Celebrating Our 120th Anniversary
As spring emerges, I am delighted to extend my warmest greetings and gratitude for your continued support and trust in Murakami Sangyo.
On March 12, 2019, we proudly celebrated our 120th anniversary. This remarkable milestone has only been possible thanks to the loyalty and encouragement of our valued customers, partners, and communities. I wish to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation.
Reaching 120 years is, in a sense, to have celebrated “kanreki” — a 60-year cycle — twice. At my current age of 61, this milestone carries an even greater personal significance. It represents more than two lifetimes of growth and resilience. As I reflect on the brilliant achievements built by our predecessors, I am reminded that Murakami Sangyo’s present is the result of their vision and dedication. It is because of their guidance and the pioneering spirit they instilled that I have been able to devote decades of service to this company with pride.
Over the past twenty years, we have undertaken initiatives both at home and abroad that have been essential to our growth. Internationally, we turned our focus to overseas markets in anticipation of globalization and increasing diversity. In 2003, we established Murakami Shanghai Co., Ltd., where our pioneering staff worked tirelessly in the early years. Today, that subsidiary is thriving as it approaches its 19th year. In 2013, we expanded further by founding Murakami (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in Bangkok, where we continue to develop new opportunities in the Asian market. More recently, we have turned our attention to the agricultural sector overseas, identifying new business possibilities that promise significant potential for the future.
Domestically, we have steadily reinforced our branch network. At Kawanoe, we began in 1972 with the installation of a 120m³ caustic soda tank, followed by three further expansions, solidifying its role as one of our most critical facilities. In 2016, our Tokyo branch relocated to Nihonbashi, at the very heart of Japan’s commercial hub. Around the same time, our Kochi branch celebrated the completion of a new office, and in 2018, our Nagoya sales office was elevated to branch status. Looking ahead, we are preparing to construct a new Imabari branch office. Each of these investments demonstrates our commitment to strengthening our presence nationwide, and I take great pride in the reliability and vitality each branch adds to our organization.
Such progress has been possible thanks to the bold decisions of our predecessors, the dedication of every employee, and the unwavering trust and support of our customers. Together, these factors allowed us to achieve the highest operating profits in our company’s history during the Heisei era.
As the Heisei era drew to a close after 31 years, a new era was about to begin. For Murakami Sangyo, too, this was the start of a new chapter. We enter this next era with a renewed spirit, determined to release the energy that has been accumulated over more than a century. United as one, our employees are committed to taking on fresh challenges and working with even greater vigor to ensure the continued growth of our company.
As we carry forward into the future, I humbly ask for your continued guidance and support.
March 12, 2019
Murakami Sangyo Co., Ltd.
Kanji Shimizu, President and CEO
The logo combines the character “信” (shin, trust), our core philosophy, with “120th Anniversary.”
Encircling these elements in a circle expresses our respect for harmony.
The symbolic color, indigo blue, is inspired by traditional indigo dyeing.
