TOPCompanyHistory of Asahi Kasei History of Asahi Kasei The Asahi Kasei Group has consistently grown through proactive transformation of the business portfolio to meet the evolving need of every age. We have constantly provided products and services that offer solutions to various environmental and social challenges. As the world constantly changes, we will continue to contribute to life and living for people around the world by Creating for Tomorrow. 1920s Growth as a diversified chemical manufacturer 1960s Branching into new fields 1980s Promoting globalization 2000s Taking on new challanges 1920s Growth as a diversified chemical manufacturer 1922 Asahi Fabric Co., Ltd. established 1923 Japan Nitrogenous Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. begins manufacturing synthetic ammonia in Nobeoka Mixed-gas compressors at the ammonia synthesis plant 1924 Asahi Fabric Co., Ltd. begins manufacturing viscose rayon Company logo of Asahi Fabric Co., Ltd. Re-reeling viscose rayon at the Zeze Plant of Asahi Fabric (ca. 1928) 1931 Nobeoka Ammonia Fiber Co., Ltd. established, producing ammonia, nitric acid, and other chemicals (paid-in capital ¥10 million, the formal establishment of Asahi Kasei) 1933 Nobeoka Ammonia Fiber acquires Japan Bemberg Fiber Co., Ltd. (producing Bemberg™ cupro fiber) and Asahi Fabric Co., Ltd. (producing viscose rayon), forming Asahi Bemberg Fiber Co., Ltd. (paid-in capital ¥46 million) 1935 Production of monosodium glutamate begins; launch of food product business 1943 Asahi Bemberg Fiber acquires Japan Nitrogenous Explosives Co., Ltd., forming Japan Nitrogenous Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (paid-in capital ¥54.4 million) 1946 Name changed to Asahi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (paid-in capital ¥54.4 million) 1949 Shares listed on the First Section of the Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya stock exchanges Bemberg™ fashion show held at the Hankyu Department Store in Osaka (1951) 1952 Operation at Kawasaki Works begins with establishment of Asahi-Dow Co., Ltd. as a petrochemical joint venture with the Dow Chemical Company 1957 Asahi-Dow begins production of polystyrene, entering the plastics business 1959 Synthetic fiber operations begin with production of Cashmilon™ acrylic staple fiber in Fuji (production ended March 2003) More 1920s Growth as a diversified chemical manufacturer 1960s Branching into new fields 1980s Promoting globalization 2000s Taking on new challanges Related Information Innovations Notable examples of Asahi Kasei products and processes used throughout the world. Company Message from the President Corporate Profile Corporate Officers Group Philosophy Corporate Governance Group Companies Asahi Kasei Worldwide History of Asahi Kasei Strategic Management Initiative Company CompanyTop Message from the President Corporate Profile Corporate Officers Group Philosophy Corporate Governance Group Companies Asahi Kasei Worldwide History of Asahi Kasei Strategic Management Initiative Products ProductsTop Material sector Homes sector Health Care sector Search for products R&D R&DTop R&D Organization R&D Strategy IP Strategy Intellectual Property Report Awards and recognitions Innovations For Investors For InvestorsTop IR Library At a Glance Asahi Kasei all around IR Calendar Securities Information Sustainability SustainabilityTop Management Message Sustainability at the Asahi Kasei Group Contribution through Business Activities The Asahi Kasei Group's Environmental Contribution Products Environment Society Governance Asahi Kasei Group's Responsible Care Program ESG Data Basic Information on Our Sustainability Website News NewsTop Press Releases IR Creating for Tomorrow Creating for TomorrowTop Special site Interviews Video Archive Terms and Conditions Data Protection Site Map Copyright © Asahi Kasei Corporation. All rights reserved. Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more OK