Obtained permission for production and operations, and started manufacture of explosives at the Asa plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Birth of Nippon Kayaku
1916
Began as Nippon Kayaku Seizo Co., Ltd., the first industrial explosives manufacturer in Japan (headquartered at 1-1 Yuraku-Cho, Kojimachi-Ku, Tokyo).
Established Teikoku Senryo Seizo Co., Ltd.
1917

Asa Plant just after its completion
1922
Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
1931
Founded Yamakawa Seiyaku Co., Ltd. began marketing Aspirin the following year.

Aspirin tablets produced in Yamakawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
1934
Acquired Nippon Fuse, Nippon Detonator, and Chugai Detonator Co., Ltd.
1943
Acquired Teikoku Senryo Seizo Co., Ltd. and Yamakawa Seiyaku Co., Ltd.
1945
Founded Hokuyo Explosives Co., Ltd.
Changed company name to Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.