Nagase & Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and CEO:
Hiroyuki Ueshima; hereinafter “Nagase”) announces that its fully owned subsidiary Hayashibara Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shimoishii, Kita-ku, Okayama; Representative Director: Naoki Yasuba; hereinafter “Hayashibara”) will change its corporate name to “Nagase Viita Co., Ltd.” on April 1, 2024. On the same date, Hayashibara will also adopt a new Corporate Purpose, namely to “Respect life, and embrace the well-being of people and the planet.
Nagase Viita Co., Ltd.
The significance of the new corporate name “Nagase Viita”
We have had expertise in biotechnology for many years and manufacture bio-products that support people’s comfortable and fulfilling lifestyles.
On April 1, 2024, we will change our corporate name from “Hayashibara” to “Nagase Viita.” “Viita” comes from the Latin word ‘Vita,’ meaning life or living. Adding another “i” to become “ii” depicts our dedication to a prosperous and sustainable future in harmony with nature.
At Nagase Viita, we endeavor to develop sustainable value by harnessing the power of nature – together with you.
New Corporate Purpose
Respect life, and embrace the well-being of people and the planet.
Reasons behind the change of corporate name
This year, Hayashibara celebrates its landmark 140th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the company intended to define its Corporate Purpose—which expresses its reason for being and the value it wishes to bring to society—incorporating the feedback of its employees in the process; in view of the NAGASE Group’s strengthened global branding policy, Hayashibara also began to consider a new corporate name.
The company determined to adopt a new corporate name—“Nagase Viita”—and define a new Corporate Purpose—“Respect life, and embrace the well-being of people and the planet.” Together, they reflect the company’s longstanding approach to sustainability, and clarify its attitude to the future.
Hayashibara became part of the NAGASE Group in 2012 and, in April 2023, the company experienced significant change, as it was integrated with the bio-related business of Nagase ChemteX Corporation. Now, Hayashibara forms the core of the Group’s bio-related business, and is set to spearhead the Group’s provision of sustainable materials and values going forward.
Message from Hiroyuki Ueshima, Representative Director, President and CEO of Nagase & Co., Ltd.
Today, the NAGASE Group comprises more than 110 companies around the world, and operates in diverse fields, including chemicals, electronics, mobility, energy, food ingredients, medical, and biotech. Although it is active in wide-ranging fields, our entire Group shares the same goal of delivering value that contributes to the resolution of manufacturing issues through materials. The reborn Nagase Viita will form the heart of our Group’s bio-related business, and drive further growth.
NAGASE was founded in 1832 as a wholesaler of natural dyes and in 1939 began manufacturing enzymes. In 2012 Hayashibara joined the Group, and NAGASE has been cultivating its unique biotechnologies related to research, development, and production of microorganisms, fermentation products, enzymes, and products of enzyme reactants since. Leveraging our biotechnology, knowledge, network, and matching capabilities developed over 190 years as a trading company across various industrial fields, we will continue to provide our customers with biomaterials and a wide range of unique values.
As the world undergoes a period of rapid change, our Group intends to pull together and realize our Vision:
“We will contribute to a sustainable world where people live with peace of mind.”
Message from Naoki Yasuba, Representative Director of Hayashibara Co., Ltd.
Hayashibara traces its roots back to 1883, when it was founded as the starch syrup manufacturer Hayashibara Shoten. Since then, we have cultivated manufacturing technologies that ally the power of microorganisms and enzymes with naturally sourced ingredients. This year, thanks to the continued support and patronage of all our stakeholders, we have celebrated our landmark 140th anniversary.
Our new corporate name embodies the idea that, through co-creation with our stakeholders, we intend to enhance the value of our biotechnologies and materials, and thereby contribute to the well-being of people and the planet; it also reflects our longstanding approach to sustainable management. Nagase Viita’s success is built on the hard work of its employees; together, we will ensure it becomes a brand that is trusted and highly respected around the world.
Overview of Nagase & Co., Ltd.
Company Name: Nagase & Co., Ltd.
Tokyo Head Office: Tokiwabashi Tower, 2-6-4, Otemachi, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo 100-8142, JAPAN
Osaka Head Office: 1-1-17 Shinmachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka City, Osaka 550-8668, JAPAN
Founded : June 18, 1832
Established: December 9, 1917
Representative Director and President: Hiroyuki Ueshima
Paid-in Capital: ¥9,699,714,135
Number of Employees: 892 (Consolidated 7,113)
Main Business: Import/export and domestic sales of chemicals, plastics, electronics materials, cosmetics and health foods
URL: https://www.nagase.co.jp/english/
Overview of Hayashibara Co., Ltd.
Current corporate name (until March 31, 2024): Hayashibara Co., Ltd.
New corporate name (from April 1, 2024): Nagase Viita Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: 1-1-3 Shimoishii, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-0907, JAPAN
Founded: 1883
Established: July 10, 1932
Representative Director: Naoki Yasuba
Capital: ¥500,000,000
Number of employees: 786
Main Business: Development, manufacturing and sales of food ingredients, pharmaceutical ingredients, cosmetic ingredients, health food ingredients, functional dyes, enzymes and phospholipids
URL: https://www.hayashibara.co.jp/data/en/
*Only the corporate name is set to change
For inquiries related to this news release:
Nagase & Co., Ltd.
URL: https://www.nagase.co.jp/english/contact/
Hayashibara Co., Ltd.
URL: https://www.hayashibara.co.jp/data/en_contact/