Kando, Omotenashi and Kaizen – Three of the Core Principles of Komori As It Celebrates 100 Years

Komori, the Japanese press manufacturer, is one of the two main suppliers of banknote printing equipment. It celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, having been formed out of the ashes (literally) of the earthquake of 1923 that ravaged parts of the country.

With equipment used in over 80 countries now, the company has played a central role in the development of banknote production, with many of its concepts originating from its customers’ ideas and feedback – an ethos that is central to the company. And it has managed to do so by combining an international perspective and technical excellence with a distinct and uniquely Japanese flavour.

Currency News™ spoke to Mr Junya Shimada – Executive Operating Officer and Group General Manager who has worked for Komori for over 20 years – about the company’s foundations, its current focus, its philosophy and how it plans to leverage this to go forward in an ever-changing social and technological landscape.