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ASAHI KASEI CORP

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FY2017 Annual Report · ASAHI KASEI CORP
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Asahi Kasei Report 2017

Group Mission We, the Asahi Kasei Group,  

contribute to life and living for people  
around the world.

Group 
Vision

Providing new value to society by enabling “living in health and 
comfort” and “harmony with the natural environment.”

Group 
Values

Sincerity—Being sincere with everyone.
Challenge—Boldly taking challenges, continuously seeking change.
Creativity—Creating new value through unity and synergy.

Group 
Slogan

Creating for Tomorrow

Editorial policy
For greater ease of understanding among our stakeholders, since fiscal 
2014 we are integrating information regarding our business strategy and 
financial performance, which had been published in our Annual Report, 
with information regarding our CSR activities, which had been published 
in our CSR Report, in a single Asahi Kasei Report. We hope that the Asahi 
Kasei Report will help you gain a clear perception of the Asahi Kasei Group’s 
efforts toward sustainability in society in addition to our management 
strategy, business conditions, and management configuration. 

Period under review
The period under review is fiscal 2016 (April 2016 to March 2017). Some 
qualitative information pertaining to April to September 2017 has also 
been included.

Organizational scope
The scope of the report is Asahi Kasei Corp. and its consolidated subsidiar-
ies, except with respect to Responsible Care, in which case the scope is 
operations in Japan that implement the Asahi Kasei Group’s Responsible 
Care program. Asahi Kasei’s three operating segments are Material, Homes, 
and Health Care. Unless otherwise specified, the titles and positions of 
corporate officers and other personnel as shown in this report are current 
as of October 2017.

Guidelines consulted
The Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Reporting Guidelines G4, 
ISO 26000, and other guidelines were consulted during the preparation of 
this report.

In this report, the TM symbol indicates a trademark or registered trademark 
of Asahi Kasei Corporation, affiliated companies, or third parties granting 
rights to Asahi Kasei Corporation or affiliated companies.

Disclaimer
The forecasts and estimates shown in this report are dependent on a variety of 
assumptions and economic conditions. Plans and figures depicting the future 
do not imply a guarantee of actual outcome.

Contents

    2  Message from the President

Management Overview
  14  Interview with the CFO

  16   History of Providing Solutions for the Challenges of Society

  18   Feature 1:  Process of Creating Value in the Asahi Kasei Group 

  20   Feature 2:  Value Provided by the Asahi Kasei Group

  24  Directors

  26  Corporate Governance

  30  Specific Measures to Heighten Compliance

  33  Feature 3: Global Executives Interviews

Review of Operations
  38  Financial and Non-Financial Highlights

  40  At a Glance

  42  Material

  44  Homes

  46  Health Care

  48  Feature 4: Research & Development

CSR 
  52  CSR

  54  CSR Fundamentals
• Responsible Care
• Respect for Employee Individuality
• Corporate Citizenship

Financial Section
  64  Management’s Discussion and Analysis

  70  Risk Analysis

  72  Consolidated Financial Statements

Corporate Information
104  Major Subsidiaries and Affiliates

107  Company Information 

107  Investors Information

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

1

 
 
 
Message from the President

We, the Asahi Kasei Group, contribute to life and living 
for people around the world.

“Improve human culture.” These words of Shitagau Noguchi, the founder of Asahi Kasei, manifested the 
company’s mission of meeting shortages of daily necessities at the time our business began nearly a 
century ago. Ever since then, we have continuously adapted to meet the changing needs of the times, 
with business in fields ranging from fibers and chemicals to homes, health care, and electronic devices. 
Though the content of our operations has evolved, our aspiration to help the people of the world enjoy 
a better life remains unchanged. Our current Group Mission is to contribute to life and living for people 
around the world, and we operate in accordance with our Group Vision of providing new value to society 
by enabling “living in health and comfort” and “harmony with the natural environment.”

