small lots, and the Fuji Factory handled the mass production of products such as Cabagin and Micalon.

1966

Kowa Company, Ltd. established Kowa Camera Co., Ltd.

In the 40s recession of the Showa era, the camera industry faced major difficulties. Kowa Company, Ltd. established direct sales stores for the retail camera store “Kowa Camera Co., Ltd.” to boost sales.

1967

Kowa Company, Ltd. newly established the Sydney representative office.

The Sydney representative office started with the sales of textile products to the customers of the Osaka Branch Export Division. The main products were printed cotton fabric. In addition, textile secondary products, cameras, and tiles were also handled.

The false-twisting machine was placed at the Kochino Factory of Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. (Branched out into the textured yarn field. )

In 1964, Provisional Measures Law for Textile Indusry Equipment and Related Equipment was instituted. Because of the disposal of excessive equipment related to textiles, the textile industry was rationalized. At the same time, the Showa era 40 year recession hit Japan and the textile industry faced the worst situation since the war. Under these conditions, Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. froze operation of its fine spinning machines, and instead promoted various product development and rationalization of production. At the Kochino Factory, two false-twisting machines were introduced to enter the textured yarn field.

Osaka Branch Export Division of Kowa Company, Ltd. imported cotton flannels from Taiwan. (Launched product imports. )

Kowa Company, Ltd. engaged in the import of textiles for raw materials such as raw cotton and wool in the late 20s of the Showa era. Actually, product imports started when the Osaka Branch Export Division imported the low-count cotton flannels from Taiwan.

1968

Kowa Company, Ltd. newly established the Jakarta representative office.

Textiles, steel, and building materials (cement and asphalt) were exported to Indonesia.

Kowa Company, Ltd., Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. and Kowa Shinyaku Co., Ltd. established Kowa Estate Co., Ltd.

Kowa Estate Co., Ltd. begin real estate business.

1969

Kowa Company, Ltd. abolished Prominar International Corporation and transferred to Kowa American Corporation.

Consistency and InitiativeConsistency and Initiative

1970~1994

1970

“Chofu Research Laboratory” was changed to Chofu Factory.

In the first half of the 40s of the Showa era, the Chofu Reseach Laboratory of Kowa Company, Ltd. grew steadily, with the focus on broadcasting equipment. With the expansion in production, it was logical to change the name to Chofu Factory.

Kowa Company, Ltd. started exporting fishing tackle.

The General Merchandise Division handled machinery and general merchandise (handbags and shoes) since the 30s of the Showa era. In the latter half of the 40s of the Showa era, a wide variety of products were handled and the export of fishing tackle to Europe started.

1971

Kowa Company, Ltd. established the affiliated company “Kowa Europe S.A.” in Belgium.

Kowa Company, Ltd. established the Brussels representative office in 1963 as the export base to Europe for optical products made by Kowa, expanding to the export of handbags, ores, and machinery to Japan. As a result of the satisfactory expansion of business operations in Europe, the Brussels office eventually became an affiliated company, “Kowa Europe S.A.”

Kowa Company, Ltd. established Singapore Activated Carbon (PTE) Ltd.

Kowa Company, Ltd. established Singapore Activated Carbon in cooperation with a chemical manufacturer in Osaka, providing half the capital, in order to produce and sell an activated carbon made from sawdust, which was abundant in Singapore.

Kowa Company, Ltd. established Kowa Co., (AUST) Pty. Ltd

Kowa Company, Ltd. established the Sydney representative office, which eventually became an affiliated company, “Kowa Co., (AUST) Pty. Ltd.”

1972

Kowa Company, Ltd. established Philippine-Japan Active Carbon Corporation.

Kowa Company, Ltd. manufactures and sells other types of activated carbon in addition to the Singapore Activated Carbon, using the raw material of coconut shells from the Philippines. Philippine-Japan Active Carbon Corporation was established at Davao of Mindanao in cooperation with a chemical manufacturer in Nagoya, with the injection of half the capital.

1974

Kowa Company, Ltd. established a set of organization management rules and positioned the four business divisions: textile, non-textile, Pharmaceuticals, and optoelectronics.

