Company History

1941	Founder Fumio Kasahara established Kimitsu Chemical Institute, aiming to advance the chemical utilization of seaweed.
1947	Renamed Kimitsu Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.
1961	Received the Kanto Area Invention Award from the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation. Founder Fumio Kasahara was awarded a Doctorate degree in Engineering by Tokyo University for his developments on Alginate.
1969	A Technical Assistance contract established with the Korean Agriculture and Fishing Industry Development Public Corporation and Korean Seaweed Process Co., Ltd.
1973	Fumio Kasahara, PhD awarded “The Medal with Purple Ribbon”.
1983	Fumio Kasahara, PhD was awarded “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette”.
1986	Animals medicines manufacturing license acquired.
1987	Established Industrias Quimicas Kimitsu Chile Ltda., a production and marketing company in Chile.
1988	An alginate manufacturing plant constructed and commenced operation in Chile. Established Osaka Algin Co., Ltd.
1995	Celebrated the 50 years anniversary, also planned “Secondary Expansion”.
1996	Established Alva, a seaweed cultivator / supplier in Chile.
1999	A new PGA production line constructed in Chile plant.
2000	ISO 9002 certificate achieved.
2001	Renamed KIMICA Corporation on the occasion of its 60 years anniversary. Established KIMICA America Inc., a marketing subsidiary in North America.
2003	ISO 9001 certificate achieved. Relocated the head office of Osaka Algin Co., Ltd., from Chuo-ku, Osaka to Yodogawa-ku, Osaka.
2004	Increased corporate capital to JP¥100,000,000.
2005	Equity participation in M2 S.A., a seaweed cultivator / supplier in Chile.
2006	Equity participation in Qingdao Bright Moon Seaweed Group Co., Ltd., one of the largest alginate manufactures in China.
2007	A pharmaceutical manufacturing license acquired.
2010	Relocated the head office to Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo.
2013	Started Solar photoelectric generation in Chiba Plant, Japan. Published “Best in the world” by Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun.
2014	FSSC22000 certificate achieved. Established an API plant in Chiba Plant, Japan.
2015	Renamed KIMICA Chile Ltda to Alginatos Chile S.A. (Alchi).
2016	Awarded 14th Brave business award by the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Subsidiary acquisition Qingdao Bright Moon Marine Sci-Tech Co., Ltd. (current Qingdao KIMICA Bright Moon Marine Sci-Tech Co., Ltd.),concluded joint venture agreement with Qingdao Bright Moon Seaweed Group Co., Ltd.
2017	Relocated Alginatos Chile (Alchi) Santiago office to Antonio Varas.
2018	Established KIMICA Europe GmbH in Germany.
2020	Received JAPAN SDGs Award (SDGs Partnership Award) by the Japanese government.
2021	Received ”TOKYO Telework Award” by the Governor of Tokyo. President & CEO Fumiyoshi Kasahara received a Doctorate degree in Pharmacy from Takasaki University of Health and Welfare for his developments on Calcium Alginate. Certified as "Sustainable★Selection 3 Stars". Received the 30th Food Safety, Security and Environmental Contribution Award. Received the Grand Prize and Minister of the Environment Award at the 22nd Green Purchasing Award. Received the Minister of the Environment Award Grand Prize at the 9th Good Life Award.
2022	Established KIMITEX Corporation. Nominated for the Earthshot Prize. New R&D Facility opened in Chiba Plant
2023	Relocated the head office to YANMAR Bldg. 5th Floor, 2-1-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku Tokyo

1941
Founder Fumio Kasahara
1941
Plant in the 1940s
1961
Founder Fumio Kasahara received a Doctorate degree in Engineering by Tokyo University
1988
Chile plant construction staff
1988
Chile plant
1996
Alva, a seaweed cultivator
2006
Signing ceremony with Qingdao Bright Moon Seaweed Group Co., Ltd.
2013
Published " Best in the world"
2016
The 14th Brave business award ceremony speech
2016
Qingdao KIMICA Bright Moon Marine Sci-Tech Co., Ltd.
2020
Japan SDGs Award ceremony, with Prime Minister Suga
2021
The 30th Food Safety, Security and Environmental Contribution Award ceremony
2021
The 22nd Green Purchasing Award ceremony
2021
The 9th Good Life Award ceremony
2022
New R&D Facility in Chiba Plant