Column

No.

07

The print “Cow” (Kunio Sato). It depicts the scenery that Kenji Miyazawa referred to in his poem of the same
title, including the “pulp mill,” which may have been our company’s Tomakomai Mill.

Spring
2021

Vol.

07

Vol.07

Kenji Miyazawa and Denka

The DenkaWay

2021

The crossing paths of Tomakomai and Hanamaki

The DenkaWay Spring

GunbaiKenji Miyazawa (1896–1933) is famous for works such as the poem “Ame ni
Galactic Railroad.”A teacher at Hanamaki Agricultural School, Kenji visited Tomakomai in Hokkaido
in May 1924 on a school trip. At night, after his students had gone to bed, hewent for a walk by the sea and wrote the following poem:
A single Ayrshire cow stands rubbing her horns against the dewy grass.
Behind me, the glow of a pulp mill scorches the clouds in the night sky.
Across the low dunes, the waves pound on the shore.
The brass-colored moon looks as if it could be scooped up and swallowed.
No wonder the cow appears in such a good mood.
This time, she’s knocking her horns on the fence.
“Cow” from Kenji Miyazawa’s Spring and Shura Vol. 2
One theory is that the pulp mill he’s referring to is the Tomakomai Mill (Hokkai
Carbide Plant), the birthplace of our company. At that time, it still belonged to Oji
Paper, but it was a special place that supported the early days of our company.
And that’s not all. Denka Azumin Co., Ltd., a member of the Denka Group,
is located in Kenji's hometown of Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture. Kenji wasinvolved in fertilizer design and guidance for local farmers in Hanamaki, andDenka Azumin has been producing Azumin fertilizer for nearly 60 years, so bothcontributed to the development of agriculture. Leveraging the knowledge gained

Published: April. 1, 2021/ Publisher: Corporate Communications Dept., Denka Co., Ltd. / Editor-in-chief: Satoshi Fukuoka /Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, 2-1-1 Nihonbashi-muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0022

mo Makezu” (Be not Defeated by the Rain) and the children’s story “Night on thefrom Azumin, the Denka Group was able to enter the European biostimulant*
going forward.
Kenji and Denka crossed paths several times. Their aspirations to contribute toagriculture overlapped and strengthened each other as they moved toward thefuture.
*A microorganism or substance that draws out the natural power of plants and contributes to the stableproduction of agricultural products.

Unauthorized
reproduction prohibited

market in 2019, and we are planning to provide further agricultural support

Changing the Future of Agriculture with New Technologies

Biostimulants
Contents

2 Challengers for Denka Value-Up

9 Amazing the World with Innovation

R&D Process Reforms
Through Reforms to the Next Stage

8 Think INNOVATION
There Are No Failures If You Take Action
by Nagi Yoshida, Photographer

Changing the Future of Agriculture with New Technologies
Biostimulants

16
17
18
20

New President Special Interview
DENKA TOPICS
LINK GLOBALLY, LINK FUTURE
Gunbai Column

R&D Process Reforms

Through Reforms to the Next Stage
Under the Denka Value-Up Management Plan,
Denka has been striving to reform its R&D processes with the aim ofcommercializing as many products as possible, as soon as possible.
The three pillars of the reformation are Theme Reforms, Information Reforms,
and Human Resource Reforms. Based on these, a wide range of measures
have been implemented, and we are already seeing the results.
There is no end to reform. Only progress forward.
Denka will continue taking on the challenge of reforming its R&D processes.

Theme Reforms
In addition to selecting themes that make sense at
the time, we will optimally allocate resources andsequentially revise or abolish themes as necessary to realize efficient R&D.

Human Resource Reforms
Based on our policy of fostering“specialty human resources,” we will
collaborate with the HR Dept. to estab-

Theme Reforms

lish a program to train up ideal R&D
personnel who can excel by global
standards.

R&D Process
Reforms
Information
Reforms

Human
Resource
Reforms

Information Reforms
We will establish an R&D support system and provide tools to support efficient
R&D. Information that was previously managed separately by each business will
be centrally managed and shared throughout the company (as a “data lake”).
In doing so, we hope to speed up R&D and develop new applications for
proprietary technologies.

Each and every Denka employee is a key player inthe reform. On the following pages, we will introduce the results of R&D process reforms throughinterviews with employees.

2

The Denka Way | 2021 Spring

2021 Spring | The Denka Way

3

Reforms on the Frontline

Here, we will examine recent cases of theme, information, and human resource reforms.

Le ve ragin g t h e n e tw orks cre ate dt h rou gh ope n in n ovation

Theme
Reforms

Speedy Development of QuickNaviTM – COVID19 Ag
Shuntaro Komura

Shino Muramatsu

Business Promoting Dept.
Life Innovation

POCT Development Section, Vaccine & Diagnostics R&D Dept.
Gosen Site
Responsible for R&D of QuickNaviTM – COVID19 Ag. Involved in a wide
range of activities, including filing regulatory applications.

Responsible for planning and gathering
information for new product development.

“We’re relying on Denka.”with an organization with which you have no priorin the entire process from R&D to regulatory

relationship.

submission, and I can confirm that it was only

Komura: I have heard that creating an antigen

Muramatsu: Precisely. It is important to havepossible thanks to the support of a large number

testing kit usually takes at least two years from

cultivated relationships. One of the professors atof people.

development to regulatory application. However,a university we collaborated with said, “We canKomura: If we work together as a team, we canQuickNavi – COVID19 Ag was completed in justmake antibodies based on our basic research.

achieve great things. I think this was an excellent

four months. That is honestly incredible. I am sure

However, we cannot commercialize them or

example of that. To order to create new busi-

this feat was accomplished thanks to the efforts

deliver them to the world, so we are relying on

nesses, our division is operating through workingof the development team, but what other factors

Denka.” It’s very satisfying to be able to buildgroups that include members of other divisions,were involved?

win-win relationships and to contribute to society.