The first oil crisis and the gross demand restriction policy had a great impact on the Kowa Group. In the spinning and textile sections, product imports increased dramatically and the supply and demand balance collapsed, plus the excessive stock in the market added to the confusion. On top of that, construction-related products such as steel and lumber were in a slump due to decreased equipment investment. Under this harsh management environment, two company-wide measures in terms of organization structure and management planning were implemented.

1975

Kowa Company, Ltd. newly established the Shanghai representative office.

Fibers, which accounted for approx. 70% of the products at the Shanghai representative office, were all secondary products. Men’s shirts, women’s tops, children’s clothes, and kimonos were widely handled.

1978

Kowa Company, Ltd. newly established the Milan representative office.

The Milan office was established as a representative office and started with the export of non-textile products (handbags) to Japan.

Kowa Europe S.A. was dissolved, continuing as the Brussels representative office of Kowa Company, Ltd.

The Brussels representative office was incorporated into Kowa Europe GmbH Brussels branch when Kowa Europe GmbH was established in 1986.

1979

Sanko Printing Co., Ltd. was established. (Branched out into the printing industry.)

In the Kowa Group, a significant amount of printing ranging from product packages to documents was outsourced. If this outsourced work were performed within the company, it would mean considerably more work. For OTC drugs in particular, Cabagin Kowa had many media publications and high demand was expected. Therefore, printing became one of the non-textile businesses of Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd.

Unique Nissin Co., Ltd. became a wholly owned subsidiary of Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd.

In 1971, Nissin Industries Co., Ltd. was established and the following year, the company name was changed to Unique Nissin. The Factory was located in the Fuji Factory of Kowa Company, Ltd. and produced quasi-drugs such as adhesive tape and cleansing cotton. In 1979, all stock was transferred to Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. and was added to the non-textile business.

1980

Kowa Company, Ltd. established the U.S.-based affiliated company “Kowa Optimed, Inc.”

Kowa Optimed, Inc. handles both optical and medical devices as indicated by the company name, and was established as the new sales base for the electronic optical divisions in the United States. The optical sales division of Kowa American Corporation was then transferred to Kowa Optimed, Inc. The medical devices were sold through a local agency for about 20 years, after which a system was established for direct sales to the dealers.

Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. newly established the Komaki Factory of Unique Nissin and branched out into.

The Komaki Factory of Unique Nissin started to produce deodorants, then disposable diapers. Although there was a steady increase in the production of disposable diapers, manufacturers flooded the market and product prices declined due to the severe competition. Consequently, production was stopped in 1985.

1981

Chiryu Electronics Industries Co., Ltd. was established.

Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. started to assemble printed wiring boards for video products. Chiryu Electronics Industries Co., Ltd. was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. The product warehouse in the Chiryu Factory of Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. was remodeled into the factory and operations started in 1982.

1982

Company name changed from Unique Nissin Co., Ltd. to Kowa Healthcare Co., Ltd.

Company name changed from Unique Nissin Co., Ltd. to Kowa Healthcare Co., Ltd. In 1983, a Healthcare Department was established in Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. The Healthcare Department was in charge of the development section (research and development) and the production section (Komaki Factory), and the subsidiary Kowa Healthcare Co., Ltd. was in charge of sales.

1983

Kowa Company, Ltd. established the U.S.-based affiliated company “Kowa California, Inc.”

Established as the Los Angeles branch of Kowa American, the office engaged in the export of items to Japan ranging from shoes and tiles to dry grass, jojoba oil, and surfboards as a new business. In 1980, its status was changed to that of a representative office of Kowa, and in 1983, “Kowa California, Inc.” was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of Kowa American Corporation.

Kowa Company, Ltd. newly established the Fuji Research Laboratory (Pharmacetical division) and the Chofu Research Laboratory (electronic optical business division).

The Tokyo Research Laboratory only researched pharmaceutical products after 1964 in Kowa Company, Ltd. In the 50s of the Showa era, enhancement of equipment and systems was promoted in order to support GLP and GCP as well as the upgrade and expansion of research institutes. In accordance with GLP and GCP, the Fuji Laboratory was newly established to meet these functions. The engineering divisions at the Gamagori and Chofu factories proceeded with research and development of electronic and optical business. Furthermore, in order to work on state-of-the-art technology development and basic research, these laboratories were established.

