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• 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, […]
• Kraton Raises Prices of Kraton D-Series SBS and Related Products Oct. 8, 2025
  Kraton Polymers Japan has increased the prices of domestically produced Kraton D-Series SBS, oil-extended SBS, and SIS by 34 yen ($0.23) per kilogram, effective with shipments on or after October 1. The company said that this price adjustment is necessary in light of continued cost increases since 2022, including expenses related to facility maintenance, logistics, […]
• Mitsui Chemicals Links R&D Closer to Business to Accelerate Innovation Oct. 7, 2025
  Mitsui Chemicals has implemented an organizational restructuring effective October 1 aimed at strengthening its research and development framework and accelerating product development. The company has separated its development divisions from the Research & Development Headquarters and reassigned them under the three designated growth areas—Mobility (including the Elastomers Business), Life & Healthcare, and ICT—so that each […]
• Toyo Tires to Establish New R&D Center at Serbian Plant Oct. 6, 2025
  Toyo Tires has announced plans to build a new research and development facility within the premises of its Serbia Plant located in Inđija. The new facility will serve as the company’s European R&D Center and is scheduled to begin operations in January 2027. The total investment for the project amounts to approximately 5 billion yen […]
• Toyo Tires Conducts Tire Safety Awareness Activities in Itami Oct. 3, 2025
  On September 23, 2025, during the nationwide Autumn Traffic Safety Campaign, the Toyo Tires Group participated in the “Traffic Safety Festa in Itami 2025,” held at the Hanshin Driving School and organized by the Itami Traffic Safety Council, to carry out tire safety awareness activities. The company set up its original driving simulator, allowing visitors […]