Column

No.

02

The Gunbai symbol was registeredas a trademark in 1927

The DenkaWay WinterGunbai

The DenkaWay
Winter
2020

Vol.

02

2020
Vol.02

Products featuring the Gunbai symbol

The origins of the Gunbai symbol,

Gunbai is short for “gunbai uchiwa,” a military fan used by Japanesecommanders to direct troops from the late middle ages to the early modern
period. In modern times, it is used by referees in sumo matches. Why isthis the “Gunbai Column”? Denka’s history with the Gunbai symbol dates
back to the beginning of the Showa era (1926 – 1989).
At the time, sales of lime nitrogen were sluggish, and one of the plans torectify this situation involved creating a trademark that would appeal tocustomers. Kihei Abe, a member of the Commercial Affairs Section, wasordered to come up with a design. While struggling to come up with anidea, Abe heard one of his colleagues mention that he was going to seea sumo match. In that moment, an image of a gunbai flashed into Abe’shead. Due to their association with rich harvests, gunbai are auspicious
symbols for farmers. Abe immediately ordered an artist to draw up thedesign, which was eventually adopted by the company. The Gunbai symbol
was added to one product after another, and these were shipped toagricultural communities across the land.
Since then, the gunbai symbol has become a familiar sight to Denka
employees. One of Denka’s in-house newsletters, which was first publishedin 1959, is also named “The Gunbai.” The creator of this newsletter, Ichiyo
Kubo of the Osaka Sales Office General Affairs Division, commented,“The Gunbai symbol represents the growing field of electrochemistry

Published: Jan 1, 2020/ Publisher: CSR & Corporate Communications Dept., Denka Co., Ltd. / Editor-in-chief: Satoshi Fukuoka /Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, 2-1-1 Nihonbashi-muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0022 / Email: csr-koho@denka.co.jp

which represents
prosperity for businessand agriculture alike

The Unknown

World of Specialty Cement Additives
Contents

and a connection between all of our staff.” A portion of The Gunbai is still
delivered to staff online today. The times might change, but the Gunbai
remains a symbol of the bond shared by Denka employees.

2 Challengers of Denka Value-Up
The Past and Present of Our Continuously Evolving Specialties

8 Think INNOVATION
Don’t Knock It Before You Try It
by Tetsuya Bessho, Actor

9 Amazing the World with Innovation
The Unknown World of Specialty Cement Additives

17 DENKA TOPICS
18 LINK GLOBALLY, LINK FUTURE
20 Gunbai ColumnElectronics &Innovative ProductsLife Innovation

Infrastructure &Social Solutions

Elastomers &Performance Plastics

No.1

Capable ofwithstanding
overWorld Share

Judgement
time

5

Challengers for“The Near
Future”

Living &Environment Products

1.5
95

Domestic
ShareminutesDenka Seiken’s “QuickNavi™️-Flu
2” makes influenza diagnoses
possible in just five minutes . This
rapid diagnostic kit holds the top
share domestically.

Our ultra-high purity acetylene black,which has high electrical and thermal
conductivity. It holds the No. 1 shareworldwide.

60

millionflexesUsed incountries
around the
world

%

An accelerator for the shotcreteused on construction sites. It holds
a 95% share within the country.

Evolmer ® is a highly heat-resistantand flex-resistant elastomer, andhelps to extend product longevity.

Denka was the first company inJapan to commercialize vinyl tape.
VINI-TAPE ® is now being used in 60
countries around the world.

Important technology

Important technology

Important technologyof our Specialties That

Continue to Evolve
In line with Denka’s management plan, “Denka Value-Up,” we are aiming to“become a specialty-fusion company with a strong global presence.”
What kind of specialties do we possess now at Denka,
where we take bold steps towards unknown possibilities in science?

Important technology

Important technology

Influenza vaccines,
diagnostic kits

We have been producing vaccines for around 70
years, and diagnostics kits for 50, which havecontinuously helped to protect people’s lives.

Ultra-high purity
acetylene black
This is used as a conductive material in the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries essential for electric cars,and contributes to efforts to reduce global warming.

Cold-resistant,thin-wall harness tape

Evolmer ®︎

NATMIC Series
These products greatly contribute to task efficiency on construction sites through their quick setting
capabilities. They have an overwhelming share.

The first new high-performance elastomer inover 30 years. Among other features, it offers
incredible durability and low exothermicity.

The thinnest vinyl tape in the industry forbundling up wiring harnesses in automobiles. It contributes to weight savings.

Here we introduce some examples.
Life Innovation, Business Promoting Dept. In
Electronics & Innovative Products,
2016, I was involved in the establishment ofHigh Functional Films & Adhesives Dept.
a joint venture company that provided a serAs well as continuing to propose the adhevice testing for cancerous gene mutations,sive HARDLOC SGA to elevator and motorand currently consider strategies to expand
manufacturers as a sales representative, I
Life Innovation even further. I bring together
am also involved in the development andexpertise and technology from both withinsales of adhesives that can bond different
and outside the company, searching for new
materials, helping to meet the weight-saving demands in the automotive industry.
business possibilities.