R&D departments, and group companies. We

Muramatsu: I think the biggest factor was that we

Incidentally, we were also assisted by the Life

believe that it is possible to create new ideas by

had already established various networks throughInnovation division that you belong to.

bringing together a wide variety of knowledge.

open innovation. Through these networks, weKomura: Our division has accumulated infor-

Muramatsu: It is definitely important to incor-

received information from research institutes andmation obtained through contact with medical

porate the knowledge and perspectives of many

the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and had

professionals. I am glad that the combinationdifferent people. For example, when developing aour prototypes evaluated by medical institutions.

of your technology-oriented information andtesting kit, we need to know: Is it easy for medical

Komura: Those networks are a valuable com-

our market-oriented information led to quicker

professionals and patients to use? Is it easy topany asset and a result of the efforts of everyone

development.

manufacture? Is it easy to market? Getting feed-TMon the development team. When evaluating new
businesses, we always consider which research
institutes, universities, and companies we could
collaborate with. However, it is difficult to work

4

The Denka Way | 2021 Spring

Incorporating multiple perspectives
into the design
Muramatsu: For this product, I was involved

Effectively passing on skills within thecompany

video to check the heat level of the kilns.

can look at the pictures together and maybe solve

Ishizeki: I see. So even if you have got wear-

the problem more quickly.

Ishizeki: I have not yet had an opportunity toable devices, photos can still be useful in certain

use the wearable devices yet, but I heard that you

situations.

provided remote technical support to a manufac-

Shimazaki: We can get multiple people to

Ishizeki: Due to the pandemic, it has become dif-turer in China.

check the videos and photos that they send us, so

ficult to invite customers to the Omi Plant for on-site

Shimazaki: There was a plan to outsource thedigital tools allow us to offer more advice.

testing. We have done it remotely in the past, but

production of our special admixture to a cement

Ishizeki: That is a big benefit. The special

most customers want to actually touch the productmanufacturer in China, and I had visited the site

cement additives business has been around forto confirm the hardness or adhesiveness. It is aseveral times to provide technical support. We

50 years, and we have some very experienced

problem of coming to terms with that. Especially,began implementing wearable devices due to theemployees. I think wearable devices will bewhen you are looking at a product for the first time,

pandemic, but checking the firing of the ingredientsuseful for passing down their skills to younger

you cannot make a decision without touching it.

takes an expert eye and is difficult to do remotely.

generations.

Shimazaki: In our industry, a sense of

Ishizeki: What method did you use?

Shimazaki: It also helps to reduce travel ex-

craftsmanship is key. It is a challenge for us to

Shimazaki: Our local representative visitedpenses and allows me to spend more time writing

respond to this. It is also important for us to

the factory with wearable device, and we gave

research reports and applying for patents.

obtain information from the field. I have heard

them instructions while watching the scene in

Ishizeki: In our case, it might also be useful forthat our predecessors often visited worksites toreal time. However, on video, the color of thehandling complaints. In the past, when a customer

ascertain needs and applied what they learned iningredients can look slightly different depending

brought up a problem, a sales person like metheir research. Even if we cannot visit worksites

on the lightning, which can lead to misjudgments

would have to go to the site, and if the problem

as often as we would like now, I think we should

when evaluating the firing. For this reason, we

could not be solved on the spot, the sales person

remember to search for needs and strive to use

asked them to arrange the finished materials in awould take pictures and bring them back to show

our digital tools effectively.

certain place, with certain lightning, before taking

them to the technical staff. However, if we are

Ishizeki: At the end of the day, it is all abouta picture and sending it to us. We also used theworking remotely, then the sales and tech people

people, isn’t it?

Information
Reforms

What you can gain in the field

Provide Technical Assistance Remotely
Masato Ishizeki

Daiki ShimazakiSpecial Cement Additives Dept.
Infrastructure & Social Solutions

Cement & Special Cement Additives Research Dept.
Omi Plant

In charge of sales of Denka CSA, an expansive additive
for cement. Also responsible for expanding sales of new
products.

Engaged in basic research for special cement additives. Also
responsible for providing technical support to contract manufacturers.

Attending the concrete spraying process

D igital tools are merel yback from the various players helps us improvethe design and finish the development as soona means to as c ert a i n l o c a l need s

as possible.
Instructing workers on how to mix cement additives

Checking the firing with photos of acertain brightness

Real-time connection with local sites through wearable devices

2021 Spring | The Denka Way

5

Nobuyuki Yoshino, Managing Executive Officer, Discusses the R&D Process Reform

Ch art in g you r ow n grow th patht o ach ie ve gre ate r re su l ts

Human
Resource
Reforms

Revision of Training System for Researchers
Daisuke Ueda

Fumiya Hoshiga

HR Dept.

Materials Characterization Dept.
Advanced Technologies Research InstituteIn charge of organizational staffing in the HR
Dept. Involved in personnel transfers andsystem design.

Belongs to the Data Science Group and is
responsible for biological data analysis.

Carrying Out Reforms
with an Eye on the Future
Nobuyuki Yoshino

PR OF I L EManaging Executive Officer
Chief R&D Officer
In charge of New Business
Planning & Development Dept.,
Research & Development Dept.,Intellectual Property Dept.

