Column

No.

12

The Omuta Plant is located in Omuta, a city on the southern edge of Fukuoka
Prefecture. It was established in 1916, the year after the company’s founding,as Denka’s first manufacturing hub. The plant’s history is synonymous with thehistory of Denka’s inorganic chemistry and nitriding technologies. Having beencultivated over a period of more than a century, they have paved the way totoday’s specialty products.
Omuta is also the home of the Mitsui Miike Coal Mine, which has been designated a UNESCO World Industrial Heritage site due to its role as a symbol ofJapan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution. Denka constructed a plant there due to theability to procure important raw materials such as sulfuric acid, coke, and electric
power at competitive prices. As part of the Mitsui Mine’s coal complex, Denka
manufactured inorganic chemical products such as carbides and nitrogenous
lime fertilizers.
After the war, the plant grew due to an expansion of the nitrogenous lime
production facilities and the acetylene black business. Despite concerns about
the hollowing-out of the industry due to production of products being discontinued or transferred overseas, it accumulated and advanced its high temperatureprocessing and nitriding reaction technologies.
Many of Denka’s flagship products are manufactured at Omuta Plant, including
and fluorescent materials. This plant contributes to a decarbonized society andmanufactures sophisticated products which are essential for the xEV, 5G, andsemiconductor industries.
In 2020, a new general office called the Omuta Innovation Hub was completed.
This new facility brought together the previously dispersed manufacturing, research,and production technology divisions. With an increased sense of unity, we will strive
to pass down the technology of Denka’s forebears for another 100 years.

Unauthorized
reproduction prohibited

acetylene black, silicon nitride, AN plates, SN plates, spherical silica/alumina,

Published: July 1, 2022/ Publisher: Corporate Communications Dept., Denka Co., Ltd. / Editor-in-chief: Hiroyuki Yamamoto /Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, 2-1-1 Nihonbashi-muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-8338

The Omuta Plant
Continues to Develop
through the New Hub

Summer
2022

Vol.

12

Vol.12A place where the technology of Denka’s
forebears lives on

The DenkaWay

2022

Panoramic view of the Omuta Plant
The white building at the front is the Omuta Innovation Hub

The DenkaWay Summer

GunbaiDenka’s Unique Specialty ProductsContents
2 Amazing the World with Innovation
Denka’s Unique Specialty Products

15 Think INNOVATION
Yuko Arimori
Vice Chairman of the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) /Former marathon runner

16 A Specialist’s Perspective
17 DENKA TOPICS
18 With You, With Denka.
20 Gunbai Column

SPECIALTY
Denka’s Unique Specialty Products
Denka seeks to become a highly competitive company with specialized businesses,
products, technology, and human resources.
To that purpose, it has expanded and strengthened specialty products in response
to market needs. These products are based on technologies that Denka has created,nurtured, and improved upon for over 100 years.
2

The Denka Way | 2022 Summer

Amazingthewith Innovation

2022 Summer | The Denka Way

3

Specialty Products that Provide New Value to Society
Denka defines a “specialty business” as one that is compatible with ESG initiatives, has originality and high added value,

Specialty businesses significantly contributed toachieving record profits
Steady growth in specialty businesses contributed significantly to Denka’s performance, resulting

is not easily affected by the external environment, and is expected to have top-tier market share in the near future.

in record profits for the third consecutive fiscal year (FY2020–2022). In FY2023, Denka

Denka’s specialty products are showing sustainable growth in line with megatrends.

renewable energy, and healthcare, where demand for testing reagents is expected to grow andthe increase in influenza vaccine production is expected to come into effect. The company is
Heat resistance modifiers

Fused silica

aiming to expand operating income in the specialty businesses to approximately 40 billion yen.

Green Power

Acetylene black

Phosphors

Carrier tape

» Spherical alumina» Fused silica» Spherical magnesia» Low dielectric fused silica» Top cover tapes and sheets for
carrier tapes

33.5

expects solid growth through the promotion of growth strategies in the fields of environmental
energy, which includes megatrends such as xEVs, 5G communications, semiconductors, and5G
Communication

Operating income in specialty businesses

billionyen

23billionyen

FY2018 FY2019(Results) (Results)billionyenbillionyen

37.5

billionyen

40billionyen

FY2020 FY2021
FY2022
FY2023(Results) (Results) (Estimation) (Goal)

Healthcare» POCT diagnostic reagents (Rapid antigen test kits)» Virus test reagents» Vaccines (Influenza, tetanus)» G47∆ virus preparation for cancer treatment» Acetylene black» Silicon nitride» Ceramic substrates

Ceramics

22

37

MS resin

Spray-on accelerator for
hardening concrete

Acrylate-based adhesives

Rapid antigen
test kits

Emitter
Silicon nitride

Virus test reagentsAcetylene black

Semiconductor» Top cover tapes and sheets for carrier tapes» Dicing tape and back grinding tapes» Fused silica» Spherical alumina» Spherical magnesia» Emitter

