Koken Corporation

(1943) : Yoshijiro Sakai (founder) established the Kōshin Kai Research Institute.

Founder Yoshijiro Sakai established the Koshinkai Research Institute

Founded: 1943 (Showa 18) May 10

Founded

(1950) : Commenced research on occupational safety and health protective equipment.

Began research on occupational safety and health protective equipment

(1952) : Incorporated as Kōshin Kai Research Institute Co., Ltd.; the dust mask under development passed national certification.

Incorporated as Koshinkai Research Institute Co., Ltd.; the dust mask under development passed the national certification test

Incorporated as Kōshinkai Research Institute Co., Ltd.

The dust mask under development passed national certification.

(1963) : Established Kōken Co., Ltd., responsible for manufacturing and sales; Kōshin Kai Research Institute handled research. Developed the "Micron Filter," an electrostatic filter that became the mainstream dust mask today.

Established Koken Co., Ltd. to handle manufacturing and sales, while the Koshinkai Research Institute handled research; developed the electrostatic filter medium “Micron Filter,” which became the mainstream filter medium in today's dust masks

Established Koken Co., Ltd., responsible for manufacturing and sales, while Kōshinkai Research Institute handled research.

Developed the 'Micron Filter', an electrostatic filter that has become mainstream for current dust masks.

Established: 1963 (Showa 38) December 12

Established

(1967) : Established the Iino Research Institute to strengthen the basic research division.

Established the Hanno Research Institute to strengthen basic research

(1969) : Received the Minister of Commerce and Industry Award for contributions to mining safety.

Received a commendation from the Minister of International Trade and Industry for contributions to mine safety

(1972) : Received a letter of appreciation from the Director-General of the Defense Agency (now Ministry of Defense) for cooperation on prototype research of air purification devices.

Received a letter of appreciation from the Director General of the Technical Research and Development Institute of the Defense Agency (now the Ministry of Defense) for cooperation in prototype research on air purification equipment

(1976) : Yoshijiro Sakai received the Purple Ribbon Medal and the Minister of Labor Commendation Award for contributions to occupational health.

Yoshijiro Sakai received the Medal with Purple Ribbon and the Minister of Labour's Award for Distinguished Service for contributions to occupational health

(1978) : Completed the Alpha Ring Filter, Japan's first high-performance molded paper filter.

Completed Japan's first high-performance, integrally molded paper filter, the “Alpha Ring Filter”

(1981) : Established Kōken Disaster Prevention Systems Co., Ltd., responsible for sales; Kōken Co., Ltd. handled manufacturing and R&D. Shinichiro Sakai (now Chairman) became President and CEO.

Established Koken Bosai System Co., Ltd. to handle sales, while Koken Co., Ltd. handled manufacturing and research and development; Shinichiro Sakai (current chairman) became representative director and president

Established Kōken Disaster Prevention Systems Co., Ltd., responsible for sales, while Koken Co., Ltd. handled manufacturing and R&D.

Shinichiro Sakai (current Chairman) assumed the role of President and CEO.

(1983) : Received a letter of appreciation from the Director-General of the Defense Agency (now Ministry of Defense) for cooperation on prototype research of new protective masks and suits.

Received a letter of appreciation from the Director General of the Technical Research and Development Institute of the Defense Agency (now the Ministry of Defense) for cooperation in prototype research on new protective masks and protective clothing

(1985) : Absorbed Kōshin Kai Research Institute Co., Ltd. and Ninomiya Manufacturing Co., Ltd.; capital increased to 380 million yen. Secured large orders for protective masks from the Defense Agency (now Ministry of Defense) and established a unified manufacturing system.

Absorbed and merged Koshinkai Research Institute Co., Ltd. and Ninomiya Manufacturing Co., Ltd.; capital increased to 380 million yen; received a large order for protective masks from the Defense Agency (now the Ministry of Defense) and established an integrated manufacturing system

Absorbed and merged with Kōshinkai Research Institute Co., Ltd. and Ninomiya Manufacturing Co., Ltd., with capital of 380 million yen.

Received large orders for protective masks from the Defense Agency (now Ministry of Defense) and established a comprehensive manufacturing system.