The world around us is dramatically different than it was a century ago. We now have many chal-
lenges to be solved as indicated by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United 
Nations in 2015. Our aim is to contribute to society’s solutions to such challenges by leveraging the 
strengths we gain by having an unparalleled diversity of business operations, technologies, and human 
resources. In doing so, we will provide value to the world in a way that only Asahi Kasei can.
  We are now advancing our medium-term management initiative “Cs for Tomorrow 2018” that aims 
to provide solutions to two important challenges faced by society for “clean environmental energy” 
and “healthy/comfortable longevity with peace of mind.” Our management environment has changed 
significantly in just the past year, including heightened environmental awareness as evinced by the Paris 
Accord taking effect and the spread of electric vehicles, changing global market frameworks, and the 
rapid advance of new technologies for IoT, AI, etc. Nevertheless, we see no need to change our basic con-
cept. While the importance of the two challenges faced by society remains unchanged, there is a greater 
urgency for us to build connections among our diverse businesses and diverse human resources as we 
build the base for the next phase. In fiscal 2016, the first year of Cs for Tomorrow 2018, the realignment of 
our business sectors proceeded smoothly and we achieved solid business performance. We will further 
accelerate the execution of Cs for Tomorrow 2018 as we work to create a portfolio of high-profitability 
and high value-added businesses in fiscal 2025.

The Asahi Kasei Report 2017 showcases our proactive efforts under Cs for Tomorrow 2018 to 

“contribute to life and living for people around the world,” as illustrated in special features such as “Value 
Provided by the Asahi Kasei Group” and “Global Executives Interviews.” I hope this report will help you 
gain a greater understanding of Asahi Kasei. 

September 2017

Hideki Kobori
President

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3

Message from the President

Performance in fiscal 2016 exceeding our original forecast

During fiscal 2016, the outlook for the global economy remained obscure with increased political 
uncertainty related to the withdrawal of the UK from the EU and increased concern regarding the 
economic policy of the new US administration, as well as concern of economic slowdown in emerg-
ing economies. Meanwhile, the Japanese economy continued on a path of gradual recovery with 
strong corporate performance while consumer spending became firm as the employment situation 
and income environment improved. 
  With our transformation to an operating holding company configuration in fiscal 2016, we 
reconfigured our operations into the three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. 
Thanks to careful preparation, the transition went smoothly. While our performance was generally 
firm, net sales, operating income, and ordinary income each declined from the previous year due 
to the impact of the strong yen, decreased pharmaceutical reimbursement prices, and full-year 
amortization of goodwill associated with our acquisition of Polypore International. Operating income 
was nevertheless the second highest ever and net income attributable to owners of the parent (net 
income) reached a new record high with gain on sale of investment securities and decreased income 
taxes. Owing to exceptional efforts in each business to expand sales expansion and reduce costs, 
operating income, ordinary income, and net income all exceeded our original expectations. All in 
all, fiscal 2016 was a good step forward as the first year of our Cs for Tomorrow 2018 medium-term 
management initiative.

Forecasting higher shipment volumes in each business, we expect fiscal 2017 results to further 

improve with net sales reaching ¥1.99 trillion and operating income reaching ¥165 billion. 

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The first year of our Cs for Tomorrow 2018 

medium-term management initiative saw steady 

progress. Net income reached a new record high.

In addition to transitioning to an operating holding company configuration and realigning our business 

sectors in fiscal 2016, we also took several actions to enhance connections such as reconfiguring our R&D 

organization, launching Asahi Kasei Europe, and establishing our Automotive Marketing Department.  

To heighten awareness for compliance we established a Risk Management & Compliance Committee.

FY2018 Target

FY2025 Outlook

Net sales and operating income

Net sales (left scale)

Operating income (right scale)

Net sales 

¥2.2 trillion
income  ¥180.0 billion

Operating

Net sales 

¥3.0 trillion
income  ¥280.0 billion

Operating

FY2016 Result

FY2017 Forecast

Net sales 

¥1.9 trillion
income  ¥159.2 billion

Operating

Net sales 

¥2.0 trillion
income  ¥165.0 billion

Operating

(¥ billion)
3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

'11

'12

'13

'14

'15

'16

'17

'18

'25

* Formulated assuming exchange rates of ¥110/$ and ¥120/€

(¥ billion)
350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

(FY)