A pioneer searching for new
businesses

Adhesive
professional

Infrastructure & Social Solutions, Special
Elastomers & Performance Plastics, ElasLiving & Environment Products, Advanced
tomers Dept. My main responsibilities
Cement Additives Dept. After a period at
Tape Dept. During this period of rapid
currently include sales of neoprene rubbers
Denka Infrastructure Technologies in Sinchange in the automotive industry, I am
gapore, I returned to Japan. I am currently
in the Taiwan and Vietnam regions, andaiming to increase the global share of our
focusing on next generation special cement
development of the Evolmer ® market. While
Wire Harness Vinyl Tape for automobiles,
working with the research department, I exadditive products to improve the quality ofand also working towards the development
plore new utilizations that will bring together
our concrete even further.
of new products along with the Polymer &Denka’s seeds and our customers’ needs.
Processing Technology Institute.

The engine driving thedevelopmentc of next
generation special
cement additives

The Evolmer ®
“Evolver”

A key person in thedrive to reduce theweight of automobiles

See the next few pages for our talk session
with all of these young employees about
the future of our specialties!

2

The Denka Way | 2020 WinterShuntaro
KomuraErina
Hata

Masataka
IshidaChien
Chung Chen

RyuheiMarumoto

2020 Winter | The Denka Way

3

Talk Session

Each and every person has their own area of specialty.

By bringing together
all five of our divisions,
we can open up new possibilities.

Towards the realization of the management plan,“Denka Value-Up,” Denka aims to focus on two gaols;“accelerate growth of specialty businesses” and “specialize our key operations.”
Employees at each base are continually attempting to specialize further,
but what is important to succeed in producing specialty products?
We invited Director Imai from the Denka Value-Up Promotion Dept.
to act as a facilitator and talk to these young employees from our five different divisions.
Challengers for

Considering what to make is
not the only way of specializing
Imai What is everyone currently doing towards
further specialization?
Marumoto As a sales representative, I am involved

A Denka that can foresee
the needs of the future andavoid getting caught up
in fixed ideas.

in the development of new wire harness tape

Our Threefold Growth VisionThis time4

Shuntaro Komura

Chien Chung Chen

Toshio Imai

Masataka Ishida

Business Promoting
Dept.
Life Innovation
Omi Plant

Elastomers Dept.
Elastomers &Performance Plastics

Denka Value-Up
Promotion Dept.
Director, Managing
Executive Officer

Special Cement
Additives Dept.
Infrastructure &Social Solutions

Erina Hata

Ryuhei MarumotoHigh Functional Films &Adhesives Dept.
Electronics & Innovative
Products

Advanced Tape Dept.
Living & Environment
Products

The Denka Way | 2020 Winter1

Specialty-Fusion
Company
Become a Specialty-Fusion Company with a Strong Global Presence
Aim

2

Sustained
GrowthGrowthVision3Sound
GrowthMaintain Sustained Growth by
Significantly Enhancing Productivity
through Innovative Processes

Secure Sound Growththrough Work Style
Reforms

Method of growthType of growth

products for automobiles. The automotive industry

using plastics and resins. As a result, the welding

is currently undergoing huge evolutions such as

methods used previously for joining metals together

automation and electrification. I gather information

will need to be replaced by adhesives that canfrom close talks with our customers, and sharebond components of differing materials. There are

everything I learn with research departments. I am

many different issues that need to be solved, such

constantly considering how best we can leverageas differences in the expansion and contraction of

the skills our company possesses.

materials when heated, and changes to the surfac-

Hata I am involved in the development of new

es’ conditions, but we will continue our trial andadhesive products, also in the field of next gener-

error process.

ation automobiles. During this period of increasing

Ishida Speaking of times of change, the civil engi-

demand for lighter components, there has been

neering and construction industries are in a similar

teristics of the medical and health care fields thata rapid move towards multi-material car bodies

position. The special cement additive products ourour division is involved with is that it is totally freedivision manufactures make up for the problemsof economic trends. However, our sales are stillwith cement and concrete. On infrastructure

relatively low when compared to the rest of theconstruction sites, we are starting to see real staff

Group. In the future, as well as developing new

shortage problems and environmental issues, but abusiness areas through initiatives such as open

variety of changes are also underway, such as la-innovation, it is necessary that we make use of the

bor-saving initiatives, i-Construction, and efforts toexpertise and technology in our Group and expand

reduce CO2. However, if the business environment

our business. In that respect, I think it is reallychanges, new features will be required from special

important that we explore many possibilities in

additives. I think it is essential that we foresee thethe future, leaving behind the status quo.

needs of the future and avoid getting caught up

Chen In 2019, our division started sales of thein our fixed ideas.

high-performance elastomer, Evolmer®. This is theKomura I feel the same way. One of the charac-

first new elastomer in nearly 30 years. Making useof its strengths in highly dynamic environments,

Our five divisions
coming together is the driving
force to create new things.

we are expecting it to be used in industries suchas iron and steel. I think we can continue exploring
new avenues from a wide variety of angles, asking
questions such as what values and possibilities
Evolmer® can provide, and how we should make2020 Winter | The Denka Way

5use of the seeds of innovation that only ourcompany possesses.
Imai How far can we get involved in the megatrend of “change?” Can we make Denka’s seeds
match our customers’ needs? It is important tokeep in mind these two questions when developing

Dreamsof theFutureConsidering our own fields ofspecialty will help
make Denka stronger.

