Japan Industry News

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• Yokohama Rubber Adds New Hose Size to Premium Hydraulic Hose Lineup Oct. 23, 2025
  Yokohama Rubber has expanded its lineup of Versatran premium high-pressure hydraulic hoses for overseas markets by adding a new 3/8-inch (9 mm) inner diameter, four-spiral construction hose to the 42 MPa specification of the ISO Series. Sales of the new size began in September. The newly added 3/8-inch hose complies with the highest durability class […]
• Zeon Launches IoT Platform to Boost Data Use in Manufacturing Oct. 22, 2025
  Chemical manufacturer Zeon has built and begun operating a new IoT common platform to advance companywide smart factory initiatives. The platform will enable visualization and effective use of diverse data from manufacturing sites and research facilities, driving efficiency in on-site operations and broader deployment of digital technologies. Since 2020, the company has pursued smart factory […]
• Sumitomo Rubber Achieves Level 3 in Automotive SPICE Certification Oct. 21, 2025
  Sumitomo Rubber has achieved process capability level 3 in Automotive SPICE, the international framework for evaluating automotive software development maturity, as confirmed by an assessment from third-party certifier SGS Japan. The milestone recognizes that the company has established software development processes compliant with international standards. Sumitomo Rubber plans to build on the achievement to accelerate […]
• Resin Belt Production Strong; Food, Logistics Demand Robust Oct. 20, 2025
  Resin belt production is thriving. According to statistics from the Japan Belting Industry Association, output rose 10% in the first half of 2025 (January-June) from the year-earlier period, marking double-digit growth. Production topped year-ago levels in every month from January to June. February, March and June saw increases of 10% or more. Demand remains brisk […]
• Mitsuboshi Belting Expands Production Facilities for EPS Drive Belts Oct. 17, 2025
  In the first quarter of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, Mitsuboshi Belting reported strong Japanese domestic sales of automotive components, surpassing the same period of the previous year. Sales of belts for electric drive units used in new vehicles—such as Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems—and for export-oriented commercial vehicles remained steady, contributing to […]
• Bando Drives Forward First Stage of Management Plan Oct. 16, 2025
  Bando Chemical is currently promoting the first stage (CV-1) of its medium- to long-term management plan, “Creating New Value for the Future,” which began in fiscal 2023. Under CV-1, the company has set out three strategic pillars: “Value Creation,” “Smart Manufacturing,” and “Organizational Evolution for the Future.” In particular, under the “Value Creation” initiative, Bando […]
• Survey: 2024 Business Performance of 50 Rubber-Related Companies Oct. 15, 2025
  Japan Rubber Weekly conducted an independent survey between June and July on the fiscal 2024 business performance of rubber-related companies across Japan. The combined non-consolidated sales of the top 50 companies totaled 4.63 trillion yen ($30.37 billion), marking a 1.3% increase compared with the previous fiscal year. During fiscal 2020, the year most affected by […]
• Toyo Tires Advances New Technology Framework THiiiNK Oct. 14, 2025
  Toyo Tires on October 2 announced its new technology framework “THiiiNK,” which represents an evolution of the company’s foundational tire design technologies through innovation and integration. The framework organizes and unites three core technologies: materials technology to meet next-generation lifestyle needs, simulation technology to deliver the high performance customers demand, and design technology to further […]
• Sumitomo Rubber Makes First Appearance at Tokyo Game Show 2025 Oct. 10, 2025
  Sumitomo Rubber made its debut at the Tokyo Game Show 2025, held at Makuhari Messe from September 25 to 28, where it presented a sales booth for Dunlop’s eSports brand Gaming Muscle. The company exhibited a range of products that had previously been available exclusively through its online store, including arm supporters, posture-assist innerwear, and […]
• VDMA President Bertram Kawlath Visits Japan Oct. 9, 2025
  The German association of German and European mechanical and plant engineering companies (VDMA) held a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) on September 22 to mark the visit of its president, Bertram Kawlath. Against the backdrop of intensifying global trade frictions, Kawlath emphasized the need for closer cooperation between Germany, […]