1984

Kowa Company, Ltd. established Coherent Kowa Company, Ltd. as a joint venture with Coherent, Inc.

Coherent Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of laser devices, was seeking a partner for the development of a production base in Japan. Kowa Company, Ltd. supplied the retinal camera to Coherent Inc. in the form of OEM. Recognizing our level of technical expertise, Coherent Inc. proposed their plan to us. As Kowa Company, Ltd. had just started developing laser devices, the joint venture was a good opportunity to improve the technology.

1985

Kowa Company, Ltd. established the Düsseldorf representative office.

Kowa Company, Ltd. established a new representative office in Düsseldorf and transferred the main business from the Brussels representative office.

Kowa Company, Ltd. established Kowa Optimed Co., Ltd.

Kowa Optimed Co., Ltd. was required to provide precise academic information to users because optical devices for medical use accounted for a high share in the 60s of the Showa era and medical devices were progressing. In order to meet this demand, the sales division in optical devices for medical use became a separate company for more effective sales activities.

Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. established Sankosiki Co., Ltd.

Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. started to handle corrugated board in the material division from the 50s of the Showa era. To promote this business and start our own production and processing of corrugated board, Sankosiki Co., Ltd. was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd.

1986

Kowa Company, Ltd. established Kowa Europe GmbH (Kowa Europe GmbH) in West Germany (current Germany).

A new affiliated company, “Kowa Europe GmbH,” was established in the same office as the Düsseldorf representative office. The Düsseldorf office continued to exist and a European general manager was posted there to continue the business by changing it into the agency controlling Kowa Europe GmbH.

1987

Kowa Company, Ltd. established the “Kowa Life Science Foundation.”

The Kowa Life Science Foundation was established using the business profits of the Kowa Group in order to promote technical research on the prevention and treatment of human illness and to stimulate research.

Kowa Research Institute (Tsukuba Science City) was newly established.(Basic research of biotechnology and ME area)

In the 1980s, new discoveries and developments in the high-tech field of electronics and biotechnology stimulated academia and industry. In its diversified post-war business activities, Kowa Company, Ltd. was engaged in the fields of medical and optoelectronics and established its position as a manufacturer in both fields. Fortunately, both fields were in typical high-tech industries. To utilize this advantage, the “ Kowa Research Institute” conducts basic research on medical and optoelectronics and research on bordering and interdisciplinary areas crossing both fields.

Kowa Company, Ltd. established the Chile-based affiliate company “Kochi S.A.”

Kowa Company, Ltd. established the investment company “Kochi S.A.” in Chile. Kochi invested in “SQM company,” the Chilean government’s chemical mining corporation, and started the export of potassium nitrate to Japan.

1988

Kowa Company, Ltd. established the Dalian representative office.

The Dalian representative office was established as the production and export base for workwear. The products were mainly sent to the Okayama textile second section.

1989

Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. established Stern Nagoya Minami Co., Ltd.

Stern Nagoya Minami Co., Ltd. was established as an official sales company of Mercedes-Benz as a wholly owned subsidiary of Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. This was the first sales company for Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the Chubu area, in anticipation of the growing local market for luxury import vehicles.

Kowa Company, Ltd. established the Hong Kong-based affiliate company “Kowa Asia Ltd.”

This company operated as “Kowa Trading Co., (HK) Ltd.” since 1969. In 1989, “Kowa Asia Ltd.” was established and operations were transferred to the new company. The business was also changed from sales to a local sewing factory for Japanese raw fabrics, to the export of Chinese textile products to Japan.

Kowa Company, Ltd. newly established the development headquarters.

The purpose of the development headquarters was to develop new business. In the organization system of Kowa Company, Ltd., it was positioned in line with the four business divisions: textile, non-textile, pharmaceutical, and optoelectronics. Formally, the development headquarters belonged to Kowa Company, Ltd. However, it functioned throughout the Kowa Group. The major objective was new business development by laying out the future vision as the whole Kowa Group, and organically integrating the management sources within the Kowa Group.