4

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Message from the President

Long-term investments

During the five-year period of the previous medium-term management initiative “For Tomorrow 
2015,” we adopted decisions on ¥1 trillion of long-term investment to strengthen our existing 
businesses and create new businesses for the future, including large-scale acquisitions of ZOLL and 
Polypore. Cs for Tomorrow 2018 provides for some ¥700 billion in long-term investments over the 
three-year period.
  Decisions were adopted for about ¥150 billion of investment in fiscal 2016. In the Material sector, 
these included an expansion of production capacity for HiporeTM lithium-ion battery (LIB) separator, 
construction of an R&D facility for new composite materials such as cellulose nanobeads and cellulose 
nanofiber, and the establishment of joint ventures for engineering resin with China National Bluestar 
(Group) Co., Ltd. In the Homes sector, these included forming capital alliances with Mori-Gumi Co., 
Ltd., and Chuo Build Industry Co., Ltd., and establishment of a new production base for steel-frame 
members. In the Health Care sector, decisions were adopted to augment the product pipeline.

In fiscal 2017, investments in the Material sector are mainly planned in the environment/energy, 

automotive, and healthcare/hygiene fields. Investments planned in the Homes sector are focused 
on alliances to extend business outside Japan. Investments in the Health Care sector are planned to 
accelerate globalization and to reinforce manufacturing facilities. Overall investments are projected 
to be some ¥200 billion, exceeding the level of fiscal 2016.
  We will also continue to study M&A in all three sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care, focus-
ing on proactive investments in accordance with our growth strategy. We are not only considering 
large acquisitions on the scale of ZOLL or Polypore, but also medium or small-scale acquisitions if 
they would further strengthen our established businesses or bring new prospects for future business 
growth.

Long-term investment expenditures

FY2016
Approx. ¥150 billion

¥700 billion
over
3-year period

FY2017 (planned)
Approx. ¥200 billion

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Growth in each sector

Material

With the environment/energy, automotive, and healthcare/hygiene designated as areas of focus, 
we executed several actions for each of them in fiscal 2016.

Environment/energy

● Expanded supply capacity of lithium-ion battery (LIB) separator
● Advanced verification of DRC process for DPC*

Automotive

● Reinforced business configuration (the US and Vietnam) 
● Expanded capacity for S-SBR for fuel-efficient tires (Singapore)
● Expanded capacity for filament for airbags 

Healthcare/hygiene

● Expanded capacity for nonwoven fabric for facial masks
● Expanded capacity for spunbond for diapers
● Started sales of UVC LEDs for disinfection

* A process for polycarbonate intermediate without using phosgene (poisonous gas) and not requiring ethylene oxide as feedstock.

In the field of the environment/energy, decisions were made to expand production capacity for 
HiporeTM wet-process LIB separator at two lines in Moriyama, Shiga, Japan. While demand for 
separators remains stable in consumer electronics applications, demand in automotive applica-
tions is projected to grow by some 30% per year. Having both HiporeTM wet-process separator 
and CelgardTM dry-process separator enables us to meet a wide range of market requirements 
in automotive applications. We are planning to raise capacity for wet-process separator to 610 
million m2/year in the first half of fiscal 2019, when electric vehicle (EV) demand is projected to 
ramp up. After acquiring Polypore in 2015, we also raised production capacity for dry-process 
separator in the US—capacity is now 250 million m2/year. Combining both wet process and dry 
process, we plan to raise our total LIB separator capacity to 1.1 billion m2/year in 2020, solidifying 
our position as the world’s leader with reliable supply of high-quality products.

In the automotive field, our Automotive Marketing Department is taking the lead in sector-

wide marketing activity to build strategic relationships with vehicle manufacturers and their 
suppliers. In May 2017 we unveiled our first concept car, AKXYTM (more information on page 12). 
We are leveraging this drivable car to create new opportunities to communicate with people in 
the industry about the future of the automobile. 

In the healthcare/hygiene field, we are developing new markets for materials for pharmaceu-

ticals and medical devices. We also established Healthcare Material Business Development as a 
dedicated organization for new business creation.