Joined the company in 1983 and was assigned to the former
Central Research Laboratory. After serving as General Manager ofthe R&D Department at the Omuta Plant and of the Central ResearchLaboratory, he assumed his current position in April 2021. His hobby
is golf, but due to the pandemic, he only played two rounds last year.
These days, he occasionally goes out to practice his swings.

Accurately ascertaining
market needs

long-term perspective, leading to increased

use MI and BI in their research. In addition,

motivation and connections among our young

we encourage overseas presentations andresearchers.

internal presentations in English to improve

Under the goal of “as many as possible, as

6communication skills.

provide employees with a variety of opportunities

soon as possible,” we have been trying toInformation Reforms

to expand their careers in Japan, such as goingreform our R&D process by focusing on the

We are building a “data lake” to centrally

three pillars of Theme Reforms, Information

manage information related to research andReforms, and Human Resource Reforms.

development, including research reports,

At the moment, all eyes are on the SDGs, andtechnical reports, and analysis information.

governments and companies are being asked

Theme Reforms

Based on that, we are working on practicallywhat they can do to contribute to resolving

A longstanding issue in research andapplying materials informatics (MI) andthese issues. The SDGs are intended to be

development is the setting of researchbioinformatics (BI) using AI.

achieved by 2030, so we are also planning

Fostering human resources required
for the future

Developing your own career

Hoshiga: My department sometimes holds

Ueda: I am in charge of designing our humanto graduate school to obtain a master’s degree

programming workshops for young researchers,

resource system in the HR Dept. Our goal is toin technology management or broadening theirand I play the role of a lecturer. A special

empower researchers and help them grow. I

technological horizons at a venture company.

emphasis is placed on data science. Teaching

was also responsible for designing the system

Hoshiga: Studying at a university or research

our researchers how to utilize data in materials

for the new overseas study program starting thisinstitute wouldn’t be unusual, but working at achemical and life science fields, such as materials

April. Under the previous system, the researcher

venture company is quite interesting. I am sure

informatics* and bioinformatics* should directly

and destination were selected by the research

it would be inspirational. It is also nice that thecontribute to strengthening our future R&D

department, and the HR Dept. would respond toresearcher can choose where they want to go.

capabilities.

their requirements. The new system uses an open

Ueda: Would you like to volunteer?

Ueda: Currently, data scientists are in short supply

application process, so anyone can apply. You can

Hoshiga: I am already getting plenty of practiceand hiring is becoming very difficult. In our case,choose the topic you want to study and where you

in my daily work, so I am fine for now (laugh).

we require knowledge of materials and data

want to study, as long as it is related to one of our

However, I will definitely consider it for the future.

of our open innovation activities sincescience, and not many people have both. The

focus areas. The study period is 3 years, which is

Ueda: I hope our young researchers will take2014, we have been communicating with

Human Resource Reforms

but also CSV (Creating Shared Value).

most realistic solution is to develop those humanenough to deepen your insight.

advantage of this system and give me feedback

various companies and external researchWith the aim of fostering world-class

Improving our R&D processes is essential forresources inside the company, so I have highHoshiga: I studied abroad as a student. Although

so that I can make it even better.

organizations to pick up market needs andresearchers, we have revamped our systemcreating value and becoming a company that

expectations for what you are doing.

it was only a short period, it considerably

work on developments that meet them. We

to further encourage studying aboard and in

is indispensable to society. Please continue

Hoshiga: You do not necessarily need advanced

broadened my knowledge. With three years, youalso hold frequent technology exchange

Japan so that our researchers can acquire

reforming R&D with an eye on the future.

skills, but if you have a certain degree ofshould have enough time to deeply investigate

meetings where our young researchers anda wider range of advanced skills. We haveknowledge, you should be able to use it in your

your chosen theme.

clients explore themes from a medium- toalso begun training them to independently

work. That’s what I would like to contribute to.

Ueda: In addition to studying abroad, we also

The Denka Way | 2021 Spring*Materials informatics: Using statistical analysis to determinematerial properties and manufacturing methods from large
pools of data.
*Bioinformatics: Using statistics and informatics to study andanalyze large amounts of biological data.

Contributing to solvingsocial issues

themes. Our company belongs to the

Eventually, we will expand the data

to increase the number of research themesmaterials industry, and our products golake to include information held by the sales

based on them. We must be sure to complete

through multiple companies before they

department, with a view to developing new

those themes.

reach the end user. That means it is difficult

technologies and products by matchingto ascertain market needs, and thus difficult

customer and market needs with ourchallenge of R&D to achieve carbon neutrality

to set research themes. Therefore, as part

technologies.

in 2050. In addition, Denka aims to realize

In the longer term, we must take on the

not only CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)

2021 Spring | The Denka Way

7

Special FeatureThink INNOVATION
Introducing articles that provide hints for innovation

Changing the Future ofAgriculture with New Technologies

No.07

There Are No Failures If You Take Action
Photographer

Nagi Yoshida

Born in 1986. At the age of five, she was astonished at the sight of the Maasai Tribe on TV. She taught herself photography and visited Africa alone in 2009.
Since then, she has photographed and presented many ethnic minorities in Africa and other parts of the world. Her unique color usage and intuitive shots were well received, and in 2017,
she was selected for Nikkei Business’s “100 people who will create next generation” and PEN’s “Pen CREATOR AWARDS.” In the same year, she won the Kodansha Publishing Culture Award
for Photography.In 2020, she released “DRAG QUEEN -No Light, No Queen-,” a photo book featuring drag queens in Paris and New York.

Biostimulants
Every day, we consume vegetables, fruits, grains, and other plants without a second thought.
Today, however, agriculture is facing challenges such as produce shortfalls due to

I want to accurately express their charmthe best backgrounds. All because I want to convey their charm 300%.