4

The Denka Way | 2022 Summer

Spherical alumina

xEV» Spherical alumina» Spherical magnesia» Silicon nitride» Acetylene black» Ceramic substrates» Metal substrates» Aluminum nitride substrate» Heat dissipation sheets» Heat dissipation grease» Heat dissipation spacers» Acrylate-based adhesives» Phosphors» Heat resistance modifiersHome Appliances,
OA Equipment,
Daily Necessities

Civil Engineering /Agriculture
Influenza HA vaccines» Phosphors» Highly transparent resin(MS resin, Clearen)» Acrylate-based adhesive» Carbonation admixture» Spray-on accelerator for hardening concrete» Cementitious non-shrink grout mortar» Culvert drainage pipes (Corrugated pipes)

2022 Summer | The Denka Way

5

Market Leading Specialty Products

Environmental Energy

Environmental Energy

Electron source

Functional ceramic material

Emitter

Silicon Nitride

No. 1 market sharein the world

1/1000 mm
The tips of emitters, from which electrons are
emitted, have diameters of less than 1/1000

Denka’s emitters have the largest market share inmm (1 μm). Advanced technology is required to

the world. They account for approximately 40% of

manufacture them.

the market. Denka also excels at producing custom
emitters to meet the individual needs of customers.

Contributing to a wide
range of industries
and applications

Contributing to
the spread ofwind-power

Silicon nitride is a ceramic with a wide range of

Along with the spread of renewable energy,

strengths. It is lightweight, durable, resistant to abrasions,demand for Denka’s silicon nitride, which

resistant to corrosion, and highly thermal conductive.

is used for bearing balls in wind power
generation facilities, has gone up. Ceramicbearings, which have a high heat resistance,

Top market share in
the world

Taking on the evolutionof manufacturing

can withstand high loads and high RPMs, anddo not rust like steel bearings, have contributed
to the development of offshore wind power.

Denka boasts a massive supply capability for heat

Emitters are embedded in laboratory equipment

dispersion substrates for xEV inverters. With EVs

such as electron microscopes and X-ray inspection

spreading globally due to concerns over global

devices. Measurement and inspection are
fundamentals of manufacturing. Therefore, emittersare essential for scientific progress. Demand for

To space on satellites

semiconductor manufacturing equipment has

Small satellites use ion thrusters. If they continuously

grown in recent years. Emitters are mainly used inemit ions, they become positively charged, which

the inspection process and are indispensable forcan lead to malfunctions. To prevent this, emitters

semiconductor manufacturing.

emit negative electrons to neutralize the positive

warming and eco-friendliness, demand is expected
to increase significantly.

charge. Denka’s emitters might travel to space
someday in the near future!

Expanding production capacity byapproximately 30%

AmazingtheWith demand for heat dispersion substrates for xEVs on the rise, Denka is building additional
facilities in the Omuta plant. These facilities will begin operations in the latter half of 2022,
increasing production capacity by approximately 30%.

with Innovation

Omuta plant

The electronic “eyes” of scientific progress

Hiromitsu Chatani
Electronic Products Dept.
Electronics & Innovative Products
Elastomers & Infrastructure Solutions

In charge of R&D for emitters

6

The Denka Way | 2022 Summer

A driving force to realize a sustainable society

An emitter is a small electron-emitting component that isemission characteristics. This makes them ideal for examining

Denka’s silicon nitride, which is produced with our uniquecomposed of metal and ceramics. Denka manufactures DENKA

the surfaces of devices and semiconductor materials, as wellnitriding technology, is a non-oxide ceramic with excellent

Denka’s silicon nitride is used for a wide variety of

TFE and DENKA TFE for SEM and TEM—Schottky emitters for

as for electron beam devices such as inspection equipment

thermal and mechanical characteristics. Although Denka hasapplications including ceramic substrates*1 for xEVs, bearing

coating the surface of monocrystalline tungsten needles withand electron beam lithography equipment due to their stable,

been making this product since the 1970s, demand hasballs of wind power generation facilities*2, semiconductor

an absorbed layer of zirconium and oxygen to reduce the work

long-lasting emissions. Although there are some issues, such as

grown significantly in the past ten years. The main reason is

manufacturing equipment, industrial machinery components,

function of the tungsten. Although there are only a few basic

the fact that parts of the manufacturing process still need to be

the electrification of vehicles. With the switch to electric power,

and cutting tools. In this way, our technological capabilities

variations, Denka has a top market share, making them hidden

done manually, Denka has won the trust of its customers andthermal management became an issue, leading to a need forenable us to realize customer needs and contribute to society.

core products.

gained a large market share through continuous improvements.

Our emitters are highly regarded in the market because

Electric components are becoming smaller and finer, andof our technological capability to achieve high reliability.

our products will need to become smaller along with them.

DENKA TFE emitters can be used with a wide range of tips

To meet diverse market needs, we will strive to enhance ourthanks to our advanced needle processing technology. They

technological capabilities and improve our manufacturing

are manufactured with minimum variation and have excellent

processes.