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Message from the President

Homes

We enhanced our homes business in the three areas of medium-rise homes, overseas business, 
and homes for seniors. For construction materials, in the environment/energy field, we announced 
the development and sale of Neoma ZeusTM which features world-leading insulation performance. 
In the area of medium-rise homes, we enhanced our condominium business by incorporat-
ing the expertise of Mori-Gumi Co., Ltd., through a business and capital alliance, and started sale 
of the Hebel BuildingTM System which employs higher quality and higher precision construction 
of medium-rise homes by systematic manufacturing. In addition, we enriched the product lineup 
to meet various needs in urban areas such as buildings that integrate homes with rental units or 
shops. Regarding homes for seniors, we offer Hebel VillageTM apartment buildings with features 
designed for active seniors who are able to live independently. For overseas operations, we 
completed our first project, a condominium in Zhonghe, New Taipei, Taiwan. 
  We will continue to advance measures to further strengthen our businesses with comprehen-
sive products, construction, and services, and to expand the breadth of our value chain.

Health Care

We are growing the Health Care sector to be the third major pillar of the Asahi Kasei Group after 
Material and Homes. 

For pharmaceuticals, we reinforced our lineup in the field of orthopedics with the launch of 
Reclast® osteoporosis drug which is administered once per year. To accelerate global expansion, 
we are advancing a global clinical study of RecomodulinTM anticoagulant.

For medical devices, we expanded capacity in Oita, Japan, for PlanovaTM BioEX virus removal 

filters used in the manufacture of biotherapeutics.

Critical care continues to be the driver of growth for the Health Care sector, with ZOLL 
averaging 15% annual growth since we acquired it in 2012 and operating income turning 
positive three years later even after amortization of goodwill. The LifeVestTM wearable defibrillator, 
our flagship product, is gaining market penetration in Germany, France, and Japan, in addition 
to its main market in the US. We are working to expand indications for the Thermogard SystemTM 
intravascular temperature management system to include acute myocardial infarction, and aim-
ing for market leadership in the automated external defibrillator (AED) market with the launch of 
our new AED3TM product. We will continue to expand our range of operations in the field of acute 
critical care, including through proactive acquisitions to augment the product lineup. 

For the Health Care sector overall, we are investing to expand business in North America 
using our CVC (Corporate Venture Capital) Office in Boston, Massachusetts. Additionally, we 
periodically hold meetings of our Health Care Council consisting of members from Asahi Kasei 
Corp., Asahi Kasei Pharma, Asahi Kasei Medical, and ZOLL to discuss marketing activities and other 
matters of strategy to expand the sector.

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Creating new businesses in the Material sector

Our transition to an operating holding company configuration enhanced connections among 
technologies and human resources, enabling the acceleration of new business creation.
  One area is new business creation connecting fiber, resin, and processing technology. For 
example, we are developing a new kind of textile composite in a process where polyamide (PA) 66 
fiber and continuous glass fiber (GF) are commingled into a yarn which is woven to form the base 
material for molding, which is followed by injection of PA66 resin in a hybrid molding process. This 
provides a high degree of flexibility in design together with outstanding strength. Such attributes 
make this a promising material as a weight-saving substitute for metal in automotive structural 
parts. Another example is cellulose nanofiber (CNF) composite being developed for automotive 
applications by combining cellulose with synthetic resin. Unlike carbon fiber composite, this material 
is made with thermoplastic which enables separation and recyclability for reduced environmental 
burden. Combining the knowledge on cellulose gained through the BembergTM business of fibers 
and textiles with the polymer composition and processing technology gained in the chemicals busi-
ness, CNF composite is an outstanding illustration of how connections between different businesses 
can lead to new developments.

Another area of new business is the UVC LED, developed by connecting internal technology with 

outside resources. The UVC LED combines technology for high-quality single-crystal AlN (aluminum 
nitride) substrate developed by Crystal IS, Inc., which became our subsidiary in 2011 after an initial 
CVC investment, with the compound semiconductor technology built up through our electronics 
business. Featuring high sterilization efficiency, small size, and low power consumption, the KlaranTM 
UVC LED product commercialized in May 2016 is gaining attention as a safer and more environmen-
tally friendly substitute for mercury lamps as a UV light source. 

