Corporate Profile

Company History

It has been over 100 years since TOMOEGAWA started its path as a pioneer of industrial specialty paper to meet the needs for domestic production of "telecommunications paper" and "electrical insulation paper" in 1914. TOMOEGAWA has developed "paper making, adhesive, powder control, and specialty coating” Technology from specialty paper products that utilize the "electrical insulation material technology" cultivated since its foundation to cutting-edge high functional materials. This web page introduces some of TOMOEGAWA’s history of manufacturing products that meet the needs of the times.

1910 ~ Specialty Paper age

The domestic pioneer of electrical insulation materials

Leading the market with the first domestic production of electrical insulation paper

Historical background
Sharp decrease in the import of electrical insulating paper

At the beginning of the 20th century, when Japan’s industrialization as a modern nation began to progress, the power transmission infrastructure was being constructed in Japan in order to supply the electricity to industry. Along with this, the demand for “electrical insulating paper” also increased. On the other hand, because all of them had to rely on imports from Europe and the US, the situation of World War I, which broke out in 1914, made it difficult to procure electrical insulating paper.

Developed products
The domestic pioneer of electrical insulation materials

Electric wire cable using our electric insulating paper(around 1930)

In the early 1900s, Mr. Genzaburo Inoue bore the mind of domestic production of electrical insulating paper and started research and development to achieve it, with only one small piece of German made sample on hand. While the demand for domestic production increased due to the outbreak of World War I, Mr. Inoue founded Tomoegawa Paper Co., Ltd. and succeeded in the first domestic production of electrical insulating paper in 1914. TOMOEGAWA, through its products, made huge contribution to the rapid construction of Japan's power grid, such as the expansion of the power grid in the 1960s and the shift to high-voltage power grid in the 1970s.

Electric wire cable using our electric insulating paper (around 1930)

1910s

1914

The first president Genzaburo Inoue founded Tomoegawa Paper Factory along the Tomoegawa river in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and started research and prototype manufacture of electric insulating paper and telecommunication paper. This place is currently called 'Shimizu Works'.

1917
Tomoegawa Paper Co., Ltd. was founded with the aim of domestic production of electrical communication paper (punching paper) and electrical insulating paper.  Genzaburo Inoue became the first president.

Established Tomoegawa Paper Co., Ltd.

1918

Established Shoei Printing Co., Ltd.

Products and Technology

Punching paper

Paper Making

Electrical insulating paper for communication cable

Paper Making

Electrical insulating paper for power cable

Paper Making

1930s

1933

Established Nihon Rika Seishi Co., Ltd.

1933
In 1933, Mochimune Works was built in the Mochimune area, Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City, which was rich in high quality water that is indispensable for the paper industry.  Shimizu Works, the place of foundation, mainly manufactured specialty paper such as communication paper and electrical insulation paper.  With the introduction of large-scale paper machines, Mochimune Works mainly focused on the mass production of printing paper and packaging paper.

Established Mochimune Works (currently called Shizuoka Works) in Shizuoka city to develop specialty paper and start manufacturing general paper

Products and Technology

High voltage capacitor paper

Paper Making

1940s

1945
In 1945, TOMOEGAWA absorbed Shingu Mokuzai Pulp Corporation and established Shingu Works in Shingu city, Wakayama Prefecture, establishing a long-awaited integrated production system from pulp to paper.

Merged Shingu Mokuzai Pulp Corporation and renamed into Shingu Works, and started in-house production of craft pulp

1948

Established Sanwa Co., Ltd.

1949
In 1949, TOMOEGAWA opened the Technical Research Center with Dr. Shinoda, a former professor at the University of Tokyo, as the first director.  At that time, there was a strong tendency to make paper with the experience and intuition of skilled workers, but the concept of numerical management using equipment was introduced.

Opened a technical research laboratory at Mochimune Works to conduct comprehensive research in paper and pulp fields

Products and Technology

Tracing paper

Paper Making

Discharged recording paper

Coating

1950s

1958

Built a papermaking factory at Singu Works to establish integrated manufacturing system from pulp to paper

Products and Technology

Insulating paper for ultra high voltage power cables(154kV)

Paper Making

Electronic copy base paper

Coating

1960 ~ Information recording-medium age

The front runner of the automation age

Expanding the business to toner and magnetic tickets as automation progresses

Historical background
Rapid progress in automation

Rapid economic growth continued, and various devices became popular for industrial development and the improvement in quality of life. In the 1960s, electrophotographic copying machines appeared, and they rapidly became widespread as convenient copying and printing equipment. Automation also progressed in transportation. In the 1970s, automatic ticket gate systems using magnetic tickets and magnetic commuter tickets were also introduced. In each case, advanced technology of electrical property control was required.

