The food-processing experts out toprotect Japan’s culinary traditions
A company approaching its 50th anniversary, Nikko offers a fully integrated service
as a supplier of leading-edge food-processing machines and robots.
Founded in 1977, the Japanesecompany Nikko specializes insupplying state-of-the-art foodprocessing machines and robots.
Based in Kushiro City, Hokkaido, Nikko provides a comprehensive service: from productplanning and development, tomanufacture and sale.
“To achieve the highest precision and quality, we believe it’scrucial to fully understand andcontrol every aspect of the business,” says President Kazuo Sato.
Nikko’s labor-saving technology offers a solution to Japanese
population decline, which is leaving the country with fewer andfewer available workers.
“Our goal is to protect and support Japan’s food industry, which
has been eroded due to severe labor
shortages,” Mr. Sato says.
Indeed, Nikko is helping to combat the effects of Japan’s shrinking“What sets us apart fromother companies is that
we provide a wide rangeof services, from planningto sales, all in-house.”
Kazuo Sato, President,
NIKKO Co., Ltd.
workforce right across the nation’s salmon processing machinery since
range of business sectors, having the establishment of the company.
founded the Hokkaido Robot Labo- “We have mechanized processes
ratory, a robotics educational facility. from primary processing to ﬁlet man“We wanted to meet the grow- ufacturing and even ikura (salmaning demand for talent in this ﬁeld,” caviar) production,” adds Mr. Sato.
Mr. Sato explains.
“Our machines are“The lab enables
widely used overindividuals to obseas as well.”tain licenses forFor instance,operating robots.”the ‘Header-Gutter
Nikko has also
Continuous Probeen engaged in
cessing System’ isthe development of Salmon roe processing machine a machine designed

Header-Gutter Continuous
Processing System
for the continuous automated processing of salmon, handling tasks
from head cutting to gut removal.
Regardless of the gender or sizeof the ﬁsh, after head cutting inthe same position, ﬁsh roe, milt,
and internal organs are carefullycollected intact. The bloodline behind the backbone is then cleansed
through showering and brushing.
Meanwhile, for the processingof salmon roe, the company offers a comprehensive automation
system that covers the separation,sorting, and cleaning of ﬁsh eggs.
“Our salmon processing machines have the potential to bewell-received internationally,” Mr.
Sato notes. “We hope to export
machines like this and have a thriving business in regions such as
Europe and North America.”

www.k-nikko.com

Chuo Kakohki: Fostering innovation, reliability, amid global expansion
As the ﬁrst company in Japan to introduce vibration mills, Chuo Kakohki pioneers advanced technology, crafting
solutions and shaping manufacturing at home and abroad.

As Chuo Kakohki approaches
its 75th anniversary, Mr. Kato’s
goal is clear, to nurture growth inVietnam utilizing the cost-effective labor across Southeast Asia.

“We remain open
to any expansion
opportunities.”

Japanese companies like Chuo Kakohki are embracing innovation tomaintain a competitive edge in anever-changing market. Known for
producing vibration mills and dryers, company president Hisanori
Kato believes success is rooted in
the monozukuri spirit and a commitment to continuous improvement.
“Foreign clients seek reliable
partners and we consistently
meet expectations, with Japan’s
strong work ethic elevating ourmanufacturing standards,” hesays. There is a clear commitment to being a one-stop-shop
for customers, reinforced by its

Hisanori Kato, President,
Chuo Kakohki Co., Ltd.
in-house custom-made manufacturing packages.
Addressing Japan’s demographic
shift, Mr. Kato outlines proactive
measures, including recruiting foreign workers and fostering a supportive working environment. The
company’s transparency serves
as an appealing quality forpotential recruits.
“We have smalland attractive solutions such as agood logo and newuniforms that capture
young people’s attention.”With expertise in vibration
technology, a track record dating back to 1961, the president
emphasizes reliability, comprehensive after-sales services, andenvironmental responsibility.
“Our patented exit valve design
ensures uniform drying, enhances energy efﬁciency,
and sets us apart,”
he says, while also
revealing that thecompany is working with Nippon HiFrequency on microwaverelated research.