By sharing our ideas franklywith each other,something new will be born.

our specialties. However, the thing that I really wantto everyone to remember is that considering

In our five completely different divisions, we

In order for dreams not to remain just dreams and

The future, when we have specialized evenwhat to make is not the only way of special-each have unique technology and expertise.

to open up new possibilities, as everyone else has

further. What kind of products will Denka be

izing. If the demand for anything drops, even a

There is also the cross-divisional Automotive

said, I feel that continuing to bring in expertise

Materials & Solutions Dept. which helps with newand technology from outside of the company isideas in the field of next generation automobiles,

also indispensable.

for example. If we can bring together the strong

Imai Megatrends, technology, needs—theseparts of each of these fields, I believe we canthree things are important components when devel-

produce totally new things.

oping our specialties. However, what is in question

Hata In the automotive field, new adhesiveis whether we can create a “story” using all of

products usually take more than five years to bethem, without leaving a single one out. There are

implemented. As a result, sales don’t progress, so
all members of the sales team gathered the otherday to talk about what we can do in responseto this problem. As I like musical instruments, I

Let’s create a “story”
focusing on megatrends,
technology, and needs.
suggested that maybe we could find some way into
the musical market, or maybe something related to

producing? We asked all the participants of thistalk session what their dreams were.

keep our eyes out for things going on outside.

products that are born from seeds, and there are

teresting thought. I think mine is cheerfulness. Until

In sales, there is a tendency for every day to getalso products that match social situations. I believe

July of this year, Denka was relatively unheard of in

clogged up handling all of the customers. Recently,

there are also products that resolve the issues ofSingapore, where I had been appointed. However,even if I have to force myself, I try to make time

particular customers. Whatever the origin is, if wewhen we approached people cheerfully, everyone

and go to exhibitions and academic conferences.

do not ask questions such as “what in society are

was willing to accept us. I was really happy.

There are a lot of products that started with athese products contributing to?” “which of Denka’sMarumoto In that sense, I guess my specialty issmall idea but have turned into big hits. In order tostrengths are we making use of?” and “what canbeing a sort of buffer. I feel that not everyone in the

broaden our field of view, I think it is essential that

we make possible for our customers?” and produce

company has to be totally creative. I think people

we also understand trends outside of our own field

this story, there is no way they will continue to be

who are able to look around them are also import-of business.

innovative products. This can be said not just about

ant.

Chen I think considering things by yourself sounds

new products, but also existing ones. Making use

Chen I am originally from Taiwan, so I have a lot ofeasy, but is actually remarkable difficult. Currently,of our company’s strengths in a wide range ofquestions about things that most Japanese people

I am talking to lots of customers with a view to de-business areas, I would like everyone to comemight consider to be “the norm.” For example, theveloping new uses for elastomers, and even though

up with their own stories.

tendency for Japanese people to be a bit ambigu-

high added-value product, profits will also fall. As afamiliar furniture or building materials. Of course, it

result, we must develop all the time and continue

would be surprising to find the perfect area toto produce new specialty products. For example,

develop our specialties in right away, but I have

expanding special additive products which havea hunch that by sharing our ideas with eacha solid standing in Japan to overseas markets, orother, something new will be born.

venturing into new business areas through collab-

Komura Definitely. Regardless of years of experi-

Imai Finally, what do you feel following this talkstyle reforms, too.

orations with other companies. Asking questions

ence or division, it is important to have opportuni-

session?

Hata I have been involved in adhesives ever since

about where and how we will do things are also

ties for various kinds of discussion. It does not even

Komura I felt that considering my own field

I joined the company. I think building up experience

acceptable forms of specialization. I would likehave to be on a set theme. I feel that connectionsof specialty was important. In order for us toand realizing the development of new products iseveryone to continue pursuing various possibili-

between people in different divisions often lead“become a specialty-fusion company with a strong

probably my unique specialty.

ties through flexible thinking.

to innovative sparks soon after.

global presence” in line with “Denka Value-Up,” I

Imai The products that everyone is involved with

Ishida I think it is important for us not just to lookthink it is essential that all employees are facing inhave been continually built up by over a hundredat technology within our own company, but also to

the same direction. While considering a story thatyears of predecessors. We must also make andincorporates megatrends, technology, and needs, if

leave behind specialty products for our succes-

everyone individually clarifies what is expectedsors—those who join the company in the future. Ifof them, and what it is they must do, applying

everyone gets involved with the confidence that

this to customers’ needs and market trends, I thinkthey have their own area of specialty, we will

Denka will become even stronger. I think that all

definitely be able to become a specialty-fusion

employees in our company are people who cancompany with a strong global presence. This isachieve that.

what I believe.

We have a wide business foundation, and making use of experience in each area is our strength
Imai “Denka Value-Up” lays out our goals up until
FY2022. In order to achieve them, which of ourcompany’s strengths do you think it is necessary
we preserve?
Marumoto Having a wide business foundation.