Developed products
Mass production of “Toner” and “Magnetic Ticket” utilizing knowledge of electrical properties

TOMOEGAWA started developing toner in the 1960s after successful development of electrophotographic paper by superior technology of electrical property control. In 1965, TOMOEGAWA launched toner for plate-making-paper, its first commercial toner product, and then moved its focus onto development of toner for copying machine. After the successful product release in 1973, TOMOEGAWA has climbed up and has become the world’ s #1 toner manufacturer that does not manufacture copy machines, and hence through building the global supply system. Furthermore, as a leading company of a magnetic-recording medium, TOMOEGAWA has been contributing to improve people’ s quality of life, through the launch of products used for magnetic ticket, commuter pass, prepaid card and so on.

Electrostatic recording paper and toner for facsimile

1960s

1961

Listed on the first section of Tokyo Stock Exchange and Osaka Stock Exchange

1963

Head office building was completed construction in Kyobashi, Tokyo to commemorate the 50th anniversary

1964
In 1964, the 50th anniversary ceremony was held at the Sunpu Kaikan.  The entertainment held along with the ceremony was crowded with 5000 people including employees and their families.

50th anniversary ceremony was held

Products and Technology

Electrophotographic paper

Coating

Punching paper for electronic computer

Paper Making

Statistics card paper for high speed processing

Paper Making

Dry type EF offset master

Coating

Dry two-component toner for EF copy

Powder

Electrostatic recording paper for printer

Coating

Online passbook paper

Paper Making

OHP base paper

Coating

Electrostatic recording paper for fax

Coating

Magnetic parking ticket/wet EF ticket

Coating

1970s

1972

Renamed Paper Technology Laboratory into Technical Laboratory and accelerated new business development other than paper products

1972

Built the 1st toner factory (Built another factory to increase production in 1978)

1978

Established TOMOEGAWA(U.S.A.) INC. in Illinois, U.S.A. and started production of toner in October 1981

Products and Technology

Wet tonner for EF copy

Powder

Chelate magnetic ticket

Coating

Adhesive tape for screen printing frame

Adhesive

Wet EF color copy paper

Coating

Dry tonner for PPC master

Powder

Thermal and magnetic ticket

Coating

Electric thermal recording paper

Coating

Adhesive processing for polarizing plate

Adhesive

1980 ~ Electronics age

TOMOEGAWA technology makes a great leap into the worldwide market

Developing the related products that has become the international standard for electronic devices and semiconductors

Historical background
Rapid growth in electronic equipment and semiconductor markets

As various electric and electronic products spread to the market, high density and high integration of semiconductors made rapid progress. Advanced electrical engineering was required such as electrical insulation between minute circuits, durability and dimensional stability, and moreover, cutting-edge polymer electronic materials with superior electrical insulation were demanded.

Developed products
“Lead Frame Fixing Tape” which became the basis of International Standard

Since entering into the business of polarizing film adhesion processing under clean environment in 1977, TOMOEGAWA tried to adopt its newly acquired technology of coating & laminating under clean environment into the market of electronic materials. In 1984, TOMOEGAWA succeeded in original development of "Lead Frame Fixing Tape" used inside the semiconductor package by taking advantage of the electrical insulating technology cultivated over many years with the electric insulating paper. The highly reliable “Lead Frame Fixing Tape”, proven by TOMOEGAWA’s outstanding technology, was positioned as a designated product by IC manufacturers all over the world, and has become the basis of international standard.

High-performance electronic component materials that support the electronics industry

1980s

1984
In 1984, TOMOEGAWA EUROPE B.V. was established in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, for the purpose of expanding sales of coated products and toner in the European region.  Expansion into the global market started with the establishment of TOMOEGAWA (U.S.A.) INC. in 1978 and expanded from North America to Europe.

Established Tomoegawa Europe B. V. in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and started sales of toner and processed paper products

1984

Built the 2nd chemical-products factory for toner filling

1987

Established Tomoegawa Converting Co., Ltd. and Tomoegawa Logistics Service Co, Ltd.