(1986) : Registered on the Tokyo Stock Exchange; capital increased to 644.6 million yen.

Listed on the Tokyo over-the-counter stock market; capital increased to 644.6 million yen

Registered on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's over-the-counter market.

Capital of 644.6 million yen.

(1987) : Merged with Kōken Disaster Prevention Systems Co., Ltd.; renamed all factories and manufacturing plants to "Techno Yard".

Merged with Koken Bosai System Co., Ltd.; changed the names of all factories and plants to “Techno Yards”

Merged with Kōken Disaster Prevention Systems Co., Ltd.

Renamed all factories and workshops to 'Techno Yard'.

(1988) : Completed the Sayama Techno Yard.

Completed construction of Sayama Techno Yard

(1995) : Entered the environmental business with the "Oxylizer" strong acid electrolytic water generation device and push-pull ventilation system business. Contributed masks to the recovery of the Hanshin earthquake and the investigation of the subway sarin incident. Introduced a new personnel management system (Total Personnel System).

Entered the environmental business with the “Oxylizer” strongly acidic electrolyzed water generator business and the push-pull ventilation system business; the company's masks contributed to recovery efforts following the Great Hanshin Earthquake and investigation activities in the Tokyo subway sarin attack; introduced a new personnel management system (Total Personnel System)

Ventured into environmental related businesses: the 'Oxylizer' strong acid electrolytic water generation device and push-pull type ventilation system business.

Contributed masks to the recovery of the Hanshin earthquake and to the investigation of the subway sarin incident.

Implemented a new personnel management system (Total Personnel System).

(1997) : The "Oxylizer" received pharmaceutical approval from the Ministry of Health as a medical device. Completed the Nakai Techno Yard and Nakai Distribution Center.

The “Oxylizer” received pharmaceutical approval from the Ministry of Health and Welfare as a medical device; completed construction of Nakai Techno Yard and Nakai Distribution Center

The 'Oxylizer' received pharmaceutical approval from the Ministry of Health as a medical device.

Nakai Techno Yard and Nakai Distribution Center completed

(1999) : Achieved ISO 9001 certification company-wide. Completed the Gunma Techno Yard.

Company-wide ISO 9001 certification; Gunma Techno Yard completed

ISO 9001 company-wide certification

Gunma Techno Yard completed

(2000): Launched the unit-type, open-style push-pull ventilation system “KOKEN Laminar”

Launched the Koken Laminar, a unit-type open push-pull ventilation system

(2001): Launched dust masks using the new electrostatic filter “Mighty Uni-Micron Filter”; developed and began selling NBC-protection products in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States

Launched dust masks featuring the new Mighty Unimicron electrostatic filter; developed and marketed NBC-protection products in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States

Released a dust mask using the new electrostatic filter 'Mighty Uni-Micron Filter'

Developed and sold NBC-compatible products in response to the 9/11 attacks in the United States

(2002): Gunma Techno Yard received ISO 14001 environmental management system certification; developed three world-first products: the “Breath Link Blower Mask,” a fully automatic endoscope washer, and a soil and groundwater purification system

Gunma Techno Yard received ISO 14001 environmental management system certification; developed three world-first products: the Breath Link Blower Mask, a fully automatic endoscope washer, and a soil and groundwater purification system

ISO 14001 environmental management system certification for Gunma Techno Yard

Developed three world-first products: 'BreathLink Breathing Mask', 'Fully Automatic Endoscope Cleaning Device', and 'Soil and Groundwater Purification Device'

(2003): The fully automatic endoscope washing and disinfection system “Kagaminai” received the Ten Best New Products Award, presented by The Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun; Nakai Techno Yard and Distribution Center received ISO 14001 environmental management system certification; Shinichiro Sakai became Representative Director and Chairman, and Hiroyuki Sakai (now Director and Advisor) became Representative Director and President

The fully automatic endoscope washing and disinfection system Kyo-naishi won the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s Ten Best New Products Award; Nakai Techno Yard and Distribution Center received ISO 14001 environmental management system certification; Shinichiro Sakai became Representative Director and Chairman, and Hiroyuki Sakai (now Director and Senior Adviser) became Representative Director and President