1990

The headquarters building and the south house building of Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. received the “Nagoya City Landscape Award.”

The building was designed by Kiyoshi Seike, a professor at the Tokyo University of the Arts, who adopted an innovative structure suitable for the new domestic base of the Kowa Group. The building consists of two houses, the main building and the south building. Bridge-type passages connect the two houses on the 5th and 10th floors. A mural painting by Louis Fransen was placed on the outside wall of the south building for the pleasure of passersby and visitors. In the Nagoya City Landscape Award, the buildings were highly evaluated for being separated into two houses to match the height of the town.

1991

The Seisei Factory was newly established.

In 1988, production equipment for making molds was placed in the Meinan Research Laboratory as the first step to entering the field of engineering plastics forming as planned, and production was started. The research laboratory was organized into the electronic Device Department and precision Mechanical Equipment Department. In the Precision Mechanical Equipment Department, one shape forming machine was introduced for the engineering plastics forming. In the Heisei Era, shape forming production was in full progress, and in order to strengthen production, the Seisei Factory was established.

Progress to a Global CompanyProgress to a Global Company

1995~2009

1995

The Hamamatsu Factory was newly established in Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka. (production of medical devices)

Kowa Company, Ltd. newly established the Hamamatsu Factory, which produces medical devices such as retinal cameras.

Kowabo Company, Ltd., Kowa Company, Ltd., Kowa Shinyaku Co., Ltd., Kowa Optimed Co., Ltd.
Takayasu Miwa, President assumed the position of Chairman and Yoshihiro Miwa, Executive Vice President assumed the position of President.

From not only a domestic, but also a global viewpoint, Yoshihiro Miwa, President and CEO will lead business activities of whole Kowa Group, while seeking to build a consistent value chain from upstream to downstream.

1996

Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. suspended operations at the Matsusaka Mills and withdrew from the spinning industry.

Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. suspended operations at the Matsusaka Mills and withdrew from the spinning industry after approx. 80 years since starting in 1919.

1997

Kowa Company, Ltd. established the U.S.-based affiliated company “Kowa Research Institute, Inc.”

Kowa Company, Ltd. established Kowa Research Institute, Inc. as a research and development base in the United States and prepared an R&D system for the U.S. in the future.

1999

Kowa Company, Ltd. established the UK-based affiliated company “Kowa Research Europe, Ltd.”

Kowa Company, Ltd. promoted the global deployment of pharmaceutical products and established the research development base in Europe for European deployment along with the establishment of Kowa Research Institute, Inc. in the United States.

Kowa Company, Ltd. made a tender offer to Nagoya Kanko Hotel Co., Ltd. and acquired the stocks.

Nagoya Kanko Hotel Co., Ltd. was established as a subsidiary company of Kowa Company, Ltd., which entered the hotel industry.

2000

Kowa Company, Ltd. established the UK-based affiliated company “Kowa Pharmaceutical Europe Co. Ltd.”

Kowa Company, Ltd. newly established the UK-based affiliated Company Kowa Pharmaceutical Europe Co. Ltd. to handle the production and sales of Pharmaceutical products in Europe. With the establishment of Kowa Pharmaceutical Europe Co. Ltd., an integrated system from research development to production and sales was established in Europe.

2001

Kowa Company, Ltd. accepted the third-party allocated capital increase in Aichi International Broadcasting Co., Ltd. and acquired the stock.

Kowa Company, Ltd. fully entered the FM radio broadcasting business via Aichi International Broadcasting Co., Ltd.

2003

Kowa Company, Ltd. acquired production approval for “LIVALO Tablets,” a hypercholesteremia therapeutic substance.

Kowa Company, Ltd. acquired production approval for the prescription drug “LIVALO Tablets” for hypercholesterolemia. This drug is the first completely synthetic HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.

Kowa Company, Ltd. made a tender offer to Nikken Chemicals Co., Ltd. and acquired the stock.