I first visited Africa when I was 23 years old. Since then, I have met

Do what you want to do, and it will be your work of art

population growth and damage caused by climate change.
Let’s take a look at a new technology that could potentially save the agricultural industry.

many members of ethnic minorities. All of those encounters were memorable, but one ethnic group in Ethiopia stands out in particular. This

Then, I went from ethnic minorities to drag queens. To be honest, I

tribe has no concept of “happiness.” When you ask them, “Are you

was anxious about the large change in subject matter and environment.

happy?” they have no idea what you are talking about. That being said,

I was not accustomed to shooting indoors, and I could not help but

they are always happy, they just do not have a word to express it. They

wonder: “People know me for photographing ethnic minorities in Africa.

are sad if a person or animal dies, but apart from that, happiness isWill they even recognize my work if I’m photographing drag queens

their default. Shouldn’t it be thatin the big city?” It was the dragway for everyone? That reallyqueens themselves who helped tomade me think.

dispel my fears. By interacting with

I did not originally aspire to bethese women, I felt more confident

photographer. I am completely

about the things I wanted to do andself-taught. For me, cameras andexpress. Regardless of what people

photography are simply a method

think, if I am satisfied with a photo,of conveying the wonder of mi-then it is my work. I did what I want-

norities in all their glory. For mosted to do, and that is all that matters.

people, meeting a member of an

As a result, I was satisfied with theethnic minority group is a once-

photos.

in-a-lifetime event. I definitely do

The COVID-19 pandemic has

not want the people who see mymade it impossible for me to go

photos to think that it is not any-

overseas, but I have become inter-thing special.

ested in the beauty of Japan and its

So I am very particular about myphotos. I only shoot for a total of

traditional culture. In my own way, I
would like to capture this country’s

Photo taken in northeastern Ethiopia, December 2018

two hours in the morning and eve-charm in my work. If there’s some-ning, when I can capture beautiful skin tones. I have to finish shooting

thing I want to do, I take action. That’s what I have decided. I do notwithin that time limit, so it is actually the preparations that are harder.

mean to suggest that you should not think about it rationally, but if you

When I am interacting with them, I am constantly observing their facial

do not take action, then nothing will change. Even if things do not work

expressions and gestures and thinking about how to photograph them.

out, you can always think of another way. As such, I believe that there“That pose might work” or “Taking that child’s picture from this angle

is no such thing as a failure.

Amazingthewith Innovation

would better show off their features.” I will walk for hours looking for
8

The Denka Way | 2021 Spring

2021 Spring | The Denka Way

9Towards a Sustainable Society

Expert Interview

New Solutions to Change the
Future of Agriculture
The agricultural industry is facing various challenges,
including food crises due to population growth, declining levels of arable land, and labor shortages.
However, in recent years, biostimulants have been attracting attention
as a potential solution capable of changing the future of agriculture.
The market for biostimulants is expected to grow to approximately 290 billion yen by 2021.
Here, we will take a look at this cutting-edge new solution.

What Denka can do
as a pioneer.
Osamu Sudo
Director
Japan Biostimulant Association

The term “biostimulant” may be unfamiliar to

New solutions withbiostimulants

many people. Fertilizers are used to help plants byHigher crop
yield efficiency

What are biostimulants?
improve the yield and quality of plants. By adding
resistances to various environmental stresses
tential of plants. Since biostimulants can contributeto more efficient harvests, it is expected that they
will help to solve social issues that make it difficult
to secure enough food in the face of population
growth and global warming.

H3PO4

Development ofsuperior crop genes(abiotic stresses), they effectively draw out the poH3PO4

K

N

Provision of plant
nutrition
Control of biotic stresses(pests, weeds,
diseases)absorption of the nutrients. Many materials, such as
humic acids contained in humus, have been usedin agriculture since ancient times. It was only in theConventional solutions
in agriculture

A variety of substances or microorganisms thatproviding nutrients, while biostimulants activate theK
Control of abiotic
stresses

1950s that full-scale research began to define andN Enhanced nutrient

absorption

damage, cold damage, etc.) can reduce the damage
caused by adverse climate and soil conditions, leading

scattered across various industrial fields. Therefore, it
is still considered to be a new field of study.
Today, many countries, including Japan,

Promoting plant
healthControlling abiotic stresses (drought, heat damage, salt

study these materials, which had previously been

have begun focusing on building sustainable food

Improved qualityof crops

production systems. Especially in Europe, whichaims to drastically reduce the use of pesticides
and insecticides, there is a need to maintain andimprove production. As one of them, expectations

to healthier plants.

for biostimulants with less environmental impact are

Abiotic stress
tolerance

Global Agricultural Issues

increasing.
Denka has been dealing with humic acids
for more than 50 years and is a pioneer in thisfield. I hope that Denka can contribute to thedevelopment of the biostimulant industry by utilizing
their accumulated knowledge and excellent material

An ever-increasing population

Declining levels of arable land

Climate change caused by global warming

Aging farmers and labor shortages

The world’s population, which is currently at 7.7

It is said that the total arable area of the earth is about 1.5

The rise in average global temperatures will limit the amountJapan's population is on the decline and the aging of farm-billion, is expected to reach 9.5 billion by 2050. If

billion hectares. The expansion of desertification on a globalof areas suitable for growing crops. Record high tempera-

ers, labor shortages, and abandoned farmlands are among

this trend continues, the amount of food per capita

scale will cause a decrease in cultivated land.

tures and lack of sunlight will also lead to lower crop yields.

the issues being addressed.

will decrease.

development capabilities.