The fully automatic endoscope cleaning and disinfection device 'Kagami Nashi' won the 'Top Ten New Product Awards' sponsored by Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun

ISO 14001 environmental management system certification for Nakai Techno Yard and Distribution Center

Shinichiro Sakai became Chairman of the Board. Hiroyuki Sakai (current Senior Advisor) became President

(2004): Launched the open-draft “Laminar Table HD-01”

Launched the open-draft Laminar Table HD-01

(2005): Tokorozawa Techno Yard received ISO 14001 environmental management system certification

Tokorozawa Techno Yard received ISO 14001 environmental management system certification

(2006): The fully automatic endoscope washing and disinfection system “Kagaminai” received marketing approval as a medical device under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law; launched the “Life Master” series of masks for fires and special evacuations; began a recycling system business for dust mask filters and gas mask canisters

The fully automatic endoscope washing and disinfection system Kyo-naishi received approval for medical device manufacture and marketing under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law; launched the Lifemaster series of masks for fires and emergency evacuation; began a recycling system business for dust mask filters and gas mask canisters

The fully automatic endoscope cleaning and disinfection device 'Kagami Nashi' obtained medical device manufacturing and sales approval under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law

Released the 'Life Master' series of fire and special evacuation masks

Started a recycling system business for dust mask filters and chemical warfare mask absorbent cans

(2008): Developed the new technologies “Nanofiber Filter” and “Open Clean Bench”

Developed the new technologies Nanofiber Filter and Open Clean Bench

(2009): Established the Saitama Distribution Center (relocated from the Nakai Distribution Center); introduced a shareholder benefit program; commercialized the “Hi-Luck Utsusanzo・Kakaranzu” mask for infection prevention

Established a new Saitama Distribution Center, relocating the Nakai Distribution Center; introduced a shareholder benefit program; developed the infection-prevention masks Hi-Luck Utsusanzo and Kakaranzo

Established a new Saitama Distribution Center (relocation of Nakai Distribution Center)

Established a shareholder benefit program

Commercialized the infection control mask 'High Rack Utsusanzo & Kakaranzou'

(2010): The open clean system “KOACH” received the Grand Prize in the Ten Best New Products Awards, presented by The Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun

The open clean system KOACH won the top prize in the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s Ten Best New Products Awards

(2011): Opened the KOACH Showroom/KOKEN Super Clean Technical Center; developed the “Table KOACH” and the room-type “Floor KOACH Ex/Ez”

Opened the KOACH Showroom and KOKEN Super Clean Technical Center; developed the Table KOACH and the room-type Floor KOACH Ex and Ez

Opened the KOACH showroom and KOKEN Super Clean Technical Center

Developed 'Table Coach' and room-type 'Floor Coach Ex/Ez'

(2012): Established a production subsidiary in Thailand, SIAM KOKEN LTD.

Established SIAM KOKEN LTD., a production subsidiary in Thailand

(2013): Opened the Ranzan Techno Yard; launched the “Hi-Luck KIDS” mask for children

Opened the Ranzan Techno Yard; launched the Hi-Luck KIDS mask for children

Opened Arashiyama Techno Yard

Released the 'High Rack KIDS' mask for children

(2014): “KOACH” received the Grand Prize (Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award) in the Machinery Industry Design Awards; Tsutomu Murakawa became Representative Director and President

KOACH won the Grand Prize (Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award) in the Machine Industry Design Awards; Tsutomu Murakawa became Representative Director and President

KOACH received the Best Design Award (Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award) at the Machine Industry Design Award.

Manabu Murakawa assumed the position of President and CEO.

(2015): Developed “Imadiz®,” a copper lactate-based antimicrobial agent; the Thai production subsidiary, SIAM KOKEN LTD., began mask production; “KOACH” received the Japan Machinery Federation Chairman’s Award in the Excellent Energy-Saving Equipment Awards, the Grand Prize in the manufacturing category of the Japan Resilience Award 2015, and the Prime Minister’s Award in the Monozukuri Nippon Grand Award; launched the “Hi-Luck Neo” series of masks for general consumers

Developed Imadiz®, a copper lactate-based antimicrobial agent; SIAM KOKEN LTD., the production subsidiary in Thailand, began mask production; KOACH received the Japan Machinery Federation Chairman’s Award in the Excellent Energy-Saving Equipment Awards, the top award in the manufacturing category of the Japan Resilience Award 2015, and the Prime Minister’s Award in the Monodzukuri Nippon Grand Award; launched the Hi-Luck Neo series of masks for consumers

Developed the lactic acid copper salt-based antibacterial agent 'Imadies®'.

