1867
1906
1925
1965
1973
1982
1992
1995
2003
2012
2013
2024
2026
History of Kamigumi
Kamigumi was established in 1867, along with the opening of Kobe Port.As a pioneer in port logistics,We have repeatedly taken on relentless challenges.Here, we will trace our company's journey from its founding to its present state.During the post-war reconstruction period, and the expansion period when they made overseas ventures,First port operator to operate a terminal independentlyThe period of rapid progress that was realized,And now, we will make this a period of great progress for Kamigumi.I will introduce my journey so far.
Chapter01Founding period
Founded in Kobe, Kamigumi has established bases in major ports such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Moji.
We established the foundation for our port transportation business.
1867year
Founded as "Kobe Hamanaka"- history
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Hyogo Port opened on January 1, 1867, and Kobe Hamanaka, an organization specializing in transportation at the port, was the origin of Kamigumi, and our company was founded at that time.
1906year
Change to a limited partnership,General Employee Agreement Established
- history
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Thanks to the Meiji government's industrial development policies, port cargo volume increased.
Our company's performance has expanded steadily.We decided to clarify our operating rules and the status of our employees.
Taking the opportunity of becoming a limited partnership, the General Agreement of All Members was established in March 1911.
It was adopted as the constitution of the Kamigumi, just like the articles of association.
1925year
Expansion of bases and relocation of head office- history
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With the development of domestic shipping companies, the number of contract shipping companies undertaking cargo handling on board also increased. They opened branch offices in Yokohama, Nagoya, Kanmon, Hokkaido, and Tokyo, and established business offices at nearby railway stations, expanding their services not only in port transportation but also in rail transport.
Chapter02Revival period
We expanded our domestic network of bases and promoted diversification of our service offerings by establishing subsidiaries to handle land, sea, and air transportation.
1946year
Resumption of operations after the war- history
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In 1945, World War II ended. Trade was cut off, and with no prospect of port reconstruction, our company was forced to completely suspend operations.
However, the following year, when specific goods ordered by GHQ were imported, they were able to take over all coastal cargo handling operations at Kobe Port, and were able to resume operations quickly.
In 1950, the outbreak of the Korean War triggered a special demand boom, leading to a surge in business due to the large volume and urgent transportation needs, and sales activities became even more prosperous than before the war.
1965year
The organization was changed to a limited company.Company name changed to current name
- history
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The company was incorporated in 1965.
The method adopted was to have Kamigumi Doboku Co., Ltd., a subsidiary company, absorb and merge with Kamigumi-affiliated companies, with Kamigumi Doboku Co., Ltd. as the surviving company.At this point, the joint venture company nominally ceased to exist.
Kamigumi Doboku changed its company name to "Kamigumi Co., Ltd.," becoming the current Kamigumi.
1973year
Transportation innovation, the rise of containerization- history
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By becoming a corporation, our company will be able to increase its fundraising capabilities and take on the challenge of innovation in transportation. In 1967, Japan's maritime container transport began with the arrival of container ships from the United States at Kobe Port.
Chapter03Expansion phase
We have established bases in various Asian countries, primarily in China.
We have expanded our logistics network both domestically and internationally.
1982year
Active overseas expansion- history
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Plant exports, which were booming in the 1970s, began to decline in the 1980s due to the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq War and the sharp appreciation of the yen following the Plaza Accord, particularly to the Middle East, although some large-scale projects continued.
During this period, the need for integrated international multimodal transport increased more than ever for plant export projects, and the need for on-site command and supervision led to the establishment of numerous overseas bases.
1992year
Construction of new head office building and Tokyo branch building- history
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After stagnating in the 1980s due to export stagnation and other factors, the company's performance began to improve steadily in the 1990s, thanks in part to aggressive capital investment. This strong performance led to the decision to rebuild the aging head office building.
1995year
We are entering the 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) business as a new venture.- history
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Following the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, the role of Kobe Port declined.
Logistics in Japan have changed dramatically.At the same time, customer needs are also changing, and product acceptance is changing.
There is a growing demand for a comprehensive service that covers everything from inventory management to delivery to the final destination.
Chapter04breakthrough period
This marks the first time a port operator has achieved independent terminal management,
Expanding our network in Southeast Asia.
We continue to make great strides towards further growth.
2003year
First in the port transportation industry: Opening of a terminal operated independently- history
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In 2003, the Kamigumi Kobe Container Terminal, the first independently operated container terminal in the port transportation industry, opened.
Furthermore, in 2004, the following year, Kamigumi opened the Tokyo Container Terminal, which it operates independently, in Tokyo Port. It was a unique multi-functional facility that not only accepted container ships but also handled fruit and vegetable ships carrying bananas and other produce, and was co-located with the Tokyo Multipurpose Logistics Center which handles fruits and vegetables.
By launching the industry's first independently operated terminal business in Kobe and Tokyo, Kamigumi's performance improved dramatically, and the company moved to a new stage.
2012year
Strengthening Overseas Business- history
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This year marked a turning point in strengthening our overseas business. We established our Asian headquarters in Hong Kong, which oversees our 23 overseas locations at the time.
The following year, the Overseas Business Strategy Headquarters (now the Overseas Business Headquarters) was established as a subordinate organization to the Asia Regional Headquarters, serving as the global logistics strategy base in Japan. The opening of the Asia Regional Headquarters significantly accelerated our overseas expansion.
2013year
Enhanced facilities for optimal logistics proposals- history
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While overseas operations were being strengthened, efforts were also being made to enhance high value-added facilities domestically. In 2013, the Kobe Port Island Integrated Logistics Center was completed.
This facility specializes in fresh produce, has established the largest cold chain in Japan, and has become a groundbreaking facility that represents our company.
Standing by people, connecting them to the future.Beyond 150 years.
Chapter05Period of rapid growth
It has been passed down for 150 years,
Inheriting the diverse know-how that has been accumulated,
We aim to create new value.
2024year
Entry into the grid-based battery storage business- history
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In 2024, in order to realize a decarbonized society, the Heavy Energy Transportation Business Division will establish a new "New Energy Projects Division" to handle all related businesses such as wind power, biomass, and hydrogen.
Accordingly, in the same year, we decided to enter the grid-use battery business in order to contribute to stabilizing the supply and demand balance of grid power, and to promote the introduction of renewable energy in Japan and the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
2025year
Purpose, Long-term Vision 2035,and formulation of the Medium-Term Management Plan 2030
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To clarify the values that our company cherishes, and to ensure that each employee shares the same aspirations to improve corporate value and contribute to the realization of a prosperous society, we have formulated our purpose: "To stand by, to connect. To become a new force."
Furthermore, recognizing that a long-term perspective on transformation is essential to ensure business continuity, we have established our "Long-Term Vision 2035," defining our desired state in 2035 as "a comprehensive logistics company that designs the future of logistics in Japan and around the world."
With the aim of achieving these goals, the company simultaneously announced a new five-year plan, "Medium-Term Management Plan 2030," with the fiscal year ending March 2030 as its final year.