And as the company explores
international markets, semiconductors and battery components
in collaboration with American
and Canadian companies is ofparticular interest, as strategic
entry into the automotive industry beckons.

www.chuokakohki.co.jp

Food Techno Engineering: Sustainable freezing andrefrigeration engineering for the food supply chain
FTE’s pioneering energy-efﬁcient freezing and refrigeration technology allows food to be kept fresh for longer,
reducing food waste.
Food Techno Engineering (FTE)
provides freezers and cold equipment engineering for food processing plants and cold logistics
distribution centers across Japanand globally. As a food factory
specialist, its total services include layout and line design, manufacturing, delivery, installationand commissioning of equipment,
as well as after-sales.
“By proposing energy-saving,
manpower-saving and production line automation solutions,
we provide solutions for customer sites and food processing
plants,” says Kenji Noda, President of FTE. “Our engineering
capability is to continue to create new answers for our customers through a synergy effect ofpeople, ideas, and technology.
We continue to move forward
while constantly addressing
global environmental issues andresponding to changes in dietary
habits and lifestyles.”The FTE president highlights
two facilities that demonstrate
the company’s unique capabilities. The first is the FTE Laboratory, which is equipped with five
types of freezers. The second is
the FTE Academy, where industry, government and academia
share and research new technologies to solve global environmental problems.
“At the laboratory is a test
room where customers can visit
and bring in goods and foodstuffs
for freezing and chilling tests andcarry out actual freezing tests.
They can also conﬁrm at site bycollecting data on temperature,
freezing time and freezing qualityof products. The lab is unique inthe world and has been very wellreceived by our customers. We
have numerous companies visit us
every week, sometimes several in
one day,” says Mr. Noda.
The second is the FTE Academy. “Here we developed theindustry’s first high-humidity
refrigerator, which uses revolutionary technology that allows
temperature and humidity to
be controlled separately. By“By proposing energysaving, manpower-saving
and production line
automation solutions,
we provide solutions forcustomer sites and foodprocessing plants.”
Kenji Noda,
President, FTE Co., Ltd.

Ishii factory

AcademyTech CenterMeeting

keeping the temperature close
to 0°C and the humidity above
95%, it keeps fruit, vegetables
and ﬂower petals fresh and prevents them from drying out. This
makes it possible to preserve

fruit and vegetables for long
periods and transport them overlong distances while maintaining their seasonal taste. ManyJapanese farmers and logistics
companies have been waiting

for a product with this feature,
because this technology leads tosolutions for social issues suchas the manpower shortage in theﬁeld of Japanese logistics andthe elimination of food waste,”
explains Mr. Noda.
With food factories today
suffering from rising energy
costs, one of FTE’s biggest objectives going forward is tosupport its customers in reducing their energy consumption
and carbon emissions. Its rangeof freezers aren’t just designed
to be energy-efficient upon use,
they are also manufactured using renewably generated electricity at its Techceed plant inTokushima Prefecture.
“This new plant is equippedwith solar panels, and the electricity generated by the panels
is stored in storage batteries foruse,” Mr. Noda adds.
Lastly, Mr. Noda also speaks
passionately about the company’s 25-year anniversary (thisyear), while also looking toward the future: “We will continue to contribute to a better
society through high-quality
food products, ensuring safetyand deliciousness through full
utilization of our technology,
which is aimed to be the bestand only one. To do so, we willcontinue to prioritize human resource development and training – overall, we will encourage
young generations to think andact by themselves voluntarily.”

Quality food solutions
From cooling and freezing machines,
with upstream and downstream
equipment.
Our total integrated engineering systemallows us to create the ideal production
environment.

https://foodtechno-eng.co.jp/en

Air-con specialists committed tosustainability and global growth
Toyo Densen offers nearly eight decades of expertise in parts, accessories and tools
for air-conditioning systems.