Misae Igarashi

silicon nitride, which is lightweight, durable, and highly thermal

Advanced Specialty Materials Dept.
Electronics & Innovative Products

conductive.

share of the market.

*1: A board made of ceramic material that is mounted with semiconductors and other components. It is a common part of electronic devices.

In addition to our high production capacity to meet strong
demand, Denka has cultivated nitriding technology at the*2: A ball-shaped component is that allows shafts to rotate smoothly

Omuta Plant for many years, and this high product quality,
In charge of sales of silicon nitride

along with our sales capabilities, has allowed us to win a large

2022 Summer | The Denka Way

7

Market Leading Specialty Products

Healthcare

Healthcare

Super-bad cholesterol test kits

Rapid diagnostic testing kit for the detection of novel coronavirus antigens

s LDL-EX “SEIKEN”

QuickNaviTM-COVID19 Ag

Production capability
to be increased by
2.5 times

In recent years, it has become clear that not all bad
looking at the size of the cholesterol. The main cause

increase its production capability for products inof problems is the tiny “super-bad” cholesterol.

the field of POCT*1, including rapid diagnostic
to improve QOL.

What distinguishes this product from other tests on the

Shipping to Mongolia
under ODA Grants

market is the benefit it offers in terms of speed. ThisIn 2021, Denka’s rapid diagnostic testing kits

rapid diagnostic testing kit can determine results in eight

were selected for ODA (Official Development

minutes or under, making it 50% faster than competitors’Assistance) grants and shipped to Mongolia. They
New manufacturing building at the Gosen Site
Kagamida Plant (Scheduled to be completed
in 2nd half of FY2024)

simultaneous tests for COVID-19 and influenza, allowing

LDL cholesterol (“super-bad” cholesterol) in
Japan. It is sold in China, the US, and Japan.

Arteriosclerosis
accounts for over
20% of deaths

Bad cholesterols comein multiple sizes*1: Point of Care Testing in real-time by using
small analyzers and diagnostic testing kits.

Flu+COVID19 Ag (combination kit) that enables

reagent that measures the level of small, dense

Bad cholesterol(LDL)

testing kits, by 2.5 times. Denka is also working

products. Denka also manufactures the QuickNaviTM-

This is the first example of an in-vitro diagnostic

cholesterol is dangerous, but one way to tell is by

In April 2022, Denka announced that it would

Results in eight minutes

First diagnostic
reagent for sdLDL-C
in JapanSuper-bad cholesterol(sdLDL-C)

were selected not only for their price but also for
their high accuracy, speed, and user-friendliness.

Small bad cholesterol

A breakdown of the causes of death among

Large bad cholesterol

Japanese people reveals that cerebrovascular andThis is “super-bad”
cholesterol

heart diseases, which are caused by arteriosclerosis,
account for more than 20%. It is therefore anticipated(small, dense LDL)

that better access to information on sdLDL-C andsd-LDL.com

wider use of Denka’s products will contribute to

Only ten minutes
required for testing

maintaining people’s health and improving QOL.
Reference: Outline of Yearly Total of Monthly
Reports of Demographic Statistics (2020), briefing
paper by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

During a physical examination or health checkup,

it to meet diverse market needs.

the amount of “super-bad” cholesterol in one’s bloodcan be measured in about 10 minutes to evaluate

Top class in Japan

Malignant neoplasm(tumor)27.6%

Others34.6%

the risk of developing coronary heart diseases suchas myocardial infarction or angina pectoris.

Denka can manufacture up to 130,000 (as of March
2022) rapid diagnostic testing kits a day. This high supply
capacity has helped Denka win over its competitors’

Pneumonia

products to establish its Top class in Japan.

5.7%

7.5%

CerebrovasculardiseaseMaking antigen testing kits more accessible

Senility

Heart diseases(excluding
hypertensive ones)

9.6%

Contributing to health maintenance and disease prevention
My target is to make Denka’s rapid diagnostic testing

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in human blood. There are

one to assess the risk of developing coronary heart diseases

2020. We received approval for manufacturing and sales ofkits more accessible to people across society. Testing of

good and bad cholesterols, but in recent years, it has beensuch as myocardial infarction or angina pectoris. In recent

our QuickNaviTM-COVID19 Ag rapid diagnostic testing kit forasymptomatic patients has become more common as

pointed out that among the bad types, “super-bad” cholesterol

years, a number of studies have shown a relationship between

detecting novel coronavirus antigens in August 2020. Undera method of preventing infections and easing behavioral(sdLDL-C)*1 in particular is a cause of arteriosclerosis.

metabolic syndrome, hypertension, diabetes, and the severity

normal conditions, it takes four to five years from development

restrictions, but access to antigen testing kits is still somewhat

Denka has a long history of research pertaining toof atherosclerosis. As such, the development and sales of thisto commencement of sales, but this product was launched

limited, and there are only a certain number of institutions

sdLDL-C reagents. The former Denka Seiken commercialized

product is a socially significant business that contributes toto the market in one-tenth of the usual period, making it thedoing PCR testing. We will continue working on the usability ofand marketed these reagents in 2009 as RUO (Research Use

health and QOL.

