Entering the 118th Year: KAI Group Welcomes 21 New Employees to Shape the Future at the 2026 Entrance Ceremony

Kai Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and COO: Hiroaki Endo) and Kai Industries Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Seki City, Gifu) held the 2026 'KAI Group Entrance Ceremony' on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Employee Hall of the Koyana Headquarters of Kai Industries Co., Ltd., welcoming 21 new graduates.

21 New Employees Join to Lead the Future in KAI's 118th Year

In addition to President and COO Endo, the Chairman and Vice President attended this year's ceremony. Addressing the new employees, Endo stated, 'As you begin working as part of the KAI family, I want you to remember three attitudes: sincerity, humility, and gratitude with respect. Additionally, please value a forward-looking stance to always stand at the leading edge of the times and carve out the future.' He encouraged them to adopt the mindset of the KAI family.

Following this, Shumpei Nakanishi, representing the new employees in general positions, gave a speech and made a powerful declaration of commitment. Representing the senior employees, Yamato Maehara from the Cutlery Technology Department of the Production and Procurement Headquarters shared advice and words of encouragement based on his own experiences.

As a welcome gift, executives presented the new employees with kitchen knives engraved with their names and the date of joining, embodying the wish to 'carve out the future with blades.' This gesture conveyed appreciation for joining and expectations for their future success.

KAI Group aims for further development alongside these 21 new employees.

Overview of the Entrance Ceremony

Date & Time: Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 10:00 AM

Venue: Employee Hall, Koyana Headquarters, Kai Industries Co., Ltd.

New Employees: 21 (12 in general positions, 8 in manufacturing technology, 1 in specific employment)

Highlights of the Ceremony

President's Greeting

'At KAI Group, we have valued the Nokaji (field blacksmith) spirit since our founding. In Seki, which flourished as a production center for Japanese swords since the Kamakura period, there were many swordsmiths. However, as times changed through the Sengoku and Edo periods, and into the Meiji period with the decree banning swords, these swordsmiths turned into Nokaji, making daily-life blades. It is said that these Nokaji made tools tailored to the user's physique and habits. The Nokaji spirit is about standing by each user, sincerely addressing their voices, and manufacturing accordingly. At KAI Group, we offer over 10,000 items in various forms, and this Nokaji spirit lies at the root of every single one of them.'

'KAI Group has evolved into its current form by inheriting traditions that should be protected while repeatedly renewing businesses and products to match the changes of the times. Centered on the technologies of cutting and shaving—traditional industries that Seki is proud of—we are committed to our Mission of "Sharpness and Kindness." Each department and employee takes pride in craftsmanship backed by solid technology and quality, engaging in product planning, R&D, production, and sales daily.'

'We have established the KAI Philosophy as a group-wide philosophy, including the founding spirit of Nokaji, the "Three Gratitudes" (to predecessors, customers/partners, and colleagues), the "KAI Family" personnel policy, and the "DUPS³" development policy (Design, Uniqueness, Patent, Safety & Story & Sustainability). I want you all to understand these deeply and reflect on them through your work.'

'A company is where employees with various roles respect each other and create results as a team. As a symbol of this, we value "one step by 100 people more than 100 steps by one person." We believe it is important for each individual to move forward steadily and create results together. In a company with diverse values and backgrounds, every person is essential, and there is no hierarchy in the value of their unique strengths. Please always be conscious of acknowledging each other's growth and individuality and cooperating as a team.'

'I want you to cherish three attitudes as members of the KAI family:'

1. Sincerity: Value a sincere attitude, never forgetting compassion and attentiveness to others.

2. Humility: Remain humble, no matter how old you get or how your position changes.

3. Gratitude: Never forget the feeling of gratitude with respect for everyone.

'I am proud that many in the KAI family are sincere and honest. In your long professional life ahead, I strongly hope you continue to grow not only as a corporate citizen but also as a person. I want you to find and deepen your own uniqueness within the KAI family. A year passes quickly, especially the first one. Please build up each day steadily so that we can support the further growth of KAI Group together. Once again, congratulations on joining us.'

About Kai Corporation

Founded in 1908 in Seki City, Gifu, famous for its blades. Kai expands its business globally with over 10,000 items, including grooming tools like razors and nail clippers, beauty tools, kitchenware like knives, and medical blades. The company handles everything from planning and development to production, sales, and logistics.