Factory in Nara Prefecture
A Japanese ﬁrm that turns 80 in2025, Toyo Densen specializes inmanufacturing pipes, ducts andother parts for air-conditioningsystems, as well as accessories
and installation tools.
Customers can expect acomprehensive service; after
all, Toyo Densen also operates
as a trading company, allowing it to source and supply
products even if it cannot makethem itself.
“This flexibility has been instrumental in the growth we’veenjoyed,” says President Yasunobu Okuda.
While the core product manufactured by Toyo Densen is currently its insulated copper pipe,
the ﬁrm’s aluminum CAT pipe isshaping up as a future best-seller.
“Our CAT pipe weighs two-thirds
less than copper pipes and has alower cost,” Mr. Okuda explains.

Quality control room
“It’s economical, lightweight andeasy to install. Additionally, aluminum reserves are much larger
than copper reserves.”

As well as embracing moresustainable materials, Toyo
Densen has begun recycling old
air-conditioning components into
new products of the same type.

Factory staff“In the next five years, I
believe there’ll be a new era
where companies are criticized
for using virgin materials,” Mr.
Okuda says. “To secure our position as a leading company, it’s
important to implement thisrecycling scheme.”
Toyo Densen is also working
to safeguard its status in its“Our mission is to createa stable and sustainablecompany, leaving it in thebest possible position for
the next generation.”
Yasunobu Okuda, President,
Toyo Densen Co., Ltd.
industry – and, indeed, boost
its proﬁle – by strengthening its
international sales.
“In 2024, we’ll be dedicating our resources to attending
overseas exhibitions, such as
events in India and Indonesia,”
Mr. Okuda notes. “Our jumpingoff point will be Asia, and fromthere we hope to tackle theglobal market.”https://toyo-densen.co.jp/en

Kobashi: The customer-first company providingpremium-quality packaging you can count on
Kobashi has established itself as a trusted cardboard box supplier in Japan and beyond.
well protected,” says President
Rika Kobashi.
“Additionally, we incorporate
water-resistant materials andapply a special coating to prevent
liquid seepage or absorption.
“Customer satisfaction is our
Cardboard boxes
priority. We consistently proFounded in 1955, Kobashi spe- vide samples to gather feedback
cializes in supplying cardboard from our clients, allowing us toboxes to B2B customers in a better understand their preferrange of industries, chiefly food ences and requirements.”
Such a client-centric mindset
processing and agriculture.
The company also packs and sets Japanese companies liketransports goods, and has har- Kobashi apart from cheaper comnessed its expertise as a card- petitors elsewhere in Asia.
“An example of this customerboard manufacturer to craft afirst approach
range of paper
is our expansion
insoles for shoes.
into Thailand,
Kobashi’s
which sought tocardboard boxaccommodate aes are built toclient’s uniquekeep products
needs,” Ms. Kosafe. “Even ifbashi notes.
part of the box
Establishedis damaged, thewhen the comcontents remain
Factory in Thailand

pany’s largest customer set up
business in the country, Kobashi’s
Thai operation now also offers
advice to other Japanese ﬁrms
making the same move.

Paper insoles for shoes“We faced a signiﬁcant culture
shock in Thailand,” Ms. Kobashi
says, “but this has empowered us
to help other companies taking
their ventures there.”
Other Southeast Asian nations will be Kobashi’s focus if
it opts for further international
expansion, as the manufacturer
targets continued success beyond its 100th anniversary.

“Our approach iscentered on maintaining
close interactions
with our clients,understanding theirunique needs, andaddressing theirchallenges effectively.”
Rika Kobashi, President,
Kobashi Co., Ltd.
“Our vision is to ensure thecompany’s longevity for the next
50 or even 100 years,” Ms. Kobashi concludes.

www.kobashikk.co.jp