The last one is the development of an alkaline water electrolysis system. This system developed 

under consignment from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization 
(NEDO) produces hydrogen from renewable energy at low cost. A large-scale validation electrolyzer 
installed in Yokohama, Japan, has operated for over 10,000 hours to demonstrate the stability of 
the process. With a world-leading energy conversion efficiency into hydrogen of 90%, it is able to 
produce 2,000 m3 of hydrogen per hour consuming just 10,000 kW of electricity under ordinary tem-
perature and ordinary pressure. This is the same amount of hydrogen that a fuel cell vehicle would 
consume over a two-year period. The hydrogen can also be reacted with CO2 to produce methanol 
or methane for use as green fuel. We now plan to install a demonstration plant for this system in 
Germany, which is phasing out nuclear power by 2022.

Acceleration of globalization

The basic policy for globalization under the Cs for Tomorrow 2018 medium-term management initia-
tive is to focus on strategies suited to each region. 

The region of Asia is positioned not only as a manufacturing base but also as a growth market. 
We are proactively developing our businesses premised on production and consumption within the 
region. Notable actions include: 
● Establishment of joint ventures for XyronTM modified polyphenylene ether (China)
● Start of photopolymers plant (China)
● Capacity expansion of S-SBR for fuel-efficient tires (Singapore)
● Capacity expansion of spunbond nonwovens for diaper applications (Thailand)
● Sale of condominiums (Taiwan)

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Message from the President

  North America is positioned as a region of continuing growth and the origin of innovation. We 
are working to expand automotive and healthcare-related businesses, and to acquire leading-edge 
technologies through CVC. Notable actions include:
● Reinforcing our CVC activities in the environment, energy, and healthcare fields 
● Advancing clinical testing of RecomodulinTM anticoagulant
● Business expansion for LifeVestTM wearable defibrillator
● Reinforcing the separator business
● Operation of second plant for plastic compounds

Europe is positioned as the origin of environmental standards and regulations. We are working 
to expand through reinforced marketing activities centered on automotive-related business. Notable 
actions include:
● Launch of an Engineering Plastics Technical Center
● Advancing the alkaline water electrolysis development project
● Start of Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH

Building the base for sustainable growth

Cs for Tomorrow 2018 is directed toward the establishment of a portfolio of high-profitability and 
high value-added businesses in fiscal 2025, with the three-year period from fiscal 2016 to 2018 
focused on building the base for the next phase.

(1) Obtaining thorough compliance
Following the disclosure of data irregularities regarding the installation of precast concrete piles in 
October 2015, our subsidiary Asahi Kasei Construction Materials Corp. is taking measures to prevent 
recurrence by renewing its management system, performing training of site agents, and disseminat-
ing compliance policy.
  We also established Risk Management & Compliance in January 2016 as the central hub to aggre-
gate all risk management and compliance-related information. We integrated our Risk Management 
Committee and Corporate Ethics Committee into a newly established Risk Management & 
Compliance Committee chaired by the President of Asahi Kasei Corp. to monitor the compliance 
system and identify risks throughout the Asahi Kasei Group. 

Through such actions, we are further strengthening our compliance system and implementing 
thorough measures based on the “three actuals” of the actual place, the actual thing, and the actual 
fact, reinforcing our foundations as a company that society can continue to trust and rely on.

Top down
(management perspective)

Enacting compliance policy; thorough identification
of risks from birds-eye view (continuous)

● Preparing and applying Asahi Kasei Group Code of Conduct
● Heightening awareness for risk management and compliance through organizational lines
● Enhancing organization (establishment of Risk Management & Compliance Committee)

Thorough compliance
The “three actuals” of actual place, actual thing, and actual fact

● Reinspection for latent risks in each business
● Assigning priority to risks
● Studying and implementing countermeasures in accordance with priority

Bottom up
(on-site perspective)

Inspection for risks;
implementation of measures (continuous)

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(2) Laying the foundation to heighten business activities
We will utilize IT to achieve dramatic improvements in the productivity of our manufacturing 
and production processes. We have selected model plants and are now beginning trials of actual 
application to incorporate new technologies such as IoT and Big Data. We are also utilizing IT to 
deliver high added value in the businesses themselves. The LifeVestTM and plant diagnostics are key 
examples of businesses that utilize ICT (information and communication technology)—the latter 
based on technology refined for over 40 years and recently launched as a remote diagnostic service 
to monitor vibrations for diagnosis of the condition of plants and transportation equipment. We 
are also strengthening our IT infrastructure for enhanced tools and databases that support business 
operations, and we continue to reinforce cybersecurity.