1989
In 1989, the first building was completed at Shimizu Works.  Started full-scale production of electronic component materials and magnetic products as a semiconductor-related product factory.

Built a dedicated factory for electronic parts materials and magnetic recording products at Shimizu Works

Products and Technology

Semi-synthesis Insulating paper for super-ultra high voltage power cables (275kV)

Paper Making

Increased page online passbook paper

Paper Making

Super light weight printing paper

Paper Making

Bus common magnetic coupon

Coating

1990s

1992
In 1992, a polarizing plate adhesive processing factory for liquid crystal displays was completed.  It was named 'MEC-1 (Mochimune Electronics Component)' because of the meaning of the first factory building of the electronic parts material business in Mochimune area.

Built a dedicated factory for adhesive tape for LCD at Mochimune Works

1995
In 1995, Shingu Factory was closed due to withdrawal from the pulp business. The photo shows the factory manager who pressed the stop button on the recovery boiler.

Closed Shingu Works and withdrew from pulp business

Products and Technology

Semi-synthesis Insulating paper for super-ultra high voltage power cables (800kV)

Paper Making

Powder paint

Powder

Special paper for inkjet

Paper Making

LR film for LCD, AG film for LCD

Coating

Colored adhesive film for CRT

Adhesive

Ion exchange fiber sheet

Paper Making

2000 ~ FPD age

The bloom of adhesion technology

Achieving high performance display with adhesive and bonding technology

Historical background
Growing need for FPD

In the 2000s, the demands increased for PCs to popularize and for TVs to become larger and thinner. While there were various needs such as more vivid colors, human-friendly, cost performance, process reduction, and durability improvement, timely product development and market launch as well as cost competitiveness were required.

Developed products
Materials to achieve vivid and high quality display

TOMOEGAWA has shifted its business from paper to "highly functional materials" and has improved coating technology and adhesive / bonding processing technology to produce many component materials for liquid crystal displays and plasma display that meet the needs of times. In addition to satisfying a broad range of market demands such as anti-reflection, anti-glare, UV protection, and touch panel applications, TOMOEGAWA has been trying to improve its marketing skills in order to capture potential market needs and make successful proposals that help its customers’ business. TOMOEGAWA has made progress with the times.

Film dedicated coater in clean room

2000s

2001

Opened a converting factory for printer paper in Chihuahua, Mexico

2001

Opened an analysis center at Shizuoka Works

2002

Built a factory for optical films and adhesive tapes for electronics products at Shizuoka Works

2004

Established TOMOEGAWA HONG KONG CO., LTD.

2005

Established Tomoegawa Holding Huizhou Inc. to control business operations in China

2005

Delisted from Osaka Stock Exchange

2005

Established Tomoegawa Imaging Technology (Huizhou) Co., Ltd. for toner manufacturing and sales, in Huizhou city, Guang Dong Province, China and built a factory in April, 2006

2005

Built the 3rd chemical-products factory at Shizuoka Works to meet the increasing demand for toner

2005

Established Tomoegawa Fine Coating Ltd. for development and production of optical films in Tsuruga city, Fukui prefecture. The registered name is currently TFC Co. Ltd.

2006

Span off Paper Div. and established a new company, Tomoegawa Paper Co. Ltd.

2006

Started using common name "TOMOEGAWA" and the newly designed company logo

2006

Established Tomoegawa Korea Co., Ltd. in South Korea

2009

Established a joint venture, AT ELECTRODE CO., LTD.

Products and Technology

Colored adhesive film for PDP

Adhesive

Electrostatic chuck for LCD

Adhesive

Paper string / paper net

Paper Making

Glass grid with retardation film

Adhesive

Adhesive sheet for ceramic ESC

Adhesive

Various functional OCA films

Adhesive

Paper rope

Paper Making

EMC measures sheet

Coating

Battery electrode

Coating

Hybrid adhesive sheet

Adhesive

2010s

2010

Established TOPPAN TOMOEGAWA OPTICAL PRODUCTS CO.,LTD. (currently TOPPAN TOMOEGAWA OPTICAL FILMS CO., LTD.)

2011

Transferred converting business for printer paper in Chihuahua, Mexico to a third party

2011

Established a joint venture, Nissai Imaging Technology (Jiujiang) Co.,Ltd. in China for manufacturing and sales of toner

2012

Invested in Aura Paper Industries(India) Pvt. Ltd.

