Nohara Group Co., Ltd.

Founded in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture

Founded in 1598 as a wholesale dealer of cotton at Iida city, Nagano, Japan.

On April 20, 1947, during the 13th generation Hiroichi Nohara, a large fire broke out in Iida City, almost destroying the entire city area. Only a corner of the warehouse remained. This fire prompted Hiroichi (62 years old) to declare a generational change to his nephew Tatsuya (32 years old / first president) and his eldest son Hirokichi (28 years old / second president). Although the young Tatsuya and Hirokichi were shocked by the announcement, Hiroichi's words, 'Wampen is entrusted to the two from today. Work together. Don't forget the curtain,' marked the start of reconstruction from the ashes.

With a capital reduction to 105,750 yen, the Iida sales office was separated and became independent, establishing Wampen Copper and Iron Hardware Store Inc. A new company building was completed in Shintomicho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, and the headquarters was relocated.

From 1951 to 1953, focused sales of Durotest fluorescent lamps manufactured by the American Durotest Corporation, known for being 'the brightest in the world with the longest lifespan.' At that time, domestic products varied greatly, so the company promoted top-class quality, and the unknown emerging company achieved sales results that threatened major domestic manufacturers. However, after acquiring domestic sales rights and starting production and sales in Japan, the company faced strict import controls during the economic recovery period and experienced the suppression of small and medium-sized businesses by large corporations. This was a major turning point for Nohara, leading to a focus on its main building materials business.

The company signed an agency contract with Nozawa Asbestos Cement Co., Ltd. (now Nozawa Co., Ltd.) for main products like bolts, gaining a foothold in construction material sales. Despite many social role requests from the local Iida city where the company was founded, the company adhered to the lesson of 'not taking any official positions and focusing on the main business.' However, it actively engaged in local welfare, and in 1953, when the concept of 'volunteering' was not yet established, the company launched the Ryukyo Ikuei Association amid ongoing financial struggles.

In the 1950s, new building materials such as vinyl pipes and corrugated sheets made from synthetic resins appeared alongside iron and cement. During this time, a proposal was made to sell smoke-free stoves in Matsumoto store. These patented products had better heat efficiency and produced less smoke compared to conventional products. Nohara Sangyo actively demonstrated and sold these unique products across various regions, establishing a steady expansion with local top hardware stores, which contributed to a significant increase in sales by introducing new building materials through this new route.

A new headquarters building was completed in Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, and the company relocated. The company began handling Fuji Light, an invention by Fuji Reflection Laboratory, which reflects light like a mirror. In the early 1960s, as the car era was gradually approaching and road traffic infrastructure was being developed, Fuji Light, a reflective sheet that reflected light like a mirror, became popular as a domestic product rivaling the American 3M Scotchlite. In 1968, the company officially started handling Fuji Light under the catchphrase 'Glowing day and night,' marking its entry into the new field of road signs beyond traditional building materials.

The concrete product manufacturing division was spun off and became Nohara Concrete Industry Co., Ltd.

The traffic sign processing and manufacturing division was spun off and Fuji Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. was established, with a new road sign factory built in Fuchu, Tokyo. Contracts with special agents such as Yoshino Gypsum Co., Ltd., Asano Concrete Co., Ltd., and Tajima Applied Chemical Co., Ltd. were established, progressing towards a comprehensive building materials trading company.

Osaka Sales Office (now Osaka Branch) was opened.

The company absorbed and merged Fuji Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

The company absorbed and merged Nohara Concrete Industry Co., Ltd.

Higashi-Kanto Sales Office was opened. Omiya Sales Office (now North Kanto Branch) was opened. The company absorbed and merged Nozaki Manufacturing Co., Ltd., inheriting the grass processing yard and Yokohama Sales Office.

Capital was increased to 100 million yen.

Nohara Soreikai was established.

Capital was increased to 200 million yen.

Yokohama Sales Office was promoted to a branch.