Miharu Nakano

second fastest approval in Japanese history. This was theour products and stability of supply so that our testing kits can

POCT Sales Section, Domestic Reagents Dept.
Vaccines and Diagnostics Business Headquarters
Life Innovation

result of know-how cultivated over many years, as exemplified
by Denka’s influenza virus rapid diagnostic testing kits. In
November 2021, Xtrava Health, a company in partnership withkeep them at home.

COVID-19 infections quickly spread throughout Japan in

In charge of sales preparations for new products,
correspondence with sales companies, andmarketing support

8

15%

The Denka Way | 2022 Summer

Shujiro YamazakiOnly). Based on this technological strength, Denka launchedMoving forward, we will strive to increase sales andbe available at all neighborhood clinics like influenza testingManager, Reagent Sales Section,s LDL-EX “SEIKEN,” a coronary heart disease risk marker

awareness while seeking opportunities for collaborations

kits and be light and convenient enough for consumers to

Domestic Reagents Dept.
Vaccines and Diagnostics Business Headquarters
Life Innovationand the first IVD (In Vitro Diagnostic) to measure sdLDL-C inwith other companies such as health food manufacturers

Japan, in April 2022. By using this product in combinationand pharmaceutical companies with the goal of becoming awith universal automatic analyzers, the value of sdLDL-C incompany that is irreplaceable in society.

Denka, acquired FDA emergency use authorization and started
sales in the US.

Point of contact for OEM sales operations andcollecting information at individual sales offices

human blood can be measured in about ten minutes, allowing*1: Factors that indicate the possibility of heart disease development.

2022 Summer | The Denka Way

9

TEP

PEI

KU

MID
OR
I BE
TSU
KI

ZUM

I

YU
ZO
NA
KA
MU
RA

YU
KI S
HIN
OH
AR
A

Amazing
theis to deliver products with stable quality in a timely

so I can very much appreciate how hard thingsmanner.

can be, as Mr. Shinohara mentioned. In my current

Betsuki: Sometimes, we are barely able to keep

position, I’m responsible for materializing andup with customers’ immediate needs. However, justcommercializing the ideas of the development

focusing on the work in front of us isn’t going to leadteam. I aim to maintain sound communication withto long term product improvements. It is important tothem to create products that please customers andconsider what needs are going to be ten or twenty

lead to profits for Denka. The silicon nitride that I

years down the line. We are currently working on

am currently in charge of is mainly used for xEVs.

improving our products while having discussions with

Production of these electric vehicles is increasing

plant staff about how we can better serve existing

To me, specialty means contributing toaround the world, resulting in higher demand formarkets and break into new ones.

make the world a better place. My role

our products. As Denka has been producing silicon

Kuzumi: Though we handle different products fromis to create technologies that will realize

nitride since the 1970s, our immediate challenge

Ms. Betsuki, we have many things in common as

this future. During my development work,

salespeople. In terms of creating new products andI have experienced failures and struggled

improving existing ones, salespeople are expectedwith negative feelings about my limitations.

te speciacreal
To products ty

A sincere attitude can create
specialties
Teppei Kuzumi

Building robust relationships of trust to
identify challenges

have numerous opportunities to talk to customers.

one’s knowledge. To that purpose, a sincere

As we haven’t been able to visit them since theFour young people from R&D, manufacturing, and sales sat down to discuss these topics.

attitude towards one’s work is the most

COVID-19 pandemic, we have online meetings, but

important thing. We will continue striving tothis feels a little more distant. How do salespeople

provide information on customer needs andcommunicate with customers these days?

Tokyo Medical Branch.

respond accurately to their requests withthe belief that our daily efforts will lead tosuperior products in the future.

Kuzumi: The way we work changed completely

to talk one-on-one as opposed to online meetings

during the pandemic. In my case, I used to visit

with multiple participants. On the other hand, online

five or six hospitals on a daily basis, but due to themeetings have also become popular, and they
allow us to frequently communicate with overseas

Yuki Shinohara

Joined the former Denka Seiken in April 2011 and was assigned

What do you do to contribute to the specialty

pandemic, there were periods that I could barely get

Vaccine & Reagents Development Dept.

to the POCT Reagents Development Sect. Involved in R&D of test

products you are responsible for?

in touch with them. So, I changed my approach andcustomers. In that sense, it has become easier toLife Innovation

reagents including QuickNavi-Flu+COVID19 Ag.

