Kanematsu's History

After the foundation in 1889, Fusajiro established the basis for sales in about ten years, by which time he was responsible for 40% to 50% of Japan's wool imports. Around the time of World War I, in line with the unprecedented growth of Japan's trade, exports increased. During World War II, while trade with Europe and the US declined, Fusajiro adapted to the wartime economy and expanded into the collection of goods and production to mark the beginning of diversified management.

Kanematsu responded to the change in demand caused by the structural reform of Japan's economy and converted from a trade company centered on fibers to a general trade corporation. Before World War II, fibers accounted for about 80% of sales, but after World War II, products other than fibers accounted for about 70% of sales.

In 1967, Kanematsu and Gosho Company merged to further accelerate the conversion to a general trading corporation. In late 1970s, during a period of winter-like hardship for trading companies, when they were criticized for causing inflation through their business activities or were said to be unnecessary, Kanematsu had a hard time as its revenues increased but its profits fell.

Against a background of a high-yen recession caused by the Plaza Accord, monetary easing was implemented. The economic bubble period began.
During this period, Kanematsu grew steadily centered on fuel and chemical products. After the collapse of the bubble economy, through the Heisei recession, in 1999 Kanematsu undertook a number of reforms to strengthen its business structure. By refining its business focus, Kanematsu took steps to improve and enhance its financial foundations. In 2014, Kanematsu announced VISION-130 for its 130th anniversary. In view of maintaining sound financial strength and expanding its revenue base at the same time, Kanematsu took on new challenges, including new investments, to become a corporation that constantly seeks to create business.