Oji Paper Group : About Oji Paper / History

Japan's modern papermaking began in 1873, in Oji-mura.
However, before that, the country acquired its traditional techniques from China, a process that resulted in washi, or Japanese paper. During the Edo Period papermaking, coupled with woodblock printing, achieved a very respectable level, and even included the use of recycled paper called "shukushi." However, it was difficult to produce washi in large quantities. To make paper in volumes suitable for large-scale printing, we needed to turn to Western technology.

Ei-ichi Shibusawa experienced Western culture for the first time when he visited Europe as part of the entourage of Tokugawa Akitake. Subsequently, he worked to establish a papermaking company "for the country and community," and in 1873, he launched his own manufacturing company. Twenty years later, the company was renamed Oji Paper in honor of the place of its founding. In 1933, Oji Paper merged with Fuji Paper and Karafuto Industries, developing into a corporation that produced 80 percent of Japan's Western-style paper.

The Excess Economic Powers Decentralization Act was implemented following World War II, dividing the company into three components: Tomakomai Paper, Jujo Paper, and Honshu Paper. Tomakomai began as a one-plant operation, but upon its expansion into Kasugai, Aichi Prefecture in 1952, the company was renamed Oji Paper Industries, and in 1960, it became Oji Paper. Eventually, the company merged with Kita Nippon Paper, Nippon Pulp Industries, and Toyo Pulp. In 1993, Oji Paper merged with Kanzaki Paper to become New Oji Paper, and furthermore, in 1996, New Oji Paper and Honshu Paper merged to become Oji Paper. Today, we are one of the largest and most influential paper manufacturers in the world.

We, the people and employees of Oji Paper, continue our dedication to culture and the environment. With that as a guiding principle in all our activities, we are striving to become one of the world's most effective recycling industries. The 21st century will see us achieve that goal.

Ei-ichi Shibusawa (1840-1931)

Born in Haruna County, Musashi Country (now the city of Fukaya), Ei-ichi Shibusawa was 25 when he entered service to Tokugawa Yoshinobu. He visited Europe in 1867. Two years after his return to Japan, he served in such positions as Assistant to the Finance Minister. He left public service in 1873 and became a leader in the Japanese business community during the Meiji Period, as well as Taisho and Showa eras, amply demonstrating his skills and dignity of character.

1873	Ei-ichi Shibusawa creates Japan's modern paper manufacturing industry with the establishment of Shoshi Kaisha.
1875	A mill is built in Oji, Tokyo and commences production of paper from waste cloth.
1876	The company is registered as a Paper company.
1889	Kida Mill in Shizuoka starts Japan's first use of wood pulp for procurement .
1893	The company is renamed Oji Paper, after its founding location.
1910	Tomakomai Mill begins operation.
1933	Oji Paper merges with Fuji Paper and Karafuto Industries, gaining an 80 percent share of paper production in Japan.
1949	Oji Paper is split into Tomakomai Paper (later Oji Paper), Honshu Paper and Jujo Industries (later Nippon Paper Industries) under the Excess Economic Powers Decentralization Act.
1952	The company is renamed Oji Paper Industries.
1952	Kasugai Mill begins operation.
1960	The company is renamed Oji Paper.
1962	Kasugai Mill starts production of kraft paper and coated paper.
1970	Oji Paper merges with Kita Nippon Paper.
1971	Kasugai Mill establishes equipment for tissue paper.
1975	Tomakomai Mill establishes equipment for reduce ink from used newspapers.
1979	Oji Paper merges with Nippon Pulp Industries.
1988	Oji Paper establishes a Canadian joint venture, HSPP. (Present HSLP)
1989	Oji Paper merges with Toyo Pulp.
1993	Oji Paper and Kanzaki Paper merge to form New Oji Paper.
1995	Shanghai Eastern Oji Packaging is established.
1996	Oji Paper (Thailand) is established.
1996	Oji Paper and Honshu Paper merge to form Oji Paper.
1997	Oji Paper formulates "Oji Paper Environmental Charter."
1997	Qingdao Oji Packaging is established.
1998	Oji Paper Group sets corporate philosophy based on "Contribute to protection of the environment and advanced culture," "Strive for continuous innovation in a proactive, responsive and determined manner," and "Build and maintain trust throughout the world."
2001	Oji Paperboard is established.
2001	Oji Container is established. (Present Oji Chiyoda Container)
2002	Oji integrates production-sales of containerboard.
	Oji Specialty Paper (Shanghai) is established in China.
	Oji Paper Nepia (Suzhou) is established in China.
	Suzho Oji Packaging is established in China.
2003	Oji Nepia is established.
2004	Oji Paper formulates "Oji Paper Group Corporate Code of Conduct."
2004	Oji Specialty Paper is established.
2005	Gold award was awarded at PBEC (Pacific Basin Economic Council) Environment Award.
	Acquisition of ILFORD Imaging Switzerland GMBH.
	With the forestry project implemented in Guangdong Providence, Oji Paper plans to increase the total area of its forests to 300,000 hectares in 6 overseas countries, 10 overseas forests.
	Oji Container and Chiyoda Container merge to form Oji Chiyoda Container.
	Acquisition of Mori Shigyo Group stocks.
2007	Established a joint venture company, Jiangsu Oji Paper Co., Ltd., regarding the Nantong (China) Project in which High-quality paper and Kraft pulp production facilities will be built in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China.