About Harima Industrial Co., Ltd.
We have preserved the traditional and comfortable lifestyle of people in Japan by manufacturing and supplying Fusuma, a traditional Japanese sliding door with a history of more than 1,000 years, to homes and institutions.
The Founder's Vision
After graduating from university, the founder, Toshiyuki Okubo, worked for a credit union in Minato Ward, Tokyo. At that time, his elder brother was already running a Fusuma manufacturing business in the Kansai, and Toshiyuki had always been interested in craftsmanship, so he left the credit union and started a company manufacturing and selling cardboard Fusuma in 1970. The company was founded in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture.
He aimed to replace handmade techniques with machines while keeping the quality and speed of work, at a reduced cost. He was so inventive that he even built his own machines, and was very enthusiastic about "craftsmanship". At that time, 90% of Harima's machines were self-made.
In 1996, the company relocated to its current location in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, seeking a better location. Two years later, in 1998, after much consideration of traditional Fusuma manufacturing methods and environmental issues, we became the first in the industry to discontinue the production of cardboard Fusuma. (The manufacturing process of ardboard Fusuma uses environmentally hazardous materials.) After that, we started to manufacture wooden Fusuma (authentic Hon-Fusuma) using traditional methods, but the manufacturing process and materials used were different from those used for cardboard Fusuma, so, there were many difficulties in factory reform.
As a company that gives top priority to the continuation of traditional techniques, environmental issues, and the health and happiness of every employee, Toshiyuki Okubo promoted "work style reform," which was rare at the time. This philosophy has not changed even after the second generation (Kenichi Okubo, Toshiyuki Okubo's eldest son) took over.
During his lifetime, Toshiyuki Okubo expressed his desire to pass on to future generations the traditional Japanese "Fusuma" sliding doors, which are the pride of Japan, as well as to let as many people as possible know the depth and interest of Japanese craftsmanship. Harima Industrial Co., Ltd. is striving to make the founder's vision a reality every day.
His Majesty the Emperor's Visit
On July 15, 2005, 35 years after its foundation, Harima Industrial received the honor of a visit from His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. This happened at a time when the company was considering switching to other industries due to the drastic decline in demand for Japanese-style rooms. Spending time with His Majesty the Emperor, receiving his kind words, and most importantly, his deep interest in the "Fusuma industry," which was in the midst of a downturn, made our employees proud and continues to support Harima Industrial today. If His Majesty the Emperor had not visited us, we might not have continued our Fusuma business.
Harima Industrial observes July 15 every year as "His Majesty the Emperor Visiting Day" and takes a regular holiday. This day is viewed as a precious opportunity for each employee to reflect on their own work and take pride and confidence in their own work.
His Majesty the Emperor of Japan Visits Harima Industrial
"Made up the mind with new technology"
His Majesty the Emperor Visiting Day
Harima Industrial 50 Years of History
-1970
Established as a cardboard Fusuma manufacturer
-1984
Established Harima Industrial Co., Ltd.
-1998
Awarded the Contribution and Encouragement Award from the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation
-1999
Discontinued production of cardboard Fusuma ahead of other companies in the industry.
-2000
Received certification under the Small and Medium Business Innovation Support Act (1st time)
-2004
Started introduction of IT
-2005
Visit of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan
Hosted visiting groups from 22 Asian countries
-2011
Received certification under the Small and Medium Business Innovation Support Act (2nd time)
-2022
Awarded the Contribution and Encouragement Award from the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation
Cooperated in Filiming for the Occupational Information Website (Japanese version O-NET) of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare
Harima Industrial cooperated in filiming with the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's ‘Occupational Information Website (Japanese version O-NET) Business’ for the job title of "Fittings Manufacturing". 'Japanese version O-NET’ is a social infrastructure (website providing information) that realizes "visualization" of the labor market, based on the O-NET operated by the U.S. Department of Labor, and includes a detailed survey and classification of all occupations in Japan.
Harima Industrial, which mainly manufactures fittings, also has many types of work, such as construction and clerical work, and it is difficult to explain the content and inner workings of such work in a few words. The O-NET clarifies such aspects, and is expected to contribute to the selection of suitable jobs for job seekers and job changers, recruitment activities of companies, and human resource development. It was a great honor for Harima Industrial to be able to cooperate in this project as an "Occupational Category: woodworking manufacturing". We appreciate the opportunity very much.
Awards
－ Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation
Contribution and Encouragement Award (1998: Toshiyuki Okubo, 2022: Kenichi Okubo)
－ Chiba Industrialists' Club
8th Chiba Prefecture Venture Business Manager Award
－ Chiba Prefecture
Chiba-no-Chikara Small and Medium Enterprise Award
－ Chiba Prefecture Management Quality Council
Governor's Award (6th), Excellence Award (2nd, 3rd, 4th), Encouragement Award (1st)
－ Chiba Kogyo Bank
Chiba Vigorous Company Award (3rd Excellent Product and Service Award)
Leading Traditional Industry
Fusuma, a traditional fixture, is composed of wood (core material), Japanese paper, pull handle, and edging. Harima Industrial is a "Fusuma Maker" that assembles these components; without even one of these components, a Fusuma cannot be made. However, as the westernization of housing has reduced the number of Japanese-style room jobs, each craftsman is in a very difficult situation. We are the closest to our customers as a manufacturer of finished products, so it is no exaggeration to say that everything depends on our company's efforts.
Therefore, we have built a strong relationship of trust with suppliers of wood, Japanese paper, pull handles, and edging over a long period of time. This stable supply of materials enables us to provide high quality products with short delivery times. These strengths have earned the support of many of our customers. (Product information on your order will be stored in digital data.)
The Future of Fusuma
We will continue to make Fusuma. This is because we believe that "manufacturing" as a traditional culture, not only in Japan but all over the world, has the power to convey the background behind the creation of such "things" without using words. For example, life formed by the climate, people's views and the way of thinking, which are cultivated by their history. Through "manufacturing," we aim to contribute to the "understanding" of people around the world.