Amazingthewith Innovation

10

The Denka Way | 2021 Spring

2021 Spring | The Denka Way

11

Special Feature Changing the Future of Agriculture with New Technologies

Without PRULA

Focus Project: Marketing

With PRULA

Biostimulant Market Development

Farmer’s Comments

A product that meets
farmers’ needs

Keeping the World Green Forever

Unprecedented
Challenges
by Young Pioneers

Miguel Henrique
Rosa Franco
Fazenda Santa Julieta

Strawberries with larger roots (bottom left) and cucumbers with healthy foliage(top) grown using Denka's biostimulant products

Without PRULA

product which fulfill our needs. In our field trials
using PRULA, results showed enhancement inroot development and increase in yields. We
hope PRULA will be widely used in Brazil.

Researcher’s Comments
PRULA, an integrated brand developed forthe overseas market

Opening up overseas markets
with the PRULA brand

Joined in 2015. He is in charge of overseas sales
focusing primarily on market development in China.

Hideto Kimura
Joined in 2018. He is in charge of sales in Japan anddigital marketing using advertising and social media.

Kiyomi Maeda
Joined in 2019. She is in charge of sales for North
America and product branding strategy.

Denka had to find a way to quickly demonstrate its

Overcoming difficulties withdigital marketing

Expected to contributeto Brazilian agriculture

the average age of farmers in Japan is really high.

Prof. PhD
Regina M. Q. Lana

However, we received a tremendous response, with

Federal University ofUberlandia

one of our videos receiving over 100,000 views“Our mission is to deliver Denka’s products to farm-

to utilize the power of the brand. “We conducted a

It has not been easy to get to this point. Originally,

within four months of its release. The number of

ers around the world and to help them solve theirseries of interviews with our internal sales and R&D

the company would have conducted local informa-product inquiries increased more than tenfold from

Brazil is one of the world’s leading agricultural

agricultural problems,” says the three members

members to define the key factors of our brand.

tion sessions and visited farmers directly to promote

the previous year, far exceeding our expectations.

countries, and in recent years there has beenof the Agri-Products Department responsible for

We determined that our strength lies in creating

the product, but the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020

We are currently analyzing case studies and think-a growing demand for biostimulants which aremarketing biostimulant products.

products that weave a new story for the agricul-

made it impossible to conduct face-to-face sales.

ing of new ways to get farmers to view our videos.”environmentally friendly and relieves stresscaused by abiotic factors. Denka’s PRULA has

AZUMIN, manufactured and sold by Denka,tural industry through our unique technologies that

Yuta Uchida, who is in charge of overseas sales,

The access logs showed that half of the viewers

is an agricultural material with a history of over 50

utilize the power of science. That is how we came

explains, “The sales of agricultural materials cannot

were over 65 years old and viewing the videos on

been proven here in Brazil to be effective inyears. It is a granular fertilizer that utilizes humic

up with the concept of ‘KEY TO THE FUTURE

be done through theoretical discussions alone. Only

smartphones, proving that this method was effective

improving crop yields through its great capacity

acid, one of the biostimulants, and is effective in

LANDSCAPE.’” Based on this concept,they decid-

by actually using our products and experiencing

in reaching the target market. “Going forward, we

to vitalize plants. I expect that PRULA will

improving the rooting of plants. It has contributed to

ed on the keyword “Preserve Your (U) Landscape”

their effectiveness will famers adopt them in theplan to expand our business to overseas markets.

contribute to increase productivity of Brazilian

the improvement of crop yields mainly for domestic

and launched it globally as the PRULA brand.

long-term. It’s the same for the domestic market.

We will accumulate knowledge in Japan to support

farmers. In 2016, the company started selling

Currently, they are conducting trials with farmers

Since we were not able to visit farmers and retailers

sales expansion in overseas markets.”

Azu Liquid, a fast-acting liquid fertilizer, and is now

and research institutes in ten countries, including

directly, we needed to establish a new marketingdeveloping the overseas markets in addition to the

China, Spain, the U.S., and Brazil. There, theymethod.”domestic market. “We want to contribute to thehave been able to confirm the beneficial effects,

development of sustainable agriculture through oursuch as improved growth and increased yields. “Mytry digital marketing. In March 2020, under the

farmers as possible, so we will continue searchingproducts. It is with this in mind that we decided to

dream is to have farmers around the world use

leadership of Hideto Kimura, the company launched

for new marketing methods to expand interest

make a full-scale entry into the biostimulant market

our products. I want to make it a world renowneda digital marketing campaign using social media

in our products overseas.” The three ambitious

in February 2019,” explains Kiyomi Maeda.

brand.” Preparations are still underway for full-and other channels. Currently, they are marketing tochallengers will continue to protect the green

scale sales in overseas markets in 2021.

domestic famers via Denka’s official YouTube chan-landscapes of the world.

competitive with many major agricultural material
The Denka Way | 2021 Spring

manufacturers. With limited time and resources,

YouTube video explaining AZU Liquid, a liquid fertilizer

strengths. After much discussion, Maeda decided

However, the overseas market was fiercely

12order to meet the increasing global demand fortechnologies. Denka’s PRULA is a promising*PRULA, KEY TO THE FUTURE LANDSCAPE and the logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Denka
Company Limited.

Agri-Products Dept.
Denka

I run a maize and soybean farm in Brazil. In
cereals, we are trying to utilize new agricultural

With PRULA

In 2019, the Denka Group announced its full-scale entry into the biostimulants
market. More than five decades ago, Denka Azumin developed an agricultural
material that utilizes humic acid, a substance formed when animal and plantremains decompose in soil. Today, the company not only conducts businessdomestically but is also expanding overseas under the PRULA brand. We asked
these young pioneers about their aspirations in the face of this unprecedented
challenge.