I want to make use ofexpertise and technology
both inside and outside
the company and open up
new possibilities.

I have studied my field in great detail, there aretimes when I do not know what to say in response.

ous. It might be to protect other people’s feelings,

Everyone must havetheir own area of specialty

I am aiming for sales figures ofover ¥100 billion! Through the
combination of expertise from insideand outside the company, including
divisions like the Denka Innovation
Center, I would like to contribute toour “Business Portfolio Shift.”“I want to bond things quickly withadhesives!” “I am still working so
I don’t want it to set yet!” In orderto handle these conflicting needs,
I would like to develop an adhesivethat bonds things together easily but
is also very workable!

I would like to make special additive
products based on unique ideas.
Products that absorb harmful things
such as radiation, or that can set
cement with just one drop. I willdefinitely anticipate future needs!

but when delivering instructions, it can end up
being a little bit of an obstacle. I think I might beuseful from the point of view of developing work“Plastic and rubber are not kind to
the environment.” In order to doaway with this image, I will try myhardest to make new products suchas biodegradable plastics, which areboth strong and are friendly to theenvironment!

I would like to develop a totally new
wire harness tape that is as thin
and as light as possible! It may only
be tape, but it can be really important. It contributes to electrification,
automation, and weight savings in
the automobile industry.

Ishida One’s own field of specialty—that’s an in-

Challengers for

6

The Denka Way | 2020 Winter2020 Winter | The Denka Way

7

Think INNOVATION
Introducing articles that provide hints for innovation

No.02

Don’t Knock It Before You Try It
Actor

Tetsuya Bessho

Born in 1965. Made his acting debut in the musical The Fantasticks while studying at Keio University. He went on to perform in a wide range of productions, including the US-Japan joint film
Solar Crisis, the play Les Misérables, and the musical Miss Saigon. In 1999, he founded the Short Shorts Film Festival, for which he received an award from the Commissioner for Cultural
Affairs. He is also a navigator on J-WAVE TOKYO MORNING RADIO, which features a Denka-sponsored segment called Denka MORNING VISION (Mondays to Thursdays, 7:40 – 7:45).

From business to acting, all because of Tarzan

tools.” Then, they’ll boldly spend their budgets, and the director, actors,
and production staff will collaborate to realize a new idea. The US has

You might say that getting into acting was an innovation. Most oflong been a source of new technologies and culture, and I believe thismy relatives are bankers, so I grew up with the intention of joining

is partly due to their willingness to create something from nothing.

a trading company. That all changed during my university years.

The other lesson was “Don’t knock something before you try it.”

In order to improve my English, I decided to join an English drama

One day during that period, a friend of mine invited me to a filmclub. That’s where I learned the joy of expression. The role of Tarzanpreview. At first, I wasn’t even sure if it was worth my time. However,made me consider questions that had never crossed my mind before,

when I reluctantly accompanied my friend to the festival, I ended upsuch as “What is civilization?” or “What does it even mean to be

being completely blown away. In just a few minutes, I discovered

human?” I came up with mymultiple works that completely

own answers and used my

shook up my values. I realized

performance to share them withjust what a small world I had

the audience. This experience

been living in so far.

was so fascinating that I decided

Beyondthe
FutureBased on this experience, I

to pursue a career in acting.

gained a new dream: to host an

Naturally, my parents wereinternational short film festival inagainst it. They didn’t believe

Japan. I imagined that there were

I could do it. I had my own

many people like me who disliked

doubts of course, but in the

short films without even giving

end, my desire to pursue acting

them a chance. So, starting fromoutweighed those doubts.

scratch, I created a new venue

If it doesn’t exist, make itfrom scratch.

to convey the charm of theseSpecial Edition

The Unknown World ofSpecial Cement Additives

films. Some people were worried

Cement and concrete are found at construction sites around the world.

about my acting career andClosely examine any highway or high-rise building, and you’ll find beautifully evenly spread cement.

advised against this project, but

8

After graduating from university, my actions were bold. I tried out atonce again, my desire to pursue this dream outweighed my doubts.

various auditions and eventually secured a role in the US-Japan joint

Every day, I made multiple international calls, sent faxes, and held

film Solar Crisis. I traveled to America for the shooting and ended

meetings in family restaurants. I had to select and import films, create

up staying there for about one and a half year. In America, I learned

advertisements, and plan budgets... Before I knew it, I had become thetwo important life lessons. The first is “If it doesn’t exist, make itbusinessman that my family always wanted me to be! And I’m happy

from scratch.” In Japan, we tend to create new things by building on

to report that the short film festival I started lives on today.

or improving on the works of others. In contrast, there’s a different

Create things from scratch. Don’t knock it before you try it. And do

mindset in the US. For example, if they want to express something but

things with passion. Those are my rules for innovation, and I’m goinglack the tools to do so, they’ll simply say, “Okay, let’s make some new

to continue taking on new challenges.

The Denka Way | 2020 WinterThis is thanks to Denka’s special cement additives.
So what exactly are these additives that contribute to the durability and safety of structures?

