Imagining What Comes Next
Our industry-leading manufacturing, processing, and R&D capabilities allow us to design solutions that positively impact innovative businesses from biotech to artificial intelligence (AI) and additive manufacturing.
Innovating the NAGASE Way: 190 Years of Knowledge Driving R&D Excellence
With over 190 years of experience, the NAGASE Group has grown into a trusted global partner—combining trading expertise with cutting-edge manufacturing and R&D across a wide array of industries. Our strength lies in turning innovation into real-world value.
By understanding the shifting needs of society and business, we develop smart solutions and advanced materials that help industries move forward with purpose and confidence.
Our History of Innovation
Innovation | NAGASE Group
Established as a wholesale distributor.
In 1832, Denbei Nagase founded Urokogataya, a wholesale business in Nishijin, Kyoto, dealing in safflower, nori seaweed, and starch. This marked the beginning of the NAGASE Group’s history. The company later began handling synthetic dyes, building a strong foundation in the chemical industry and paving the way for its future evolution into a leader in materials, trading, and technology.
Initiating Global Partnerships and Advancing into Biotechnology
In 1901, we opened a branch in Lyon, France, marking our entry into global partnerships with firms such as Basel Chemical (then Chiba), Eastman Kodak, and DuPont. In 1939, we began enzyme production in Japan, successfully manufacturing dyeing enzymes that exceeded imported quality. This achievement led to an expansion into industrial and food-grade enzyme applications, fueling our entry into biotechnology.
Strengthening Manufacturing, Processing, and R&D Capabilities
In 1970, we launched Nagase Chiba Ltd. (now Nagase ChemteX) as a joint venture to manufacture epoxy resins. A year later, we co-founded Engineering Plastics Co., Ltd. (EPL) with GE. We continued to expand production capacity and invested in R&D, establishing the Nagase Bio Innovation Center in 1990 and the Nagase Application Workshop in 2007 to drive open innovation and material development.
Driving Innovation with Global Partners
In 2012, we strengthened our presence in biotechnology by making Hayashibara Co., Ltd. (now Nagase Viita) a subsidiary. In 2019, we expanded our global reach through the acquisition of the Prinova Group, a leader in food ingredients. With integrated capabilities in trading, manufacturing, and R&D, we continue to generate new value through partnerships that accelerate innovation across industries.
We Are in the Business of Innovation
We drive innovation by bridging research and real-world application. Leveraging our global R&D infrastructure and partner network, we identify new opportunities and transform them into tangible value.
Fundamental Research
From a macro perspective, we aim to create research themes that contribute to social issues. We are engaged in the development of environmentally-friendly material production technologies utilizing genetic engineering, enzyme engineering, metabolic engineering, and bioinformatics. We also possess numerous proprietary technologies.
Learn more hereWe have a platform for innovative material development in fields such as resins, specializing in formulation development and manufacturing process development tailored to meet customer needs.
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Applied Research
Our application lab is committed to tackling various challenges alongside our clients. We engage in recipe development based on customer requests, explore and propose new solutions, analyze sugar composition and functional ingredients, and provide support for the registration of functional foods.
Welcome to Nagase Application Workshop, where we specialize in the testing and evaluation of plastics and coating materials. We collaborate with our clients to develop innovative compounds, molded products, and coatings. Our expertise also extends to comprehensive raw material analysis for a wide range of plastics and coatings, as well as final product formulation development.
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Business Development
The Future Co-Creation Office was established in April 2017 with the aim of driving innovation within the NAGASE Group and creating new value to lay the foundation for future business. As of the 2023 fiscal year, it has taken over new business initiatives in the medical and energy sectors that were being developed by its divisions.
Learn more hereNAGASE offers comprehensive support in the biotechnology sector, from research and development to manufacturing, application development, and commercialization. Leveraging our unique biotechnological expertise and manufacturing know-how, we collaborate with our clients to foster the creation of sustainable business ventures.
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