Yuta Uchida

Biostimulants

To overcome this difficulty they decided toagriculture.

Uchida continues, “There are many areas
overseas that have poor farming environments
compared to Japan. We want to help as many

Amazingthewith Innovationnel. “To be honest, I was skeptical at first, because

2021 Spring | The Denka Way

13

Special Feature Changing the Future of Agriculture with New Technologies

Focus Project: Research and Development Humic Substances Research

extracting RNA from tomatoes that have been treateddevelop next-generation products while also consid-

with humic substances and those cultivated underering other biostimulant materials, such as seaweed

New Product Development

normal conditions, he aims to identify the positive

extracts and amino acids,” says Toju Iino.

Open Innovation

effects of humic substances on plants. "By analyzing

As for his future vision, Iino continues, “OurUncovering the Secrets of Fertile Soil
Passed Down Through Generations

the gene expression involved in plant growth, we will

dream for the future is to propose solutions forbe able to determine the optimal concentration andeach step of the farming process—from seeding,frequency of our products to be applied to crops. We

harvesting and soil management to seeding forwill continue our research step by step through trial

the next season—and to establish an integrated

and error, and hope to expand product sales." says

management system. If we can use our accumulated

Ito. He takes pride in the fact that his team is steadily

research data on soil and microorganisms to make

The Denka Innovation Center is located in Machida, Tokyo.
There, they conduct research to develop new biostimulant products through open innovation.
A new product containing a high concentration of fulvic acid, which is said to have a strong effect on plants,
is scheduled to be launched in 2021.
In this article, we will take a look at a challenging R&D topic with the potential to change the course of agricultural history.

accumulating gene expression data through open

proposals on everything from optimal seeding to theinnovation. The results of the research will be shareduse of agricultural materials, we will be able to greatly

with the Agri-business departments and used forcontribute to the agricultural industry. We will also be

product promotions.

able to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Devel-

Toju Iino
Agri Team
Infrastructure & Solutions
Development ResearchInstituteDenka Innovation Center
Joined in 2019. He is the project leader for new
product development.

Hiroki Ito
Joined in 2020. He is currently studying the effects ofhumic substances on crops at the molecular level.

Uncovering the true nature ofhumic substances throughopen innovation

enhance tolerance to environmental stresses caused

Delivering biostimulant products tothe world and the future

ops Goals 2 (Zero hunger), 13 (Climate action) and15 (Life on land). This is no easy task, but I believe
it is possible with the support and comprehensive

by climate change and biotic stresses such as pests.

In 2021, Denka will launch a new biostimulant

strength of the Denka Group.” Ito concludes with, “In

However, this is based only on the experiences fromproduct. This new product features a high concen-

the future, I would like to work together with breeding

farmers. There are currently no scientific explanations.

tration of fulvic acid, which has a strong effect oncompanies to research products that can maximize

Biostimulants

Open Innovation Structure (Fig. 1)
Denka Group
Marketing
Agri-Products
Dept.

Manufacturing/
Product development
Denka Azumin

R&D
Denka Innovation
CenterUniversity I

University T

Public research
institutes

Collaborator’s Comments

More healthy vegetables
with humic substances
Kazuhisa Kato
Associate Professor
Horticultural Science
Graduate School of Agricultural
Science, Tohoku University

When looking over farmlands, you will notice hectares

The Infrastructure Solution Development

plants. In addition to improving rooting and enhancing

the features of agricultural crops. If we can createof black or dark brown fertile soil. This fertile soil has

Research Institute at the Denka Innovation Center isresistance to environmental stresses, it also has the

products that increase yields in developing countries

been handed down from generation to generation

working to solve this long-standing mystery. Throughadded benefit of not precipitating when mixed with

with poor growing environments, it will help solve

Humic substances are known to increaseby farmers as soil best for growing plants. The black

open innovation (Fig. 1), they are trying to identify

liquid fertilizer, allowing for effective spraying. The

food shortages. I believe in the potential of biostimu-

soil strength, fertilizer effect, and root activity.

appearance of the soil is believed to be due to humic

the mechanisms by which humic substances affectcompany plans to market it as a premium model

lants and will continue striving to push this technology

substances, which Denka uses as a biostimulant

plants.

with high added value within the PRULA brand. “Ourfurther.” Slowly but surely, Denka will change thefuture of agriculture.

material. However, it is still unclear why humic sub-Hiroki Ito is mainly responsible for genemission is to identify the mechanisms of humic andstances have a positive effect on plants. In addition,

expression analysis using model plants such as

bioactive substances as early as possible in order tothe use of humic substances has been shown totomatoes. By comparing gene expression levels fromexpand our products to the world. We will continue to

They are also known to increase tolerence forenvironmental stresses, but the mechanisms at
the molecular level are not yet clear. Evidence
guaranteeing the effectiveness increases the
product value and is an important factor in
explaining the product to customers.
In October 2019, we started a joint
research project to identify the mechanism
from a molecular biological perspective. Using
tomatoes, we developed various experiments
testing the effects of humic substances by
growing them in an artificial climate chamberwhere environmental conditions can be set. We
are currently conducting experiments to verify
that treatment with humic substances improves
genes related to growth and stress tolerancein plants. To increase the number of healthy
vegetables with stress tolerance in the future,
we will also focus on the effects of antioxidant
properties and physiological disorders such as
blossom-end rot.

