uraray Co., Ltd. celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 24, 2026, marking a century of technological innovation, industrial development, and global expansion. The milestone was commemorated with a special ceremony at the Tokyo International Forum, attended by Kuraray Group employees and broadcast live to locations worldwide, reinforcing the company’s vision of unity and collaboration across its international operations.

During the event, President Hitoshi Kawahara highlighted the importance of strengthening connections across regions, cultures, and business divisions under the concept of “One Kuraray.” He emphasized the company’s commitment to creating new value by integrating people, technologies, and expertise beyond organizational boundaries.

Founded in 1926 in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, Japan, Kuraray began its journey with the commercialization of synthetic rayon. Over the following decades, the company established itself as a leading specialty chemicals manufacturer through the development of proprietary technologies and high-performance materials. Key innovations include polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) resin, PVA fiber, CLARINO™ man-made leather, and EVAL™ ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) resin, products that continue to serve a wide range of industries worldwide.

Today, Kuraray operates in 32 countries and regions, supplying advanced materials for sectors including packaging, automotive, construction, electronics, environmental technologies, and consumer products. The company’s mission, “For people and the planet, to achieve what no one else can,” has guided its efforts to address societal challenges through innovation and sustainable development.

As part of the centennial celebrations, Kuraray launched a dedicated anniversary website, a commemorative manga-style publication titled OUR STORIES ~How I Met Kuraray~, and special videos showcasing the company’s history, employees, technologies, and future ambitions. The company views its 100th anniversary not as a conclusion, but as the starting point for its next century of innovation and growth.