Kowa Company, Ltd. judged that an MR 1,000 personnel system was necessary to promote the Livalo tablet sales after acquiring production approval. Furthermore, because of fierce global competition, a global-scale research development and sales system was needed urgently. Kowa Company, Ltd. considered that expansion of business through an alliance with Nikken Chemicals Co., Ltd. was necessary. Therefore, Nikken Chemicals Co., Ltd. became a wholly owned subsidiary of Kowa Company, Ltd.

2004

Kowa Shinyaku Co., Ltd. transferred the prescription drug business for medical use to Kowa Company, Ltd.

Kowa Shinyaku Co., Ltd. engaged in the sales of pharmaceutical products produced by Kowa Company, Ltd. With the advances in prescription drugs, close cooperation between production and sales was essential in order to supply prescription drugs with outstanding effectiveness and safety. Then, the sales business of prescription drugs by Kowa Shinyaku Co., Ltd. was transferred to Kowa Company, Ltd. in order to produce better products and raise business efficiency through the integrated management of research development, production, and sales.

2005

Kowa Company, Ltd. took over the OTC (for general use) drugs business from Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd. and Marupi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Kowa Company, Ltd. positioned OTC drugs, healthcare products, and prescription drugs as the core business. Meanwhile, Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd. (current Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd.) was working to specialize in prescription drugs. Between the two companies, Kowa Company, Ltd. took over the healthcare business of Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd. and the sales business of subsidiary Marupi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Kowa Shinyaku Co., Ltd. took over the sales business of Kowa Healthcare Co., Ltd. from the Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd.

In order to enhance the competitiveness and sales ability of the healthcare business in Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd., the sales business of Kowa Healthcare Co., Ltd., which was a sales company for prescription drugs, was transferred to Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd., which sold OTC drugs.

2006

Nikken Chemicals Co., Ltd. was delisted from the Tokyo Stock Exchange, First Section and its company name was changed to Kowa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

Kowa Company, Ltd. had built a broad cooperative relationship with Nikken Chemicals Co., Ltd. in the sales section and research development section, as well as comapny-wide personnel exchange. In the sales section, the two companies worked together on promoting the hypercholesterolemia therapeutic substance “Livalo tablet,” and the blood-pressure-lowering drug “Olmetec,” which were the main prescription drugs in Kowa Company, Ltd. In the research development section, they jointly developed prescription drugs. To strengthen this cooperation, Kowa Company, Ltd. made Nikken Chemicals Co., Ltd. a wholly owned subsidiary to integrate the sales sections of both companies. As a result, Nikken Chemicals Co., Ltd. was delisted from the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The company name was changed from Nikken Chemicals Co., Ltd. to Kowa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. as a core company in the prescription drugs business of the Kowa Group.

Kowa Company, Ltd. established Icon Co., Ltd.

Kowa Company, Ltd. and Menicon Co., Ltd. established the joint company Icon to expand and develop the intraocular lens business by gathering the sales force in the ophthalmology area obtained by Kowa Company, Ltd. and the research development force of Menicon Co., Ltd. and effectively utilizing management resources focusing on optical technology. The joint company Icon is engaged in production and Kowa Company, Ltd. and Menicon Co., Ltd. conduct joint research and development.

2007

Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. transferred the textile business to Kowa Company, Ltd.

Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. and Kowa Company, Ltd. began as the “Hattori Kanesaburo Wholesale Store” in 1894. The two companies having the same origin worked together to promote the textile business. However, in order to integrate the textile business in the Kowa Group and to ensure more efficient business operations, Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. transferred the textile business to Kowa Company, Ltd.

Kowa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. transferred the production and sales of pharmaceutical products, production-related business, and research development business to Kowa Company, Ltd. due to company division, then became a sales company for prescription drugs.

Kowa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. was established by integrating the sales sections of Kowa Company, Ltd. and Nikken Chemicals Co., Ltd. in 2006. Furthermore, by promoting efficient and speedy management with close cooperation between Kowa Company, Ltd. and Kowa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. to strengthen the competitiveness, the company was divided, and the production and sales business of pharmaceutical products, production-related business, and research development business of Kowa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. were transferred to Kowa Company, Ltd.