Amazingthewith Innovation

14

The Denka Way | 2021 Spring

2021 Spring | The Denka Way

15

Young employees

President Imai

New President
Special Interview
Toshio Imai took over as president on April 1.
In order to learn more about him, we had a young employee interview him.
R e p ort er

I was the interviewer!

Yuka Murata
Business Promoting Dept.
Life Innovation(Joined Denka in April 2020)

Toshio Imai
Representative Director,
President

Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1959. Joined Denka in 1982.
After serving as General Manager of the Styrene Dept. andother positions, he was appointed Representative Director,
President in April 2021. He loves baseball, and although he’sa Hanshin Tigers fan, he specifically looks up to Ichiro. He
was moved by Ichiro’s comment upon achieving 4000 careerhits: “To get those 4000 hits, I went through more than 8000
frustrating misses.”

Q What do you do on your days off?

Q Do you have a message foryoung employees?

Before the pandemic, I used to enjoy golf, but it
is just not the same playing by yourself, especially when you cannot enjoy the get together after
the golf. These days, I spend more time reading.
A book is the culmination of an author’s passion,
so reading is a very constructive way to pass
the time.

While working at Denka, I hope that you will
be inspired by the people around you, inspireothers, and experience a sense of growth. I will
strive to manage the company in a way thatfacilitates your growth.

Q Are there any personal beliefs thathave helped you in your career?
My motto is “Truth, Goodness, Beauty.” Whenever I judge something, I consider whether it is true(scientific or logical), good (consistent with mybeliefs or aspirations), or beautiful (harmonious
as a whole).
I also think it is important to believe that theworld is inherently good. There is an aphorismthat says, “Pessimism is a matter of mood;
optimism is a matter of will.” The world tends tobe a pessimistic place, so I try to make a point ofbeing positive and cheerful.

That we have a number of world leading businesses and excellent human resources.

President Imai

Young employees

Honestly speaking,how was the past year?
“I also have a question for you,” said President Imai.
He asked Ms. Murata the following:

Q Please tell us about a memorable
working experience.
Thirty years ago, I had a memorable experience
working in Silicon Valley. Under bright blue skies
in a beautiful city surrounded by greenery, my
job was to sell magnetic disks, which was completely different from what I had done before.
Using English, of course. It was very difficult, but
I enjoyed it.

Q

Please tell us about a turning point
in your career.

Ten years ago, I was transferred to the Corporate
Planning Dept. Since I had been working in business divisions my whole career, it was a valuable
opportunity to experience overall company
management for the first time.

Introducing Denka Group news topics from January to March 2021

Jan.

Shinomigawa Power Plant begins operations

On January 29, the Shinomigawa
Power Plant, a new hydraulic power
plant recently completed in Itoigawa
City, Niigata Prefecture, begantransmitting power. Construction wascompleted over a six-year periodwith the cooperation and support of local residents and government organizations. To ensure long-term stability and prepare for natural disasters, it features
state-of-the-art remote-control functions and reinforced facilities. It is expected toreduce CO2 emissions by approximately 13,000 tons per year. With the SDGs as
our guide, we will continue promoting a variety of environmental conservation andprotection initiatives to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

Jan.

Application filed for simultaneous COVID-19 and influenza diagnostic kit

We have developed an antigen rapid
diagnostic kit that can simultaneously
diagnose COVID-19 and influenza witha single device and have applied to thePharmaceuticals and Medical Devices
Agency (PMDA) for domestic approval
as an in vitro diagnostic agent. Sinceboth of these conditions are difficult todiagnose through symptoms alone, we
expect that this combination kit will contribute to appropriate treatment methods
and reduce the burden on medical personnel.

Q What do you think
Denka’s strengths are?

Q Why made you join Denka
in the first place?
The second oil crisis took place when I was astudent, so I developed an interest in Japan’s
energy security. I joined Denka, because I was
impressed that they had their own limestone andhydroelectric power plants.

DENKA TOPICS

Jan.

Daiichi Sankyo submits application
for Oncolytic Virus G47∆

Daiichi Sankyo has submitted a
new drug application for G47∆
(delta), an oncolytic virus forwhich Denka has developed thecommercial production
technology. G47Δ holds promise
as a completely new cancer
treatment, and once approved,
Denka will be responsible for manufacturing it. Moving forward, we will continue
contributing to improving quality of life for people around the world through thedevelopment and manufacturing of products in the areas of prevention, diagnosis,
and treatment.

Feb.

Executive appointments and business reorganization

At a meeting held
■ Before (5 business division system)■ After (4 business division system)
on February 5, theElastomers & Performance Plastics
Electronics & Innovative Products
Board of Directors
Infrastructure & Social Solutions
Life Innovation
passed a resolution
Electronics & Innovative Products
Elastomers & Infrastructure Solutions
Living & Environment Products
Polymer Solutions
to approve new exLife Innovation
ecutive appointments
and changes in thebusiness structure. The number of directors was reduced from twelve to nine tobetter clarify roles on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, improve
discussion efficiency, and speed up decision-making. In addition, the previous
five divisions were consolidated into four new divisions to expand each division’s
business and promote overall optimization.

You joined Denka in 2020 and spent

Q the whole year working underpandemic conditions. In retrospect,
how was it?

Although I did not know what it was like before
the pandemic, I felt that we were in a period ofgreat change. Since I could not meet people directly, I noticed the importance of spending timewith others, and I started several new hobbies
that I could do alone, like reading and aromatherapy. I also got the sense that I could contributeas a digital native, so in the future, I would like tofind out what I can do and work on it.
After the interview:

I was impressed at what a positive
person the new president is. I am
going to cherish the inspirationfrom people around me.

