Naoharu Iwatani was born in 1903 as the fifth son of his parents, Kiyoshiro and Misa, in Nagaoka Village, Anō District, Shimane Prefecture (now Ota City).
Founder Naoki Iwatani established Naoki Iwatani Store in Minato-ku, Osaka.
Founder Naoki Iwatani established the Iwatani Naoki Store in Minato-ku, Osaka City. The venture into selling oxygen, welding rods, and carbide marked the beginning of Iwatani.
In May 1930, Naoki Iwatani Store was founded.
Founded the Iwatani Naoki Store.
In 1939, after free trade was closed by economic control, the "Kinsei Shipping Association" was established and shipping with mainland China began.
Founded Kinsei Shipping Association and began shipping with mainland China.
In 1941, to expand the business, "Kinsei Yōkō" was established in Shanghai, but the two ships owned were requisitioned by the army, so shipping was abandoned and the sale of alloy materials in China began.
Around 1941, the import of an atomic hydrogen welding machine and the use of hydrogen began to create a hydrogen demand.
Founded Kinsei Yoko and abandoned shipping to start selling alloy materials in China.
Around 1941, the import of an atomic hydrogen welding machine and the use of hydrogen sparked hydrogen demand. At the time, the hardening oil factory discarded hydrogen other than for its own use, but Naoki said, "What a waste," and began selling surplus hydrogen, marking the start of the hydrogen business.
In February 1945, Naoki founded Iwatani Industries Co., Ltd. and became its President and Representative Director.
Established Iwatani Industries Co., Ltd. and became President and CEO.
Iwatanik Shōten was reorganized into Iwatani Industries Co., Ltd. on February 2, 1945, marking a new start.
Reorganized as Iwatani Industries Co., Ltd. and started anew.
After receiving a telegram in Shanghai that the main store on Ichikawa-hama Street, Minato-ku, Osaka City had been destroyed in the air raid on March 13, 1945, Naoharu decided to fold the Chinese business.
Received a telegram that the main store on Ishioka-hama Street, Minato-ku, Osaka had burned down, so we decided to fold the Chinese business.
In 1947, a newly built wooden Osaka headquarters in Higashi-ku (now Chuo-ku) was used until 1970, and the site is now revived as "Iwatanik Hydrogen Station Osaka Honmachi."
Built a new wooden Osaka headquarters in Higashi-ku.
In 1952, after learning in a lecture that "in Italy propane gas is packed in cylinders for household fuel," Naoharu, thinking of his mother who struggled with cooking, believed that "freeing housewives from smoke is what he wanted to do." He urged, "If you have no money, sell everything, even oxygen cylinders, to raise funds," and at 50 he started the propane gas business with unwavering determination.
In 1952, during a lecture, Naoki learned that "in Italy propane gas is packed in cylinders for household use." He imagined his mother struggling with cooking in a stove.
From 1956, he donated books annually to his alma mater, Nagaoka Elementary School, which was named the "Iwatani Library."
In 1958, "We will pave the way for business now. If Iwatani doesn't do it, who will?" He dismissed the concerns of the board and established Osaka Hydrogen Industry Co., Ltd.
In 1958, "From now on, we will pave the way for commercialization. If Iwatani doesn't do it, who will?" I dismissed the concerns of the executives and established Osaka Hydrogen Industry Co., Ltd. Seeing the increasing demand for hydrogen, Naoki observed that "the era of liquefied hydrogen would soon arrive," built a liquefied hydrogen production plant, and began supplying liquefied hydrogen to the Space Development Agency (now JAXA).
In 1966, he established the Iwatani Kyuhei Foundation in Shimane Prefecture.
In 1947, the newly built wooden Osaka headquarters in Higashi-ku (now Chuo-ku) was used until 1970, and the site is now revived as "Iwatani Hydrogen Station Osaka Honmachi."
Used the Osaka headquarters until 1970.
In 1973, he donated a library to his alma mater, Ota High School in Shimane Prefecture (then Ota Agricultural School), expressing his strong feelings for his hometown.
In 1973, at the age of 70, Naoharu decided to "do something useful for society." He invested about 3 billion yen of his company shares and cash to establish the Iwatani Naoharu Memorial Foundation.