The Thai subsidiary (SIAM KOKEN LTD.) began mask production.

KOACH received the Chairman's Award for Outstanding Energy-Efficient Equipment from the Japan Machinery Industry Federation, the Japan Resilience Award 2015 Best Manufacturing Field Award, and the Prime Minister's Award at the Japan Manufacturing Award.

Released the HiRack Neo series of masks for general consumers.

(2016): Shinichiro Sakai, Representative Director and Chairman, received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, in the 2016 Spring Conferment of Decorations; jointly developed “Pureness Zero One” cleanroom gloves with Okamoto Industries, Inc.

Shinichiro Sakai, Representative Director and Chairman, received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, in the 2016 Spring Imperial Decorations; jointly developed the Pureness Zero One cleanroom gloves with Okamoto Industries, Inc.

Chairman of the Board, Shinichiro Sakai, received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, in the 2016 Spring Honors.

Co-developed the cleanroom glove 'Pureness Zero One' with Okamoto Co., Ltd.

(2017): Launched the “Hi-Luck Neo KIDS” mask for children; received the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award for Patent Utilization in the Intellectual Property Merit Awards

Launched the Hi-Luck Neo KIDS mask for children; received the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award for the Intellectual Property Merit Awards for effective use of patents

Released the HiRack Neo KIDS mask for children.

Received the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award for the Intellectual Property Contribution Award (Patent Utilization).

(2018): Completed construction of the Advanced Technology Center in Hanno, Saitama Prefecture; launched the “Environmental Technical Site”; Sayama Techno Yard received ISO 14001 environmental management system certification

Completed the Advanced Technology Center in Hannō, Saitama Prefecture; launched the Environmental Technical Site; Sayama Techno Yard received ISO 14001 environmental management system certification

Completed the Advanced Technology Center in Iino City, Saitama Prefecture.

Launched the Environmental Technical Site.

Achieved ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification for Sayama Technoyard.

(2019): Launched the “Hi-Luck 330” and “335” models, disposable dust masks designed for smaller faces; launched “Kagaminai II G,” an endoscope washer with an automatic brushing function

Launched the Hi-Luck 330 and 335 disposable dust masks designed for smaller faces; launched the Kyo-naishi II G endoscope washer with an automatic brushing function

Released disposable dust masks 'HiRack 330' and 'HiRack 335' for small faces.

Released the 'Kagami Nashi Samurai II G' endoscope cleaning device with automatic brushing function.

(2020): Increased production and supplied the “Hi-Luck 350” N95 mask for COVID-19 prevention to medical institutions; selected for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s 2020 “100 Global Niche Top Companies” list; launched three negative-pressure devices for infection prevention, jointly developed with Toho University

Mass production and supply of the N95 mask 'HiRack 350' for COVID-19 countermeasures to medical institutions: selected in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry 2020 edition of 'Global Niche Top 100 Companies': launched three negative-pressure devices for infection control jointly developed with Toho University.

Mass-produced and supplied the N95 mask 'HiRack 350' for COVID-19 countermeasures to medical institutions.

Selected as one of the 'Global Niche Top 100 Companies' by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2020.

Released three negative pressure devices for infection control jointly developed with Toho University.

(2021): Launched the official online store, Koken Hira-Rack Store

Opened the official online store 'Koken HiRack Store'.

(2022): Following the Tokyo Stock Exchange's review of its market segments, transferred from the Tokyo Stock Exchange JASDAQ (Standard) to the Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market

Due to a review of market classifications by the Tokyo Stock Exchange, transitioned from the Tokyo Stock Exchange JASDAQ (Standard) to the Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market.

(2023): Opened a KOACH showroom in Kumamoto Prefecture

Opened a KOACH showroom in Kumamoto Prefecture.