Message from Yoshihiko Katsukawa President and CEO of Kobe Steel Celebrating Our 120th Anniversary
September 1,2025
Kobe Steel is celebrating its 120th anniversary today. Our company dates back to 1905, when Suzuki Shoten (Suzuki & Co.) acquired Kobayashi Steel Works in Wakinohama, Kobe and changed its name to Kobe Steel. Since then, we have encountered numerous societal challenges and hardships. Nevertheless, thanks to the warm support of our stakeholders and the unwavering commitment of all our employees, we have managed to stay on our path to this day. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude.
The Kobelco Group's history has been a series of upheavals and challenges. Since our founding, we have navigated the significant tides of the times and contributed to Japan's industrial independence by introducing a variety of first domestically produced products to the world. Responding to the diverse needs of our customers and society, we expanded our business and ventured overseas. Despite substantial damage from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, we made a remarkable recovery and remain committed to tackling societal challenges, including our response to climate change. Over the past 120 years, each and every employee has worked together to overcome the challenges and difficulties of each era. As a result, we have developed a diverse range of businesses, such as materials, machinery, and electric power, along with distinctive technologies, products, and services that benefit society. This comprehensive strength is the source of our Group's competitiveness.
In 2025, the environment around us is changing at an unprecedented pace. The waves of change are becoming massive and complicated with increased geopolitical risks and advances in digital technology. These factors present challenges but also enormous opportunities for the Group to create new value through the integration of diverse businesses, technologies, and human resources. Guided by our Group’s long-standing commitment to addressing societal challenges, which has been steadfast since its founding, we are now focused on becoming an appealing company for all stakeholders and implementing KOBELCO-X transformation initiatives with the aim of transforming into a business entity that drives innovation into the future.
The Kobelco Group will continue to evolve toward realizing a world in which people, now and in the future, can fulfill their hopes and dreams while enjoying safe, secure, and prosperous lives. We appreciate your continued support.