2013

Merged Tomoegawa Paper Co. Ltd.

2013

Opened a representative office in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

2014
On June 19, 2014, TOMOEGAWA celebrated its 100th anniversary.  A commemorative event was held at Shizuoka Works by inviting employees, their families, and local residents.

100th Anniversary

2015
iCas

Launched "iCas", a unified brand of "Heat/Electricity/Electromagnetic Waves" control related products

2016

Made Taiwan a representative office a subsidiary, TOMOEGAWA TAIWAN CO.,LTD.

2016

Acquired additional stock of Aura Paper Industries(India) Pvt.Ltd., and made it a subsidiary TOMOEGAWA Aura India Pvt.Ltd.

2016

Established Tomoegawa Co Middle East in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

2018

Established Tomoegawa (Guangzhou) International Trading Co., Ltd. for sale of toner for copiers / printers and others in China

2018

Relocated the headquarters to Kyobashi Trust Tower in Chuo-ku,Tokyo

Products and Technology

Touch panel compatible products

Adhesive

Activated carbon sheet

Paper Making

Heat and chemical resistant masking sheet

Coating

Calcium carbonate paper

Paper Making

DIA sheet

Coating

Bonding sheet

Coating

2020 ~ To a new age

Strengthen global strategy and proposal-based development projects

Preventing malfunctions which has obstructed the evolution of electronic components

Historical background
Progress of IoT and globalization

Internet of Things (IoT), which connects home appliances to the internet have drawn global attention, and various products and technologies evolve to meet the needs of the next era. Examples include utilization of big data by artificial intelligence (AI), new energy sources represented by renewable energy, wearable devices as "post-smartphone”, evolution of automotive electronics, and autonomous driving systems. In the midst of intense international competition, manufacturers in Japan are required to expand their business globally, not just in Japan, and the establishment of overseas bases and market expansion are accelerating.

Developed products
“iCas” brand products building the foundation for the next 50 years

In response to the trend of the IoT era, electronic devices become smaller and lighter, and require high voltage, large current and high frequency compatibility. However, failure and malfunction of electronic components due to heat, electricity, or electromagnetic waves are technical barriers. Therefore, TOMOEGAWA launched the "iCas" brand, which contributes to problem solving through the electrical property evaluation technology and papermaking / coating technology cultivated since its foundation, and has expanded its business. In addition, TOMOEGAWA conducts proposal-type development that captures customer needs, focusing on electrical and electronic materials and functional paper. TOMOEGAWA continues to maintain its founding spirit of "Sincerity, Contributing to Society, Pioneering Spirit" and continues to be a "development oriented company with cohesive employees that can expand and grow globally."

2020s

2020

Made Shoei Printing Co., Ltd. a consolidated subsidiary

2020

Stopped manufacturing of toner at TOMOEGAWA (U.S.A.) Inc.

2020

Closed Tomoegawa Co Middle East

2021

Closed Osaka sales office

2022

Shifted to the Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market

2022

Conversion of NichiRica CO.,LTD .(formly Nihon Rika Seishi Co., Ltd.) into a wholly owned subsidiary

2022

Conversion of SANWA CO., LTD. into a wholly owned subsidiary

2023

Industry sector affiliation on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market changed from Pulp & Paper to Chemicals

2023

Opened Tohoku Sales Office

2024

Changed company name from Tomoegawa Co., Ltd. to TOMOEGAWA CORPORATION to mark the 110th anniversary of the company's foundation

Products and Technology

High frequency compatible electromagnetic wave absorption sheet

iCas

Highly adherent and re-adhesive heat conductive sheet

iCas

Electromagnetic wave shielding sheet

iCas

Preventing malfunction of electric parts with TOMOEGAWA's "iCas"

Today, wearable devices and Internet of Things (IoT) spread rapidly in addition to evolution of IT through the progress of cloud and artificial intelligence (AI). To meet the needs of IT evolution era, electronic components must be smaller, lighter, and have higher power (high voltage, high current, and high frequency).
It is essential to take measures against malfunction of electronic components called "Barriers of technology" such as noise control, heat dissipation, and electrical insulation.

Utilizing the unique advanced technologies that TOMOEGAWA has cultivated over 100 years and "iCas" brand products, TOMOEGAWA contributes to prevention of breakdown or malfunctions of electronic parts due to "Heat, Electricity, or Electromagnetic waves".

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