In December 1973, Naoki established the Iwatani Naoki Memorial Foundation and became a director.
Established the Iwatani Naoki Memorial Foundation and became a director.
In December 1985, Naoki became Chairman and Representative Director of Iwatani Industries Co., Ltd.
Iwatani Industries Co., Ltd. appointed Naoki Iwatani as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
On August 13, 1986, Naoki observed the successful launch of the H-I rocket powered by liquefied hydrogen at Tanegashima and said, "Just as propane changed kitchens, I am convinced that hydrogen will change the world in the 21st century. This is not a theory but my long‑standing intuition from working with gas."
On August 13, 1986, Naoki observed the successful launch of the H-I rocket powered by liquefied hydrogen at Tanegashima and said,
On August 13, 1986, after witnessing the successful launch of the H-I rocket powered by liquefied hydrogen at Tanegashima, Naoki said, "Just as propane changed kitchens, I am convinced that hydrogen will change the world in the 21st century. This is not a theory but my intuition developed over many years of dealing with gas."
In June 1998, Naoki became Honorary Chairman of Iwatani Industries Co., Ltd.
Iwatani Industries Co., Ltd. appointed Naoki Iwatani as Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors.
In 2005, Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors Naoki Iwatani passed away at the age of 102.
In July 2005, Naoki passed away at the age of 102.
Passed away at age 102
The life of founder Naoharu Iwatani is introduced in a manga. Production: Manga Artist Society Co., Ltd. Manga: Kaji Baataru. Publication: Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Osaka Entrepreneur Museum. Publication date: March 3, 2011.
A manga introducing founder Naoki Iwatani, published on March 3, 2011.
It is introduced in a manga. Published on March 3, 2011.
Issue date: March 3, 2011
Iwatani Corporation will launch the Mydan Mini cassette gas stove nationwide on September 18 through home improvement stores, electronics retailers, and its official online shop. Compact and lightweight, the portable heater is suitable for everyday heating and emergency preparedness.
Tokyo Prefecture adopted a feasibility study (FS project) for CO₂ supply chain construction for fiscal year Reiwa 8. The study involves mineralizing CO₂ recovered from cleaning plants via an artificial limestone route for use in concrete, paper, plastics, etc., and also explores the possibility of liquefying and transporting high-purity CO₂ to supply carbonated beverages and industrial uses. Additionally, it tests a model that utilizes forest resources and algae cultivation via a bio route.
Iwata Industries Co., Ltd. will exhibit at the Global Startup EXPO 2026, which is held from October 5 to 7. On October 5, we will exhibit at the Iwata Fine Gas Co., Ltd. office within Nakanojima Cross, and on October 6 and 7, we will exhibit in the Osaka Ume Kit area, introducing real units of low-temperature distribution products and frozen storage containers. We will also introduce our initiatives in regenerative medicine and welcome all visitors.
Iwatani Corporation has launched the Aburi no Takumi cassette gas robatayaki grill. It measures 409 mm wide by 222 mm deep by 136 mm high and weighs about 2.3 kg, with a powder-coated steel plate and heat-resistant aluminum die-cast parts. Heat output is about 2.3 kW (2,000 kcal/h), and it can burn continuously for approximately 90 minutes with an Iwatani cassette gas canister.
The text does not provide specific figures or details, so the amount of the price change is unknown.
Iwatani Corporation will perform server maintenance on September 2, 2026. Some services may be temporarily unavailable. Details about the timing and scope of impact will be announced later.
Iwatani launched an environmentally conscious hot air generator that uses a hydrogen burner for hydrogen co-firing. It supplies hot air at temperatures of 200–500°C across a range of airflow volumes, supporting energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
In a news release published on August 17, 2026, Iwatani announced that it was again selected as a constituent of the JPX-Nikkei Index 400.
Iwatani Corporation announced the month-on-month change in its wholesale LPG prices for August 2026 shipments. The specific price change was not stated in the source summary.
Iwatani Industry has donated 10 million yen through the Japanese Red Cross Society to support victims of the Kumamoto earthquake. Relief supplies include cassette stoves, cassette canisters, and Fuji spring water delivered to each municipality. Support will continue to be provided upon request.