Kowa Company, Ltd. established Kowa (Shanghai) Pharma Consulting Co., Ltd.

Kowa Company, Ltd. established Kowa (Shanghai) Pharma Consulting Co., Ltd. for medical and pharmaceutical academic activities, sales representative services, and consultation on market introduction, looking into the deployment of prescription and OTC drugs in China. The sales of Livalo Tablet started via this company in July 2009.

2008

Kowa Company, Ltd. made a tender offer to ProEthic Pharmaceutical, Inc. and acquired the stock. Then, the company name changed to Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.

Kowa Company, Ltd. bought out ProEthic Pharmaceutical, Inc. for the purpose of selling the prescription drug Livalo tablet in prescription drugs and securing a subsequent pipeline in the United States. Subsequently, the global trilateral sales system covering Japan, Europe, and the United States was established.

Kowa Company, Ltd. established the joint company “Teva-Kowa Pharma Co., Ltd.” with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Kowa Company, Ltd. cooperated with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. on generic drug product strategies, and established the joint company “Teva-Kowa pharma Co., Ltd.” Kowa Company, Ltd. promotes hybrid management based on the three key areas of prescription drugs, OTC drugs, and generic drugs. TEVA-KOWA Pharma Co., Ltd. offers high-quality generic drugs to Japanese patients by utilizing the marketing research and R&D strengths of both Kowa Company, Ltd. and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. to a maximum extent. Furthermore, the two companies are working to make generic drugs account for 30% of the total by 2012, which the government is promoting. Operations officially started in 2012.

2009

The temporary help firm Career & Leaps, Ltd. was established as a joint company between Kowa Company, Ltd. and APO PLUS STATION Co., Ltd.

Kowa Co., Ltd. applied for FDA approval of Livalo through Kowa Research Institute, Inc. In August 2009, sales permission was acquired from the FDA. Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. is selling Livalo in the U.S.

A birthday party was held on a ship in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the mascot frog of Kowa Company, Ltd.

The Kowa mascot frog reached its 60th birthday on May 16. This mascot first appeared in a newspaper advertisement for Restamin Kowa for hives on May 16, 1949. Since then, it has been admired as the character for the cold medicine Colgen Kowa. The 60th birthday of the mascot frog was celebrated at a party on a ship with customers regularly supporting this mascot frog.

Kowa Company, Ltd. started the sales of the drug for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia “pitavastatin calcium” in China.

In China, the sales of the drug for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia “pitavastatin calcium” was started via Kowa (Shanghai) Pharma Consulting Co., Ltd. A commemorative lecture was held in the Park Hyatt Beijing to mark the release in China. Many professors in each area of China took part in the lectures.

Kowa Company, Ltd. acquired the sales license from the U.S. FDA for “pitavastatin calcium,” the drug for the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed hyperlipidemia in the United States.

Kowa Company, Ltd. applied for FDA approval of Livalo through Kowa Research Institute, Inc. In August 2009, sales permission was acquired from the FDA. Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. is selling Livalo in the U.S.

Kowa Company, Ltd. established the “Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences: CICS” as a research development base for medical products in Boston in the U.S.

CICS is a laboratory facility where the laboratory workers in Kowa Company, Ltd. and scientists from Harvard University Hospital work together on discovery and development in interdisciplinary cardiovascular sciences. Kowa Company, Ltd. is expanding the company technical base and promoting pipeline research (development theme products) with the collaboration of leading-edge research from the Faculty of Medicine, Harvard University.

Beyond the Cutting-edgeBeyond the Cutting-edge

2010~2018

2010

Teva-Kowa pharma Co., Ltd. started operations.

Teva-Kowa pharma Co., Ltd. started the sales of generic drugs based on the philosophy that a leading generic environment should be continuously provided to patients for reliable medical service in this '- TEVA-KOWA Pharma Co., Ltd. started the sales of generic drugs based on the philosophy that a leading generic environment should be continuously provided to patients for reliable medical service in this country.

Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. was delisted from the stock exchange for Management Buyout(MBO).

The common stock of Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. was delisted from the Osaka Securities Exchange and Nagoya Stock Exchange on May 14, 2010.