Feb.

Online press conference held for change of president

Following the resolution passed by
the Board of Directors on February
5, a press conference was held
online with President Yamamoto andSenior Managing Executive Officer
Imai, who will take over as the newpresident on April 1. During theconference, President Yamamoto
discussed the background of the changes, and Senior Managing Executive Officer
Imai expressed his determination to 1) continue promoting Denka’s Value-Up
strategy, 2) promote environmental management, and 3) create a company where
employees can experience job satisfaction and grow through their work.

Mar.

Development of high temperature insulation boards andmolding materials that contribute to CO2 reduction

We have developed high temperatureinsulation boards and molding materials
that contribute to CO2 reduction and will
start test sales in the first half of this fiscal
year. These products combine Denka
Alcen with CA6 (calcium hexaaluminate),a highly heat-resistant, porous ceramicmaterial developed in-house, to reduce solid and gaseous heat conduction andimprove thermal insulation performance, especially at high temperatures in the
1,400°C range. With 60% less CO2 emissions compared to conventional refractorymaterials and improved erosion resistance due to iron oxide, they are expected tofind success as environmentally friendly products in the steel industry.

A movie about the project to supply raw materials for Avigan® Tablets is now available.

16

The Denka Way | 2021 Spring

You can use the QR code on the right to access it.
https://www.denka.co.jp/covid-19/

2021 Spring | The Denka Way

17

Group Unity

I love ramen!
Lately, I enjoy the light and refreshing type.
I like old cars and traveling!

Joined the company in April 2000. As deputy sales manager, heaims to become an all-rounder who can handle any kind of rubber
products.

We are currently focusing on thermal expansion
fire-resistant materials, which are materials that prevent
fire spreading in an emergency. In recent years, weJapan
Takayuki Nomura

Joined the company in September 2018. He is responsible for
introducing prototype products to European automakers andTier 1 suppliers.

How are thingsin Germany,Kang?

tions of electrochemistry in Japan, and it gives me great

have had more opportunities to work with other Group

pleasure to work at Denka, the company that he founded.

companies and interact with users in various fields. It

Currently, I am working with a German car manufacturer

Germany

is also encouraging to work as a group toward a single
goal. We will continue proposing specialty products thatmeet the needs of users by utilizing the sales channels

that my late father loved, and I am very happy to be able
to experience the development of the automobile industry

Automotive Material
Solutions Department
Denka Chemicals GmbH

Sales Dept.
Denka Elastlution Co., Ltd.

Through my work in the Infrastructure
Solution field, I feel that I am helping
society advance in a position direction.

How are thingsin the USA,
Gavin?

LINK GL OBALLY,
LINK F UTURE

How are things
in Japan,
Nomura?

Joined the company in October 2014. As
manager of sales and marketing, he manages
the businesses of Denka Alcen, Denka Tokkon,
and Denka Agriculture Products for North andSouth America.

firsthand.

Soon Sa Kangof the Denka Group.

I love New York City!

I greatly respect Tsuneichi Fujiyama, who laid the founda-

Whether meeting with researchers inUSA

Brazil to determine the best paths for
optimal crop development with PRULA,

Gavin Diazdiscussing advanced industrial applica-

Sales Manager
Denka Corporation

tions for Alcen’s bulk fiber, or engaging
in construction projects with the Tokkon
team, I feel that my work at Denka ismeaningful to the progress of humanity

How are thingsin Singapore,
Joel?

Group members around the world, working toward the future of Denka

as a whole.

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

Theme

I love playing the piano, guitar, and ukulele.

The moments you are glad you joined Denka

Contributing to the development of
cutting-edge technologies

Korea

A workplace where
people care for each other

Kie-Seok Lee
Denka Korea

way. I like electronics, so I enjoy visiting customers and being
the first to get information on new automotive technology,
smartphones, TVs, monitors, etc. Sometimes I can even
use that knowledge in my private hobbies. We also share
information among employees who are in charge of different
products, regardless of the industry, and it makes me happy
when unexpected synergies are created that benefit us both.

18

The Denka Way | 2021 Spring

part of our everyday lives and how these innovations have positively impacted and improved them,

Joined the company in July 2017. In charge of sales of styrene resins in China. In
addition to following up with existing customers, he is working on the developmentof new products and applications.

Joined the company in June 2017. He is in charge of phosphor
sales in Korea.

wide range of industries and am able to use them in a useful

When I learned just how many Denka products are

I like playing Go. After the pandemic,
I want to travel to Japan!

I love zombie movies!

It’s when I hear about the latest technology trends from a

Joined the company in April 2020. As a research scientist
in the Molecular Diagnostics Team, he aims to develop
state-of-the-art technologies to create new value in thearea of diagnostics.

How are thingsin Korea,Lee?

I was intrigued by the possibility of chemistry. I

How are thingsin Shanghai,
Shao?

It has been over three years since I joined Denka, and I can think ofmany memorable occasions when I have been helped by people at thecompany in both my work and private life. I was particularly impressed

were difficult to obtain in China at the time.
The pandemic is still spreading around theworld, but I hope that countries will work
together to overcome it, just as Denka’s bases

Joel Chia
Tropical Viruses MDx Team
Denka Life Innovation Research Pte. Ltd.

in February last year, when COVID-19 was spreading rapidly in China,that the head office sent us masks, which

Singaporetake pride that all of
us in Denka can play
our part to contributeto this great visionand effort.

ShanghaiShao Junwei
Performance Plastics Department
Denka Chemicals Shanghai Co., Ltd.

worked together.

2021 Spring | The Denka Way

19