Amazingthewith Innovation
2020 Winter | The Denka Way

9Special
CementAdditives

Adding value to cement and concrete

The Illustrated Guide toSpecial Cement Additives

Denka’s special cement additives have a wide range of functions to meet the needs of every construction site,
including expandability, rapid hardening, shrinkage prevention, and high durability.

insideA l o o k C eme n t
e c ia lert he S p R & D C en tsev
Additi

Expansion[Denka CSA: Expandability]

Expands to prevent
cracksExperiment
methodSpecial cement additives are mixtures that cover

have a 95% domestic market share in this field,

the shortcomings of cement and concrete.

and our special cement additives are used in mostFor example, the concrete used to harden soil

Denka began selling special cement additives

today, they are continuously carrying out ex-

set. However, with Denka’s special cement addi-

in 1968. Before that, construction sites around theperiments with cement, concrete, and special

tives, this can be shortened to a few seconds. We

world were plagued by cracking, a major draw-

additives to create new functionality.

Overcoming the shortcomings ofconcrete and cement[Denka Hardloc: Adhesive]

Reduces water leakage
from cracks

Improve the composition of the special
cement additive basedon the results of theprevious step.

A special cement additive thatstrongly hardens concrete. Since
it only needs to be mixed in, no
special machinery is required. It is
resistant to vibrations and contributes to safety during construction.

FixingQuick setting

Measure how fast
the mixture sets
and how strong it
becomes.

Quick hardening

Expands as it hardens tosecure bolts

Mortar	A paste made of cement, sand, andwater. Used to connect bricks and othermasonry units.

AmazingtheConcrete	A mixture of cement, aggregates (sand or
gravel), and water. It is relatively strong
compared to mortar.

with Innovation

Immediately strengthening[Denka Natmic: Quick setting][Denka Tascon: Quick hardening]

Immediately hardens
concrete after being
sprayed on

Quickly repairs waterleaks due to cracks

A special cement additive thatquickly sets concrete to securerocks and soil in tunnels. It only
takes a few seconds to set. This
contributes to improved work
efficiency and safety.

[Denka Quick Capsule: Fixability]

Cement	An ingredient of concrete and mortar. It is
made from materials such as limestone
and chemically hardens when mixed withwater.

2.

A special cement additive thatquickly hardens concrete. Since
it is strong enough to withstandwater pressure, it is used forurgent repairs during tunnel construction.

Special Cement Additives

Special Cement Additives

Strongly hardens at
3x the speed

A special cement additive thatmakes pieces of concrete bond
together. Injected it into cracks
can help prevent tunnel collapses.

3.

1.

Trivia[Denka Σ1000: Strengthening]

The Denka Way | 2020 Winter

Joiningby adding the additives

Reinforcement

The Special Cement Additives R&D Centerin Denka’s Omi Plant solved this problem. Evenand rocks in tunnels usually takes 2-3 hours to

Add a special
cement additive tocement, concrete,or mortar and mix
well.

10

tunnels in Japan.

back of concrete.

Functions

Functions

A special cement additive that retains water and expands volume.
This prevents cracking due todrying shrinkage and autogenous
shrinkage.

What are special cement additives?

[Denka Super Cement:Super quick hardening]

Quick hardening to prevent
traffic obstructions
A special cement additive that
rapidly strengthens concrete.
Practical strength is achieved inaround three hours. This additiveplays a role in low-temperatureenvironments where concretetends not to harden.

A special cement additive used toreinforce existing concrete. Using
it in older tunnels helps prevent
against the dangers of deterioration.

Time variable[Denka Setter: Workability]

Reduces water leakage
from cracks
A special cement additive thatallows one to adjust the setting
time. It can be freely set to anywhere between two hours andtwenty-four hours, allowing workers to spend more or less timedepending on the difficulty of thetask.

2020 Winter | The Denka Way

11

Pick Up!

Special Cement Additives Map

Denka’s Eco-friendly Hydroelectric Power Plant

A world created by
special cement additives

We are promoting the expansion of clean energy sources, taking the initiativein protecting the environment, and aiming to contribute to the developmentof a sustainable society. Currently, we operate fifteen (ten solely-owned, five
jointly-owned) hydroelectric power plants in Niigata and Nagao Prefectures. In
FY2018, these plants generated approx. 125,000kW, which is enough to power
approx. 200,000 households. Construction of two new power plants is currently
underway, and once they are put into operation, we expect to be able to reduce
CO2 emissions by approx. 35,000 tons per annum.

Roads, high-rise buildings, and sewage systems...
Denka’s special cement additives are used to create many things that we take for granted.

Castles
Osaka Castle

Rainbow Bridge
Bridges need to endure the vibrationsof cars and trains and the pressureof water, so periodic maintenance isessential. Denka Hardloc is used to
repair cracks, and Denka Tascon isused for cross-sectional repairs.

Airports

Power Generation Capacity (1000kw)

Solar

Biomass

Hydro

200
150

153
117

125

2005

2018

100
50
0

2030

*Kurobegawa Electric Power (jointly owned with Hokuriku ElectricPower Co., Inc.) accounts for 50% of generated output.

Shin-Himekawa No. 6 Power Station construction site

See next page for further details on the construction site!