Shinohara: I work in R&D, so I try to develop products

started better utilizing email messages and telephonebuild relationships as a result of the COVID-19

Joined the company in April 2011. Responsible for the developmentfrom a user perspective and incorporate knowledge

calls. I now regularly provide information via email

pandemic.

of silicon nitride and other products at the Ceramics Research Dept. offrom a wide range of fields outside of my specialization.

and call them to discuss problems and needs. Many

Nakamura: I see. So you communicate with

Omuta Plant. Responsible for manufacturing operations in his current

The important thing is to continuously strive to discoverof my customers work at testing facilities. Since it’scustomers by making use of the different advantages

new knowledge. I believe that knowledge is lying justdifficult for them to make time, it’s easier to arrange

of face-to-face visits, online meetings, and telephoneout of reach because others wouldn’t go far enough orfor phone calls or online meetings.

calls.

didn’t want to put in the effort. The work is hard, but I

Betsuki: I’ve also started using the telephone more

Shinohara: I also have a question for ourwant to stick with it, as I believe in what I am doing.

proactively. I think that many people find it easiersalespeople. I know that it is important to identify

Yuzo Nakamura
Ceramics Sect., Manufacturing Dept. No. 2
Omuta Plant

department since October 2016.

Midori Betsuki

Joined the company in April 2012 and was assigned to the Elastomers

Electronic Products Dept.

Dept., Elastomers & Infrastructure Solutions. Responsible for sales ofElectronics & Innovative Products

10and consequently the trust of customers.

What is the significance of Denka working on specialty businesses? What is specifically needed to create specialty products?

Considering markets of the future while
responding to current needs

challenges will pave the way forward.

customers will lead to the creation of better products

Nakamura: I am in charge of manufacturing, but Iof test reagents at the Tokyo Branch, Fukuoka Sales Office, andthose feelings and continuing to address

issues about current products and future market

from customers and constantly deepening

Sales Section No. 1, Tokyo Medical Branch
Vaccines and Diagnostics Business Headquarters
Life Innovation

However, I believe that overcoming

to collect information and properly communicate

Being a specialist means obtaining trust

Joined the former Denka Seiken in April 2009. Involved with sales

Yuki Shinohara

directly manufacture products, but daily responses to

The unique characteristics of each employee and interdepartmental collaboration are key!

Teppei Kuzumi

Making the world a better placewith technology of my own creationneeds to R&D and manufacturing people. We do notwith Innovation

Specialty Products Making Denka
Even Stronger!

te speciacreal
To products ty

Nakamura: I used to be in charge of development,

The Denka Way | 2022 Summer

emitters in her current department since April 2019.

2022 Summer | The Denka Way

11

Amazing
thewith Innovation
Thorough infection prevention measures were in place, and masks were only removed for photos

te speciacreal
To products ty

customer needs, but sometimes I feel that thecustomers themselves aren’t very aware of theCommunicating with those around you
is important

challenges faced by their company or products. In

difficult to communicate these points. That is why webetween functions, but it is important to think of good

involve development people in meetings to encourage

solutions based on a mutual exchange of opinions.

a better overall understanding. Development people

Continuously responding to drasticchanges in the environment andproviding unique value

this sense, how do salespeople draw out customer

To accelerate the creation of specialty

can also directly feel the ambience of meetings andneeds?

products, interdepartmental collaboration

customer enthusiasm.

Betsuki: Indeed, this is difficult. I regularly ask

is an important factor. How can we further

Shinohara: I think that each department hascustomers if they have any further requests evenpromote this collaboration?

something like its own territory. While we do need

if they appear to be satisfied with our products. By

Kuzumi: As various departments or functions are

to respect those territories, I also think it’s important

What is the significance of Denka continuing

repeatedly asking questions, it’s possible to get moredifferent, information sharing is of course somewhat

to get involved with other people’s work andto create specialty products?

specific responses once in a while.

difficult, and there are few opportunities to understandcommunicate with them. I’m working in development,

Kuzumi: Here at the Vaccines and Diagnostics

I think our unique characteristics andKuzumi: I agree. It’s relatively easy to get them toeach other’s ideas. It would be nice to have a forum

so I feel it is important to nurture relationships by

Business Headquarters, we deal with test reagentsstrengths as individuals are key points thattalk about issues that they aren’t satisfied with, but

to present any information we have and search for anvisiting the manufacturing shops, presenting my ideas

and vaccines. I think it is significant that we protect

lead to specialty. As I go about my work, I

it’s harder to identify the sort of challenges that they

ideal way to collaborate.

at an early stage, and requesting opinions. If I don’t

people’s health and lives through our products,

try to provide services that only I can deliver

themselves might not be aware of. To do that, I think

Betsuki: Though there are differences in terms of

do this, then even if I have a good idea, it might get

making us a company that is trusted by society.

and that will make the customer think,

you need to build strong relationships and win theirideas between manufacturing, development, andrejected later as being impractical.

