Since our beginning in 1867 producing wheat starch and gluten in Isshiki-cho, Hazu-gun, Aichi Prefecture, Japan Cornstarch has continued to advance as a dedicated starch manufacturer. In 1955, we succeeded in developing and industrlalizing our own original cornstarch manufacturing technology.

History

1867

Karoku Kurachi (founder) established a business producing wheat starches in Isshiki-cho, Hazu-gun, Aichi Prefecture.

1882

Sadakichi Kurachi (second generation) took over the business.

1916

Tomojiro Kurachi (third generation) took over the business.

1948

Joint-stock company Kurachi Starch Chemical Industries was established.

Capital 2,000,000 yen

1955

Succeeded in commercializing the production of cornstarch using original technologies developed by our company, and began production of cornstarch.

1962

Founded the Japan Cornstarch Corporation.

Capital: 5,500,000 yen. Opened the Osaka Sales Office (now the Osaka Branch).

1969

Established Central Japan Grain Center Co., Ltd. for the unloading and storage of imported materials.

Japan Cornstarch president Hideo Kurachi became president of this company.

Capital: 100,000,000 yen

1974

The cornstarch plant and the Miwa Nosan Kako sweetener plant at the Kinuura food product complex were completed and began operating.

1975

Started production of modified cornstarch.

1981

Japan Cornstarch president Hideo Kurachi became vice chairman of the Nihon Glycation Industry Association.

1985

Japan Cornstarch president Hideo Kurachi was awarded the spring Medal with Blue Ribbon in recognition of his leadership in the cornstarch manufacturing industry and his contributions to development of the industry over many years in the key positions he had occupied in related organizations.

1989

Japan Cornstarch president Hideo Kurachi became chairman of the Nihon Starch Sweetener Industry Association.

Acquired capital in Tapioca Development Corporation, Ltd.

1990

Expanded the cornstarch production facilities and modified starch production facilities.

1993

Established Evercorn, Inc. in Michigan, USA.

Began business of biodegradable plastics using starch as the main ingredient.

1994

Japan Cornstarch president Hideo Kurachi became director of the Root and Tuber Promotion Council.

1995

Japan Cornstarch president Hideo Kurachi was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays.

Received the Food Industry Distinguished Service Award from Japan Food Journal.

1997

Received the Award for TPM Excellence, Category 2.

1999

Acquired ISO 9002 certification.

2000

Acquired ISO 14001 certification.

2002

Acquired ISO 9001 certification.

2004

Hideo Kurachi became chairman, and Soichiro Kurachi became the fifth-generation president.

2005

Relocated the head office to Akasaka Inter City, Minato-ku, Tokyo.

2006

Our sweetener product received the International High Quality Trophy at Monde Selection.

2007

Japan Cornstarch yellow cornstarch became the first in the world to receive the Gold Quality Award.

2008

Acquired certification as an Aichi Prefecture HACCP facility.

Acquired a license for the production of pharmaceuticals.

2009

Our white corn starch received the Monde Selection Gold Quality Award, and our sweetener product received the Gold Quality Award for the 5th consecutive year.

Our high-fructose corn syrup became our first such product in the world to receive the Monde Selection Gold Quality Award.

Our yellow corn starch received the Gold Quality Award for the third consecutive year, earning it the International High Quality Trophy, and our sweetener product received the Gold Quality Award for the 6th consecutive year.

Started sales of Best Remover, an asbestos dust dispersion control agent.

Our high-fructose corn syrup received an award for excellence in food product materials from Japan Food Journal.