Pic

BridgesLong-term Outlook for Renewable Energy(Power Generation Capacity)

The Denka re-alkalization method wasused on about 5,000 square metersof the outer wall of Osaka Castle,
the symbol of Osaka. We contributeto maintaining historic buildings byprotecting concrete from deterioration
due to neutralization reactions.

kUp!

HydroelectricPower Plants

Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of
Malaysia. Here, special cement
additives were used to construct thelongest headrace tunnel in Southeast
Asia, which draws water from asource 45km away over a 1,200m
mountain.

Haneda Airport’s fourth runway
Haneda Airport's fourth runway wasbuilt on a pier facing the ocean. The
pier was constructed with SUQCEM
ultra-high-strength fiber-reinforced
concrete, which is five to eight times
stronger than regular concrete, toprevent salt penetration.

HighwaysShin-Tomei Expressway
The Shintomei Expressway runs
through the center of Japan. To ensurethat the construction was safe, simple,
and efficient, a combination of the special fiber mortar Denka PF Mortar andthe accelerator Denka Subshot wereused.

High-rise
Buildings
The higher the building, the more
durable it needs to be to remain
safe. Denka Power CSA is used toprevent cracks in concrete frames
and Denka Σ2000 to strengthen
pillars on lower floors.

Tunnels
Tunnels are dug through soil androck. The spray-on accelerator Denka
Natmic Z is used to rapidly harden
concrete, and Denka ES is injected
into the soil to prevent collapses.

12

The Denka Way | 2020 WinterBullet Trains
Sanyo Shinkansen
The Denka Renotec Method wasused to repair a viaduct on the
Sanyo Shinkansen line connecting
east and west Japan. Re-alkalizing
the deteriorated concrete helped to
improve durability.

Amazingthewith Innovation
2020 Winter | The Denka Way

13

Shin-Himekawa No. 6 Power Station construction site

Illuminating the Futurewith Inner Passion
In 2018, Kurobegawa Electric Power, which is partly owned by Denka,
began construction of a new hydroelectric power plant in Itoigawa, Niigata Prefecture.
This project is a touchstone for the expansion of clean energy in Japan.

Itoigawa,
Niigata Prefecture

There are also high expectations for the special cement additives used onsite.

A major project to accelerate
the construction of hydroelectric
power plants in Japanin Japan. Thanks to the NATBM excavator, we canConstruction is underway on water tunnels for theand the power plant is expected to go into opera-

Shin-Himekawa No. 6 Power Station. According totion in April 2022.

Mr. Sugimori, a manager at Kurobegawa ElectricPower, this project will accelerate the constructionof hydroelectric power plants in Japan.

Mr. Sugimori. Construction is proceeding steadily,

Denka’s special cement additives
solve problems onsite

Hydroelectric power generation emits almost

Messrs. Nishioka, Kasakawa, and Shigenaga fromnone of the greenhouse gases responsible forthe Kajima Corporation say that this project would

global warming, so it is expected to become

be impossible without Denka’s special cement

increasingly popular as a clean power alternative.

additives. Denka Natmic Z, which boasts highHowever, there was one major obstacle for hydro-strength even when thinly sprayed, and Denka PFelectricity in Japan: geology.

Mortar, which has low dust rebound, are used as

Drilling water tunnels through mountains isspray-on quick setting agents together with thean essential part of building hydroelectric power

NATBM excavator. Special cement additives, whichplants. However, many of Japan’s mountains areare used at construction sites around the world,

geologically unsuitable. In western countries,

are some of Denka’s most well-known products.

where mountains tend to be made of harder“They were indispensable for this project, which isrock, the TBM method can be used to rapidly drilla touchstone for the expansion of clean energy intunnels, but this method is less effective in Japan.

Japan,” explains Mr. Nishioka.

The NATM method is far more suitable for Japan’s

The three men also agree that special ce-geologically complex mountains, but it takes

ment additives have contributed to solving somesignificantly longer.

common worksite problems. There are two points

To solve this problem at the Shin-Himekawa

in particular: Reduction of unnecessary spraying is

No. 6 Power Station construction site, they used a

eco-friendly, and reduction of dust helps prevent

NATBM excavator, which combines the TBM andpneumoconiosis in workers. Thanks to the benefits

NATM methods. This new technology was jointly

provided by these products, construction workers

developed by the Kajima Corporation and Komatsu.

are able to continue taking on new challenges.

“The technology to safely and quickly drill watertunnels is essential for expanding hydroelectricity
14

now count on safe, quick construction,” explains

The Denka Way | 2020 WinterAmazingthePerhaps Denka’s mission is to help fulfil thedemands of construction sites.

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2020 Winter | The Denka Way

15

DENKA TOPICS
Introducing Denka Group news topics from October to December 2019

The newly developed NATBM excavator. When it NATM
mode, it uses a red bucket tool on the front to safely
dig through soft ground.

Manabu Sugimori (second from left), Kurobegawa
Electric Power, is in overall charge of the project.

Oct.

Mr. Ibukiyama receives Minister of Economy Trade andIndustry Award at the Industrial Standardization Awards

Oct.