Nakamura: As President Imai says, our mission“I’m so glad you’re in charge of sales.” To

departments and other types of businesstrust. Or to put it another way, if we can build thosesales, as employees of Denka, we have common

Nakamura: I agree. If development people show

is to respond to various challenges with our

improve our characteristics and strengths,

and incorporate a wide range of knowledge

relationships and provide products that satisfy theirgoals. I think it is important to mutually search for theus ideas at an early stage, we can give them advice

products, thereby realizing a more affluent society,and viewpoints.

hidden needs, we can immediately increase our value.

ideal form of collaboration. My role is to communicate

on what to improve for mass production purposes.

and I think that is the significance of us creating

Shinohara: So taking the time to build strong

customer requests to plants and R&D people, but

That kind of communication can accelerate

specialty products. We have technologies that haverelationships is important.

when technical content is involved, I sometimes find it

commercialization. We often have differing opinions

been cultivated over more than 100 years. We

Taking advantage of individual
specialties through interdepartmental collaboration
Yuzo Nakamura
A specialty is something unique. Different
people have different specialties, and thesethings change depending on the times
and society. My aim is to identify thesedifferences and changes. To that purpose, I
will communicate with people from different

The dramatically expanding EV market

Number of new cars sold worldwide (Unit: million cars)

An analysis by the Boston Consulting Group anticipates that electrified vehicles will account for about 30% of
the total number of new cars sold around the world by 2025 and reach a 51% share (exceeding the total of100

TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) of xEVs is lowered,giving them an advantage over gasoline cars

40

60

30

40

20

20

10

and are expected to maintain a share of 23% until 2030.
Source: Boston Consulting Group publication. “Who Will Drive Electric Cars to the Tipping Point?” (January 2020)

2018

2019

face challenges.

50

Actual results

driven electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).

0

it is important that we continue to grow andElectrification
rate

80

and 55% by 2030. In 2019, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) already accounted for 22% of the Japanese market

Midori Betsuki

60

gasoline and diesel cars) by 2030. In particular, we expect to see a drastic increase in the number of batteryMeanwhile, in Japan, electrified vehicles are expected to account for over 40% of new car sales by 2025

The Denka Way | 2022 Summer

Influence of governmental
regulations

120

Individual personalities andstrengths can strengthen
the company

xEVs will account for 51% of new cars sold by 2030

Impact of mobility trends including consumption behavior such as car-sharing and ride-sharing12

te speciacreal
To products ty

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

Electric vehicles

Hybrid electric vehicles

Diesel vehicles

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles

Mild hybrid electric vehicles

Gasoline vehicles

2027

2028

2029

2030

0

Electrification rate
(Market share of electrified cars = xEVs)

2022 Summer | The Denka Way

13

Think INNOVATION
Introducing articles that provide hints for innovation

No. 12Let Go of Conventional Wisdom and Broaden Your Horizons
Vice Chairman of the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) /Former marathon runner

Yuko Arimori

Born in Okayama Prefecture in 1966. After graduating from Nippon Sport Science University, she joined Recruit Co., Ltd.
She won a silver medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, followed by a bronze at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Since retiring as a professional athlete in 2007, she has been active in a wide range of fields, serving as Vice Chairman of the Japan Association of Athletics Federations,a member of the Sport and Active Society Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and Representative Director for NPO “Hearts of Gold.”

Listen to your feelings and body, and focus on yourself

Do not separate sports from society

When I was an athlete, I always tried to keep in touch with my feelings

I have long believed that sports are part of society and should not be

and body. I kept a daily practice journal in which I recorded my weight,

separated from it. This belief was reinforced during the Tokyo 2020

pulse, and other data. By writing down every change in my physicalOlympics, which was held amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It is not thatsports themselves have power, but rather how we apply elements ofhave inherited them and must improve on them totook many years to see the light of day. In addition

condition, I knew when I was in the best shape. I also made a point

contribute to society.

to bearing balls and semiconductor manufacturingof recording everything by hand. Handwritten characters often reflect

sports to society and ourselves to have fulfilling lives. I believe the same

Betsuki: Making people’s lives better is the greatest

equipment, it is now also used for radiation boards inone’s state of mind at the time of writing. In this way, I was able togoes for companies. It is important for companies to be aware of thesignificance of creating specialty products. Denka hasEVs, so demand has more than doubled in the pastvisualize both my physical condition and my feelings.

problems and contribute to the societies that they are serving.

a wide range of products and supports people’s lives

few years and is expected to rise further. Therefore,

After becoming a professional athlete, I began running with a “workThe most important thing for innovation is to let go of conventional wis-in many aspects. There are infinite possibilities, so I’d

we need to continue responding to the rapid, drastic

mentality.” In the early 1990s, just after I joined the corporate marathon

dom. We are now living in an era in which businesses and organizations

like to tackle the realization of a better society.

changes in the environment. While staying conscious

team, the Japan Professional Football League (J League) was launched,that cling to the past cannot grow. Although the ongoing pandemic has

Shinohara: I like to think that my work makes theof speed, we will continue to add value so that weand soccer became a professional sport in Japan. Compared to the se-come with many changes, there are also some positive ones. For ex-

world a little better than it was yesterday. When our

never fall behind the competition.

vere environment of the J-League, where you had to produce results toample, thanks to the spread of web conferencing software, we can now

products make things more convenient, reduce

Betsuki: That’s true. I can really feel the magnitude

survive, there was a very different attitude in marathon running. Under

participate in a variety of conversations without leaving our homes.

