Message From the Chairman

Takeshi Asai
Chairman

At the 14th General Assembly, I was honored to be elected as the sixth President of the Japan Foundry Association with the endorsement of our members. I am deeply humbled by the responsibility entrusted to me, as I do not yet possess sufficient experience or knowledge to fully assume such an important role. Nevertheless, with the support and cooperation of all our members, I am determined to fulfill my responsibilities to the best of my ability. On the occasion of my appointment as President, I would like to offer a few words of greeting.

The Japan Foundry Association was established in July 2005 through the merger of three foundry-related organizations, becoming the core organization representing Japan’s foundry industry. Mr. Kikuo Kato, the Association’s first President, developed the Foundry Industry Vision, providing a guiding framework for the subsequent activities and management of the Association. Mr. Kanetake Nakatani, the second President, worked tirelessly to secure relaxed eligibility requirements for employment adjustment subsidies for the foundry industry, which was facing a management crisis due to the sharp decline in demand following the Lehman Shock in September 2008. Mr. Hirohiko Kimura, the third President, contributed to the internationalization of Japan’s foundry industry by promoting close exchanges with the United States, Germany, China, Taiwan, and other countries, including hosting the 3rd Asian Foundry Forum (AFF) in Tokyo in May 2015. Mr. Mitsuo Ito, the fourth President, formulated the Foundry Industry Vision 2017, the Association’s second-stage vision looking ten years ahead. He also promoted improvements in subcontracting transactions through initiatives such as the development of guidelines for improving business transactions and participation in the Council for the Improvement of Die and Mold Transactions. In addition, he reorganized the Association’s operational structure and contributed to the establishment of the Asian Foundry Association. Mr. Shinji Fujiwara, the fifth President, worked diligently to help the industry avoid a management crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the early 2020s, including securing relaxed requirements for employment adjustment subsidies and other support measures. He also actively promoted the properization of business transactions, leading to significant progress in this area. Furthermore, his successful efforts to advance the 16th World Conference on Investment Casting (WCIC 2025) in Kobe, as well as his initiative to organize the Association’s first full-scale exhibition, Foundry Tech + Expo 2026, are still fresh in our memory.

The Association itself has also grown into an organization that truly represents the foundry industry. In July 2009, the Japan Non-Ferrous Castings Association joined the organization, followed by the Japan Foundry Machinery Association in May 2014. This development has been made possible through the dedication and efforts of many people, including our past Presidents, to whom I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude.

For some time now, we have been living in what is often described as the VUCA era, driven by rapid technological advances, geopolitical risks, environmental issues, and other factors. In addition to these challenges, the global pandemic and conflicts occurring in various parts of the world have made it increasingly difficult to predict what lies ahead. At the same time, however, Japan’s economy is finally beginning to show signs of emerging from its prolonged deflationary period, presenting an important opportunity to achieve new growth, particularly in the 17 strategic fields being promoted by the Japanese government. As a supporting industry that underpins Japan’s world-renowned manufacturing sector, Japan’s foundry industry must not miss this opportunity. We must deepen collaboration among industry, government, and academia and firmly realize new growth for our industry.

The Association is currently evaluating the Foundry Industry Vision 2017 and plans to formulate a new Foundry Industry Vision during the coming year. We intend for this new vision to serve as a guiding framework for the foundry industry for the ten years beginning in 2027, and we plan to develop it primarily with the participation of younger members who will lead the next generation. Although we are living in an era of rapid change, we will respond flexibly and proactively to these changes and promote initiatives that contribute to the continued development of the foundry industry and our member companies. We will also continue to place a strong emphasis on developing the human resources who will lead the foundry industry of the future. The Foundry College is entering its 20th year, and we intend to further enhance programs such as the Introduction to Foundry Technology Course and the Advanced Foundry College Course, with the continued cooperation of the Japan Foundry Engineering Society.

Together with our officers and secretariat, I am fully committed to carrying out my responsibilities. I respectfully ask for the continued support and encouragement of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and other relevant government agencies, related organizations, and all our members.

Takeshi Asai
Chairman