Masaaki Kasakawa (left) and Akihiro Shigenaga(right), Kajima Corporation, are responsible for the
Shin-Himekawa No. 6 Power Station construction site.
Kazunori Nishioka (second from right), Kajima Corporation, is a tunnel boring expert with a wealth ofexperience in Japan and overseas.

Creating the future ofconstruction sites by pursuinghigh value-added products

Special Cement Additives Dept., says that special“Our strength is customization according toinitiatives for solving labor shortages on construc-site requirements,” explains Mr. Iwasaki, Seniortion sites are on the rise. “If fully autonomous

Researcher at the Cement and Special Cement

machines are developed, special cement additives

Additive Research Laboratory. Special cement

will need to be made even simpler and safer toadditives are used at many different types ofuse. Rather than being satisfied with the sta-

construction sites, including tunnels and dams. In

tus-quo, we must constantly pursue new possi-

order to develop products that can solve problems

bilities. That is the key to unlocking a new future

at every site, the Cement and Special Cement

for special cement additives and construction,”

Additive Research Laboratory is constantly con-explains Mr. Igarashi.

cement additives still have room for improvement.

celebrated its 50th anniversary. In other words,

When we have a prototype, we visit a site andthey have been solving problems and supporting

test it together. This allows us to make quick

construction sites around the world for over half

improvements and customize products according

a century. “We will continue to take on new chal-

to site specifics.” This speed is what has allowed

lenges to provide even higher value-added prod-

Denka’s special cement additives to claim such anucts in the future.” The eyes of these two men are

overwhelming share of the market.

shining with inner passion, like the special cement

On the other hand, Mr. Igarashi, Manager of theMasahiro Ibukiyama, a Senior Technical Advisor at our company, received the Ministerof Economy Trade and Industry Award at the Industrial Standardization Awards
Ceremony. He was highly praised for his successes as a Japanese representative on
the ISO/TC206 (Fine Ceramics) Committee, and as Secretariat Committee Chairman,
as well as for his efforts on the setting of international standards regarding fluorescent
substances for white LEDs and contributions to Japan’s competitiveness.
Members of the Cement and Special Cement Additive
Research Laboratory spend their days experimenting.
In the photo, a technician measures the strength andhardness of a new formula.

In 2018, the special cement additives business

important thing is getting feedback from workers.

additives playing a role in tunnels all over Japan.

Masahiro Iwasaki (left), Senior Researcher at the
Cement and Special Cement Additive Research Laboratory, Aomi Plant, is in charge of developing products
to meet the needs of construction sites.
Kazuma Igarashi (right), Manager of the Special Cement Additives Department, is in charge of technicalsupervision and marketing.

NATBM Excavator

Special cement additives.

Swapping in separate TBM and NATM machines for a single job can take anywhere from several weeks to several months. However,
the NATBM can be switched from TBM mode to NATM mode and vice-versa in a mere 1.5 days, greatly reducing construction time.

A high-value-added product that

TBM Mode
Allows for high-speed drilling through hard ground. Forward
sensors preemptively identify soft ground.

NATM Mode
NATM Mode is used for soft ground. An optimal support
pattern can be selected based on the type of ground.

Changeable
in 1.5 days

From the left, Denka
President Yamamoto,Niigata Prefecture
Governor Hanazumi,
Albirex Niigata Inc.
Director Wakasugi

Mr. Ibukiyama receiving his award

Currently, work-style reforms and i-construction

ducting experiments to enhance functionality. “The

Renewal of Denka Big Swan Stadium (Niigata Stadium)
naming rights contractleverages Denka’s technologies.
We will continue supporting the futureof our lifestyles and construction sites.
The unknown world of special cement
additives is always by your side!

AmazingtheOct.

Denka Athletics Challenge Cup 2019 held

On October 19, the Denka
Athletics Challenge Cup 2019,
sponsored by our company, washeld at the Denka Big Swan
Stadium, and approximately
9,000 people came to watch.
New national records were set
for both the men’s and women’s
4 x 800 meters relay, and top
athletes from around the world engaged in fierce competition.

Nov.

Volunteers from the Denka Labor Union participate inrelief efforts for the area affected by the Great East
Japan Earthquake

On November 30, a total of
fifteen volunteers from various
branches of the Denka Labor
Union gathered together andparticipated in relief efforts
for the area affected by theGreat East Japan Earthquake.
They helped with shipping
adjustment and packing ofonions harvested at Denka test
fields located in a residential area of Minami-Sanriku, Motoyoshi District, Miyagi
Prefecture, and carried out weeding work at houses.

Our company renewed the naming rights contract of Denka Big Swan Stadium(Niigata Stadium), and the current name will continue to be used up until the endof 2022. Denka, with our main plant in Niigata, will support the development of
Denka Big Swan Stadium as a place for regional revitalization and the promotion ofsports through future naming rights.

Nov.

Launched RS Virus Diagnosis Kit, QuickNavi™-RSV2

Denka Group Company, Denka
Seiken Co., Ltd. released their RS
Virus Diagnosis Kit, QuickNavi™RSV2, on 12 November. The RS
virus affects a huge number of
infants between the ages one
and two and has the potential
to cause serious respiratory
problems. Diagnoses can be madeusing secretions collected from nasal swabs, and with our new product, we havemanaged to cut the diagnosis time from eight minutes to just five.