worries, or make people happy, that is proof thatof the changes in the environment. Even if businessthose circumstances, I kept asking myself, “Why did I join this team?”Everything depends on how you look at it. Instead of getting caught up in

we have moved the world forward and solved ais good at present, there is no way to know what willand “What does running mean to me?” I tried to focus on myself without

the changes in front of you, I would like you to question the way things

challenge. I’d like to take the world forward one step

happen decades later. I always work with a sense ofworrying about what others might think. I wanted to do meaningful work

have always been done and look for ways to make the world a betterat a time through the creation of specialty products.

crisis. Rather than being satisfied with the status quo,as an athlete.

place. It is important that these hopes come from within you, not fromI feel it is important to continue to update both our

It was about six months after I joined the team that I began to thinksomeone else. I believe that innovation can be achieved by letting go of

products and ourselves with new perspectives.

this way, and the following year, in 1990, I came 6th in the Osakaconventional wisdom, expanding your horizons, and exploring various

create specialty products?

Kuzumi: The medical industry also changes at a

International Women’s Marathon. Although things did not always go as

possibilities with a sense of hope.

Shinohara: I think it is important to continually sow

rapid pace, and the pandemic has only accelerated

planned, I always focused on my own running by telling myself that I

the seeds for new technologies. Seeds don’t bearthose changes. Hospitals are focusing on how to

was the one who chose to compete in a results-oriented environment.

fruit immediately. It can take three to four years, or

run tests with limited resources and personnel, andin some cases even ten years. But if we’re always

automation is becoming more common. We will

getting impatient and just buying the saplings, thenidentify those needs and share them with business

we won’t be able to improve our overall capabilities.

headquarters and plants while dealing with difficulties.

To maintain and improve our basic technological

I will continue responding sincerely so that ourstrengths, I will continue to sow seeds.

relationships with customers are not weakened as aNakamura: The silicon nitride that I am in charge ofresult of COVID-19.

What is needed for Denka to continue to

Amazingthewith Innovation

14

The Denka Way | 2022 Summer

2022 Summer | The Denka Way

15

DENKA TOPICS
A Specialist’s
Perspective
Denka is striving to become aSpecialty-Fusion Company.
What do Denka’s specialists foresee
for the future?

To Help Employees Feel That
They Are Not Alone
Denka aims to achieve sound growth throughIntroducing Denka Group news topics from April to June 2022.

Apr.

Our 17th in-house hydroelectric power plant
Shin-Himekawa No. 6 begins operations

On April 5, Kurobegawadenryoku Co., Ltd., a joint
venture between Denka andHokuriku Electric Power
Company, began operationsof a new hydroelectric power
plant, Shin-Himekawa No. 6
Power Plant in Itoigawa City,
Niigata Prefecture. This will
reduce CO2 emissions by 41,000 tons per year, expanding the utilization of clean
energy and contributing to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

sound management. A fundamental element ofApr.

Approx. 11 billion yen to be invested in increasing
production capacity for virus test reagents

With the goal of developing
its healthcare business,
Denka has decided to invest
approximately 11 billion yen
in the Gosen Site Kagamida
Plant, which manufactures
virus test reagents. With
this investment, it can increase production capacity of rapid antigen test kits by
2.5 times and virus test reagents by 2 times and strengthen its competitivenessthrough process reforms and automation of operations, production, and logistics
through digitalization. Denka will respond to the increasing needs for testing andcontribute to improving the quality of life of people around the world.

sound growth is well-being*, the physical andmental health of employees. Ms. Endo, who works
in the Medical Office at headquarters, is responsible for assisting with medical treatment byMay

doctors, promoting employee health, addressing
mental health issues, and improving the working
environment. “I am very happy when I see an
employee returning to the office with a smile after
recovering from a physical or mental illness,” says
Ms. Endo.
She feels that it is important not only to assess
whether employees are fit for work, but also towatch over them and encourage them to maintaintheir health. “In order to support employees
suffering from physical or mental health problems

Investment in spherical silica
production facility in Singapore

With the goal of growing
in the environmental andenergy fields, Denka has
decided to strategicallyinvest in the Tuas Plant of
Denka Advantech Pte. Ltd.,a consolidated subsidiaryin Singapore, to triple theGroup’s spherical silica
production capacity. Through this investment, Denka will establish a mid- to longterm stable supply system to meet rising demand in the future.

as quickly and smoothly as possible, we areMay

New spherical alumina production facility
in Singapore starts full-scale operations

A new spherical alumina production facility has started full-scale
operations at the Tuas Plant of
Denka Advantech Pte. Ltd. Denka’s
spherical alumina is widely usedin megatrend applications such as
xEVs and 5G telecommunications
as a high heat transmission/
dissipation material, and demand has increased significantly in recent years. With
the new facility, production capacity will increase five-fold (compared to FY2018),
making Denka the dominant manufacturer with about 60% of the global market
share.

strengthening collaboration between the HealthSupport Office, nurses at each business site, andnearby university hospitals and clinics,” explains
Ms. Endo, adding, “An important part of a nurse’s
work is getting close to people. I would like tosupport all employees so that they don’t feelalone in times of hardship or anxiety.”*Well-being: A state of mental and social well-being, not merely theabsence of disease

Noriko Endo
Medical Office (Nurse)
Joined the company in 2011. She works at an in-houseclinic and the headquarters’ Medical Office and is
responsible for promoting the physical and mental healthof employees. She is also focusing on reducing the rate ofsmoking in the company.