(3) Linkage between management strategy and HR strategy
We are working to create value by leveraging our diversified business platforms and diverse human 
resources, and the key is human resources. In order to develop a group of high value-added person-
nel, we will foster and strengthen our personnel and organizations.

Diverse human resources

Vitality and growth of personnel and organizations

● Group of high value-added personnel
● Mechanisms for growth in daily work
● Satisfaction and fulfillment by each employee

Unity and linkage between management strategy
and HR strategy

Business growth
Actualizing vision

Diversified business platforms

  We will maintain thorough compliance, heightened business activity, and strengthened linkage 
between HR strategy and long-term growth strategy as the base of operations. Building on these, we 
will advance our basic strategies of “pursuit of growth and profitability,” “creation of new businesses,” 
and “acceleration of globalization,” contributing to a “society of clean environmental energy” and a 
“society of healthy/comfortable longevity with peace of mind.”

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Message from the President

Drivable concept car AKXYTM

In May 2017 we unveiled our first concept car, developed jointly with electric vehicle 

manufacturer GLM Co., Ltd., to showcase our capabilities in the automotive field. It is a 
drivable car featuring 27 automotive solutions from Asahi Kasei. AKXYTM will help us to 

actively promote our automotive-related products and technologies as we advance construc-

tive discussions with vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers about the future of the car.

Creating the future of automobiles together with customers
The automotive industry is undergoing dramatic changes, with trends for more diverse automobile 
usage as well as the move toward electric drive. Asahi Kasei has a long track record of supplying vari-
ous products to the automotive industry, including fibers, chemicals, devices, and battery materials. 
Now we must move beyond being just a supplier of materials. We need to be able to contribute 
more fully to the automotive supply chain. By leveraging our comprehensive strengths in products, 
technology, and quality, we can work together with customers in the automotive industry to create 
new value for the future. We are now working to reinforce the presence of our Material sector in the 
automotive industry in accordance with this objective. 

The AKXYTM concept car was created to represent our aspiration to work more closely with 
automotive customers, contributing to the greater safety, comfort, and environmental performance 
of vehicles of the future. We partnered with GLM to leverage their electric vehicle platform in the 
development of a drivable concept car equipped with a wide range of Asahi Kasei components and 
systems. GLM is a young company full of energy and new ideas. They are highly oriented toward the 
future, and it was very stimulating to work with them.

By having vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers experience AKXYTM, we can deepen relation-
ships with customers in the automotive industry and open the door to their adoption of many of our 
leading-edge products moving forward.

To be a material concierge that  
can provide automotive solutions

Tsuneyoshi Tatsuoka
Outside Director 

It was very ambitious of Asahi Kasei, a material manufacturer, to create 
a drivable concept car. The three broad trends in the automotive 
industry today are weight reduction by substituting plastic for metal, 
diversification of motive power sources with the rise of electric and 
fuel-cell vehicles, and intensified application of electronic and control 
systems throughout the vehicle. How can a material manufacturer adapt to these trends? The 
company would need to enhance its ability to provide one-stop solutions through technical sales 
as well as to be a development partner having connections with vehicle manufacturers and their 
suppliers. Asahi Kasei is exceptional among Japanese material manufacturers in that it has a wide 
variety of products including electronic devices such as sensors. Although it gives the company 
many potential opportunities, this alone is not enough to ensure success in global competition. I see 
the creation of AKXYTM as an indication of the company’s keen awareness of the need for further R&D 
and applications development for automotive-related products.

