Nippon Paint Group will celebrate its 145th anniversary on March 14, 2026, since its founding in 1881.
We will continue to create new value by carrying forward the guiding principles, products, and technologies that we have developed throughout our long history.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our stakeholders for their continued support.
145 years of history
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Timeline 1881–2026Timeline of the Nippon Paint Group -
Vol.1 1881–1926Dawn of the Japanese Paint Industry and Creation of the Technological Foundation through Development of Ship Bottom Paints (Initial and Establishment Stages: 1881–1926) -
Vol.2 1927–1945Renaming the Company Nippon Paint Co., Ltd. and Technological Progress (Great Transition Stages: 1927–1945) -
Vol.3 1945–1964Playing a Part in the Rapid Growth of the Japanese Economy by Developing Technologies That Meet Market Needs (Restoration and Development Period: 1945–1964) -
Vol.4 1965–1979Global Expansion and Technological Innovation (Rapid Progress Period: 1965–1979) -
Vol.5 1980–1999Expansion of Business Domains and the Transition to a Global Company (Growth and Globalization Era: 1980–1999) -
Vol.6 2000–2026Global Integration Accelerated - Our Unwavering Pursuit of Growth (Expansion & Evolution Phase: 2000–2026)
Creating the future through heritage and innovation –
Products and technologies that open up new horizons
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Vol.1 Redefining Heat Control – THERMOEYE: The Heat-Reflective Coating That Challenged Market Norms
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Vol.2 A “Red” Like No Other Forged Through 50+ Years of Co-Creation with Mazda
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Vol.3 The Culmination of Technological Excellence Since Our Founding – “FASTAR,” A Next-Generation Antifouling Paint That Suppresses Marine Biofouling
Our beliefs have been passed down from the founding
Our history of challenging social issues
Safe white powder that saved people from lead poisoning
Jujiro Moteki, the founder of the Company, was studying diligently at Keio Gijuku public school and then Kaisei School, which later gave birth to the University of Tokyo, when he was asked by his elder brother, Haruta Moteki, in 1878 if he could produce non-toxic white powder in Japan. At that time, white makeup powder contained lead, and many people suffered from lead poisoning. Out of the sincere wish to help those who suffered from lead poisoning, Jujiro launched the production of zinc oxide. Starting from scratch and repeating many failures, he finally succeeded in producing zinc oxide in 1879 for the first time in Japan.
Development of domestic paints that anyone can use with peace of mind
The 1870s was the age of “civilization and enlightenment” in Japan, and buildings and vessels were being built throughout the country, and demand for paints was rising. However, it took advanced knowledge and technology to develop paints. Under the circumstances where numerous dishonest merchants made huge profits by diluting and repacking imported paints, Jujiro pledged: “I want to make paints that are of comparable quality to Western ones.” Determined, he devoted himself to his research. He was committed to developing paints by himself, rather than reselling imported paints, and became the first in Japan to develop paints in 1880.
Practical application of marine paints
Asked by the chief paint engineer of the Imperial Navy to jointly set up a paint manufacturing business, Jujiro challenged the development of made-in Japan marine paints for practical application and founded Komyosha in 1881.This marked the beginning of the Nippon Paint Group. The marine coatings business is the founding business of the Group, and we are still continuing technological innovation to protect vessels from the harsh marine environment, reduce environmental load, and save energy.
Nippon Paint Group Management Philosophy
Here we will introduce our beliefs and values, which have been passed down from our founding and form the basis of the management philosophy of the Nippon Paint Group, while looking at our history, from our founding to the present day.