16

The Denka Way | 2022 SummerMay

Denka endorses “Declaration of Partnership
Building” framework

Denka has declared its supportof the “Declaration of Partnership
Building” framework to help large
enterprises and SMEs build mutually-beneficial relationships proposedat the Council on Promoting
Partnership Building for Cultivating
the Future, which consists of members of the Cabinet Office, the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, and othereconomic organizations. By strengthening mutually-beneficial relationships withbusiness partners, Denka will aim to increase added value throughout the supply
chain and create open innovation that transcends size, affiliation, and industry.

May

Polyethylene drain pipes “Toyo Drain Ace”
launched in May 2022

In May, Denka began sales of Toyo
Drain Ace, a new product from the
Toyo Drain series of polyethylene
drain pipes for agriculture and civilengineering. In addition to improved
strength, spill resistance, andseismic resistance compared toprevious products, the main pipe andconnecting parts have been integrated to improve workability. In addition, the product lineup includes spill resistant connecting parts that allow pipe lengths to be
adjusted on site to meet construction needs. This product protects farmland andinfrastructure from natural disasters and contributes to national land resilience.

2022 Summer | The Denka Way

17

With You, With Denka.

With Society.

JAAF’s event for children“Get together for athletics!”

At events held by JAAF, Denka sets
up panels to allow spectators totake commemorative shots withphotos of athletes. At the JAAF
Athletics Championships 10,000
meters and the Tokyo Seiko GoldenGrand Prix held in May, approximately 1,700 people took photos infront of the panels.

Expanding the circle of wellness
JAAF has three policies to realize wellness athlet-

including “Get together for athletics!”, an event forics. The first is providing opportunities for partic-

children to enjoy physical activity. We believe that

ipation by making athletics accessible to anyone,

our wellness athletics can contribute to Denka’s

anytime, anywhere. The second is increasing thegoal of enhancing QOL. To this end, we would

INTERVIEW

number of fans, not only of the athletes but oflike to deepen our relationship of co-creation and

Satomi Tashiro

the sports themselves, by creating connections tocollaboration with Denka.

society, communities, and people through athlet-

Jogging or walking around the neighborhood

ics. The third is using digital tools to provide usefulmight not be considered serious exercise, but

information to the “athletics family” (everyone

you’ve probably experienced how it refreshes yourinvolved with athletics) and creating new value.

mind and body. That’s part of what we call well-

By expanding the athletics family through well-ness athletics. Running, walking, throwing, andness athletics, we would like to contribute to thejumping are sports that everyone experiences in

improvement of QOL and make all stages of life

their daily lives. We’d like to encourage everyone

more fun, productive, and fulfilling.

to enjoy life by adding this kind of physical activity.

Denka has been sponsoring us since 2018, when

We look forward to more opportunities to work

they endorsed our vision of wellness athletics.

with Denka members!

Photos provided by PHOTO KISHIMOTO CORPORATION and the Japan Association of Athletics Federations

Enhancing people’s Quality of Life and providing an active lifestyle for all

Sponsoring the Japan Association of Athletics
Federations
In the Denka Group’s Social Contribution Policies, Denka commits to contributing

environment where all people can enjoy sports at all stages of life. The purpose

to health and sports promotion with the aim of enhancing people’s Quality of Lifeof this is not only to enhance world-class athletic performance, but also to enable

PROFILE(QOL)* .

people of all ages to lead active lives. The realization of wellness athletics will lead

Since 2018, Denka has been an official sponsor of the Japan Association of

to the improvement of QOL and contribute to society, goals that are shared by

Joined JAAF in 2019. She is involved incommunication with official sponsors,
ticket sales for the competitions held by
JAAF, and management of portrait rights
for Japanese athletes.

1

Athletics Federations (JAAF). In accordance with the Japan Sports Agency’s goal

Denka. By supporting JAAF’s activities, Denka will contribute to the developmentof increasing the frequency of sporting activities among adults, JAAF announced

and popularization of sports and the realization of healthy lifestyles for all.

“JAAF VISION 2017” in 2017 and a more detailed mid-term plan “JAAF REFORM”
in 2020. One of its missions is to achieve “wellness athletics,” that is, to create an
18

Marketing Department,
Business Division
Japan Association of Athletics
Federations

The Denka Way | 2022 Summer*1 An idea that represents an individual’s physical, mental, social, and cultural wellbeing

To date, they have supported many projects,
2022 Summer | The Denka Way

19