Sales of the drug “LIVALO” for the treatment of primary hyperlipidemia and mixed hyperlipidemia started in the U.S.

On June 28, 2010, Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Kowa Company, Ltd. in the U.S., started selling a new drug for the treatment of primary hyperlipidemia and mixed hyperlipidemia “pitavastatin calcium,” under the registered brand name “Livalo,” for which Kowa Company, Ltd. acquired sales permission in the U.S.

Kowa Company, Ltd. established Incontro Company, Ltd.

Kowa Company, Ltd. establishes Incontro Co., Ltd., and advances into apparel retail business centered on overseas fashion brands on full scale.

Kowa Company, Ltd. took over the healthcare business, the precision equipment business and the develop business(three objects) of Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. by the absorption-type split.

Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. mergered it with Kowabo Company, Ltd.

Kowa Spinning Co., Ltd. mergered it with Kowabo Company, Ltd. on Nov 1, 2010.

2013

Kowa Company, Ltd. entered into Mega Solar business, and completed the Fuji Photovoltaic Power Plant .

As part of “Health and Environment,” Kowa has decided to contribute to realization of a low-carbon society through Mega Solar business utilizing renewable energy.
The site area of the “Fuji Photovoltaic Power Plant ” is 20,583 ㎡ where about 6,100 solar panels are installed to annually generate approx. 1,500,000 kWh.

Kowa Company, Ltd. was presented with a commemorative chair from U.S. BWH (Brigham and Women’s Hospital).

Together with the Brigham and Women’s Hospital affiliated with Harvard University, Kowa established the “Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences (CICS)” in 2009 and was presented with a chair impressed with a BWH logo in 2012 because of its support of research such as establishing the “Yoshihiro Miwa Associate Chair Fund” named after Yoshihiro Miwa, President and CEO.

Kowa Company, Ltd. newly constructed the Hamamatsu Factory manufacturing liquid ointment .

With the Great East Japan Earthquake as an opportunity, in order to disperse the manufacturing bases as part of risk management, this new factory was constructed to transfer part of pharmaceutical products produced at the Fuji Factory located along the sea to the Hamamatsu Factory located on the high ground.

2014

Sales of the drug GLANATEC ophthalmic solution 0.4% (generally called Ripasudil Hydrochloride Hydrate) were started in Japan.

GLANATEC ophthalmic solution 0.4% includes Ripasudil as an active ingredient, and lowers intraocular pressure by promoting discharge of aqueous humor through a main outflow via trabecular meshwork-Schlemm’s canal as a result of Rho kinase inhibitory activity.

2015

Kowa Company, Ltd. concluded a business tie-up contract with Emori & Co., Ltd. (current Kowa Emori Company, Ltd. )

Along with application for the Civil Rehabilitation Act by Emori Group Holdings, a prestigious company of Fukui prefecture, Kowa made business tie-up with Emori & Co., Ltd., a core company of Emori Group Holdings.

2016

President and CEO Yoshihiro Miwa  assumed the position of honorary consul general of Thailand in Nagoya.

President Yoshihiro Miwa of Kowa Company, Ltd. was appointed as “honorary consul general of Thailand in Nagoya” by the King of Thailand as of March 4, 2016. This was the result of being given credit for contribution to development of friendly relations with Thailand through the Nagoya Honorary Consulate General of Thailand opened in KOWA building in 1956. An appointment ceremony was held at the Embassy of Thailand in Tokyo on May 19, 2016.

Kowa Company, Ltd. established Kowa Holdings Europe AG.

Kowa Company, Ltd. established Kowa Holdings Europe AG. which serve as our European headquarters for implementing regional management work of Europe in Switzerland.

Kowa Company, Ltd. established Kowa Holdings Asia Pte. Ltd.

Kowa Holdings Asia Pte. Ltd. was changed its name from Kowa South East Asia Pte. Ltd. to control the management work of South East Asia area in Singapore.

2017

Kowa Company, Ltd. acquired 100% ownership of Maruei Department Store Co., Ltd.

Kowa Group and Maruei enhance mutual collaboration to promote business activities together.