Dec.

Director Shimizu gave lecture at Highly-functional
Ceramics ExpoAt the Highly-functional Ceramics Expo,
which was held from December 4 to
6 at the Makuhari Messe Event Hall,
Mr. Shimizu, Director & Chief Scientific
Officer gave a special lecture under
the theme of “Denka’s Approach toHigh-performance Materials and Future
Business Strategies.” With around
500 audiences, he introduced Denka’sfoundation technologies for highly-functional ceramics, as well as new materials
that are under development for further specializing in the future.

with Innovation
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17

Treasuring the family that you live with

I love cooking and yoga!
Positive, flexible, and considerate

Joined the company in 2013. As an administrative manager,
she is responsible for areas of work such as general affairs, HR,
and IT, and also supports financial work. Recently, she has beenpromoting the creation of QMS.

As one part of Denka’s Corporate Philosophy is to “Give due
consideration to environmental concerns,” I put my all into

Joined the company in 2016. She carries out various kindsof administrative tasks and office work to ensure that all
employees can do their jobs without any problems.

How are thingsin the UAE,
Julie?

I am very proud of our 100 years of history and the factthat we are a corporate group that embodies admirable

initiatives that reduce the burden on the environment such
which while seeing rapid economic development is also

Chinafacing a number of environmental issues, the way Denka

Liu Ting

am really proud to be able to work at atackles things becomes an example for other companies. I

Administration Department
Denka Inorganic Materials (Tianjin) Co., Ltd.

company that has

Products and teamwork

principles and values. In my current workplace, there isas the construction of hydroelectric power plants. In China,

I am quite diligent.

an atmosphere of respecting and understanding each

UAE

Joined in 2015. He is responsible for sales of Special
Conductive Materials and Special Cement Additives.

other’s diverse cultures, and I think our considerationfor our customers and determination to continually grow

Julie Ann Nario

are wonderful. Working at Denka always makes me feel

Denka’s products contribute to people’s daily lives in

DENKA MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA FZCO

like I want to make even more active contributions!

all areas of society. In my field of sales, the products
use technology that other companies do not possess

such a high sense ofsocial responsibility.

How are thingsin Korea, No?

How are thingsin China, Liu?

LINK GL OBALLY,
LINK F UTURE

Korea

to meet the demanding needs of customers, andso I always feel proud. Our field of business is alsoquite wide, so we share a lot of information with our

No Hyeon-Seung

colleagues, and I think being able to approach our

Product Development Unit
Product Development Department
Denka Korea Co., Ltd.

customers from a variety of angles is another strong
point. Denka is a place where you can really enjoy
your tasks while getting involved in teamwork.

How are thingsin Singapore,
Faizal?

Group members around the world, working toward the future of Denka
The Denka Group has 6,000 employees around the world.
We posed the following question to members from different countries.

Theme

Michiyo SuzukiUSA
I love cats! I love music!

Denka Seiken USA. Inc.
Denka Corporation USA.
California office

I like Manchester United and Japanese comedy
Joined in 2019. As Project Engineer, he supports thedevelopment of new projects including the improvement ofexisting plants.

It has been a fast four years since I started working here. In that

How arethings in theUSA, Michiyo?

in the production of a plant for one of thoseI am proud of the way people from parent companies and subsidiaries

How are things
in Japan,
Taichi?

gather together, aiming for the same goal through all the stages from thetime, I have had exchanges with various different kinds of people.

raw materials to the final, processed product. Currently in the food container

The thing I have felt most strongly every day since coming here

industry, environmentally friendly materials and containers are beingis that I am completely surrounded by colleagues who work

requested more than ever before. In thesincerely, and seriously engage in manufacturing. I’m always

future, I would like to develop more andimpressed by them—they’re so cool! I can’t offer much, but I

more new materials that meet customers’

would like to help wherever I can.

demands such as PLAPS and CLEALEAD,
specialty products.

The Denka Way | 2020 Winterfuture through unique technologies. I am involved

Joined in 2010. As part of the sales team, I am primarily responsible for the domesticside of the convenience store chain, 7-Eleven, aiming for the acquisition of newcommercial rights for food containers.

and as One Team, continue to deliver

18

Denka is a company that contributes to a better

I’ve started worrying about how much hair I’m losing!

Approach to manufacturing

Joined in 2015. She is involved in the logistics of Denka Seiken products,
preparation for various exhibitions and also contributes to departments suchas the general affairs in the DCUCA office.

What about Denka makes you proud?

Japan
Taichi Shibata
Group 2, Sales Department 2,
Sales Division
Denka Polymer Co., Ltd.

Singaporetechnologies—Spherical Alumina. Its high level of

Faizal Jefferi

batteries with this material, we can extend the range

Denka Chemicals Holdings
Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (DCHA)
Group Engineeringof electric vehicles, additionally helping to reduce

sphericity and thermal conductivity set it apart fromother products, and by efficiently cooling lithium-ion

global warming.
When I think about
those things, I get
really excited for mywork every day.

2020 Winter | The Denka Way

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