2018

Sales of the drug PARMODIA TAB. 0.1mg (generally called Pemafibrate) were started in Japan.

Based on the concept of highly active and highly selective PPARα modulator (Selective Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α Modulator, alias SPPARMα), Kowa started marketing PARMODIA (Pemafibrate), the world’s first self-developed therapeutic agent for hyperlipidemia.

Open up the Future

2019~

2019

Kowa Company, Ltd. reorganized pharmaceutical business.

Conventionally, Kowa Shinyaku Co., Ltd. and Kowa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. have marketed OTC drugs and healthcare products, and prescription drugs, respectively. In order to speed up decision-making, streamline costs and enhance global response, however, Kowa Company, Ltd. now integrates manufacture and marketing of pharmaceutical business by marketing　and providing the information on OTC drugs, healthcare products and prescription drugs.

Kowa Company, Ltd. opened ESPACIO THE JEWEL OF WAIKIKI in Hawaii, U.S.

Kowa’s first overseas super luxury hotel.“ESPACIO” means a “space” in Spanish. With the concept of “unprecedented surprise and impression, plus relax, healing,” the hotel has the best location commanding the Waikiki beach right in front. In addition to all-suite accommodation each of which occupies an entire floor, the hotel provides luxurious “hospitality.”

Kowa Company, Ltd. completed the Hamamatsu Photovoltaic Power Plant.

In addition to Fuji, another photovoltaic power plant was newly constructed in Hamamatsu. Together with the Fuji Photovoltaic Power Plant, these plants generate electricity equivalent to about 1,500 households.

125th anniversary of the foundation

Founded in 1894, Kowa Company, Ltd. commemorated the 125th anniversary of the foundation on December 25, 2019.

2020

Response to the spread of COVID-19.

Since the beginning of 2020, the number of COVID-19 has spread around the world.
In response to this COVID-19 pandemic, Kowa decided to make full use of the technology and production capacity that it had cultivated so far to significantly increase the production of masks and other products. As a mission of a pharmaceutical company, we contributed to health management and recovery of peaceful days.

The gastrointestinal product “Cabagin Kowa” marked the 60th year of production.

Since its launch in 1960, the gastrointestinal product “Cabagin Kowa,” which repairs rough and damaged gastric mucous membranes and regulates, celebrated its 60th anniversary.
We will continue to contribute to promote the “Japanese model of self-care” through the development and marketing of Cabagin Kowa to suite to the times as gastrointestinal product to protect the Japanese stomach of future generations by improving the prescription for regular use.

2021

Expansion of Kowa's hospitality business

Watabe Wedding Corporation, which operates a wedding service business in Japan and overseas, became a wholly owned subsidiary of Kowa Company, Ltd.
Our hospitality business included a new resort wedding business with synergy effects in addition to its existing hotel business such as Nagoya Kanko Hotel and ESPACIO THE JEWEL OF WAIKIKI.

2022

Started joint verification of ammonia co-firing technology to reduce CO2 emissions

In collaboration with “the Adani Group,” a leading Indian company, we have decided to work on demonstrating ammonia co-firing in thermal power plants in India with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions.At the end of 2022, we signed a comprehensive business agreement with the Adani Group to cooperate in the sale of green ammonia, which is made by renewable energy. We will contribute to the achievement of carbon neutrality together.

ESPACIO THE JEWEL OF WAIKIKI won Multiple Awards

ESPACIO THE JEWEL OF WAIKIKI won the highest rating of 5 stars in 2022 and 2023 in both the hotel and restaurant categories of “the Forbes Travel Guide.”
In addition, we won the highest rank “AAA Five Diamond Award" for the two years in a row at the Diamond Award announced by the American Automobile Association.

Launched “GLA-ALPHA® combination ophthalmic solution” and “LIVAZEBE® Combination Tablets LD ・ HD.”

Launched Glaucoma and ocular hypertension treatment “GLA-ALPHA® combination ophthalmic solution” and “LIVAZEBE® Combination Tablets LD ・ HD,” a treatment for hypercholesterolemia. (both prescription drugs).