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Origin of the name and logo

Deriving from Asahi Kasei X (multiplied by) 
You (the customer), the name indicates our 
intention to create new value for the future 
together with the automotive industry. The 
blue flame motif represents the transition to 
complete combustion, indicating our full-
fledged effort beyond mere passion, which 
would be represented by red.

1. Head lamp cover   Organic/inorganic hybrid coating agent
2. Lamp extension   XyronTM modified polyphenylene ether
3. Tire raw material    TufdeneTM solution-polymerized 

6. Body paint raw material   Asahi Kasei Aluminium PasteTM
7.  Body paint additive    DuranateTM HDI (hexamethylene 

diisocyanate)-based polyisocyanate

styrene butadiene rubber

8. Tail lamp cover   DelpetTM polymethyl methacrylate

4. Tire cord   LeonaTM nylon 66 filament yarn
5. Fender liner    PreciseTM spunbond synthetic 

continuous-filament nonwoven

Cockpit
  9. WGFTM film base reflective polarizer
10. Defroster sensor
Systems
11. Vital-sign sensing technology
12. Stand-alone voice command
13. Hands-free communication
14. In-car communication
15. CO2 sensor

16. A-pillar    TuftecTM hydrogenated styrenic 

thermoplastic elastomer

17. Interior decoration   Multicore POFTM plastic optical fiber
18. Floor mat    Floor mat with polytrimethylene 
terephthalate fiber

19. Connector/cable tie   LeonaTM polyamide resin
20. Speaker cover   EsterlloyTM ABS-based alloy resin
21. Seat surface   CubitTM 3D knitting fabric
22. Headrest   MEFTM moldable polyethylene foam
23. Seat skin   LamousTM microfiber artificial suede
24. Seat skin lining    EltasTM spunbond synthetic 

continuous-filament nonwoven

25. Inside door handle    TenacTM metallic-colored & low-

VOC grade polyacetal resin

26. Cup holders    SunForceTM modified polyphenylene 

ether foam beads

27. LIB separator   HiporeTM lithium-ion battery separator

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

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Interview with the CFO

Executing strategies aimed  
at future growth to increase  
our corporate value; promoting 
proactive investments for growth 
and a robust capital policy

Shuichi Sakamoto
Director
Senior Executive Officer

Q

A

What is your basic financial strategy?

We are focused on consistent generation of cash flow, with an appropriate balance between 
investment for growth and shareholder returns.

The Asahi Kasei Group aims to consistently expand cash flow 
in two basic ways. One is by enhancing profitability through 
enhanced product performance, greater cost competitiveness, 
and business structure improvement, and the other is by 
improving capital efficiency through intragroup financing and 
appropriate control of inventory levels. To obtain stable and 
low-cost financing, we employ various fund-raising methods 
such as borrowing from banks, issuing bonds, and issuing 
commercial paper flexibly and dynamically in accordance with 
our financial circumstances.

Under our “Cs for Tomorrow 2018” (CT2018) management 
initiative, we will generate cash flow not only by implementing 
three basic strategies of “pursuit of growth and profitability,” 
“creation of new businesses,” and “acceleration of globaliza-
tion,” and by further raising competitiveness of established 
businesses, but also by creating new added value in each 
sector. Cash flow generated through these efforts provides 
further resources to invest for growth as well as to return to 
shareholders. We are careful to maintain an appropriate bal-
ance between the two. 

Primary financial metrics

Dividends per share

Payout ratio

Net income per share (EPS)

Net income per total assets (ROA)

Net income per shareholders’ equity (ROE)

Net income per net sales (ROS)

Total asset turnover ratio

Financial leverage

Net income per shareholders’ equity and 
interest-bearing debt (ROIC)

D/E ratio

FY2012

FY2013

FY2014

FY2015

FY2016

¥14

36.4%

¥38.43

3.3%

7.1%

3.2%

1.04

2.1

5.7%

0.47

¥17

23.5%

¥72.48

5.5%

11.7%

5.3%

1.02

2.2

7.7%

0.33

¥19

25.1%

¥75.62

5.4%

10.6%

5.3%

1.01

2.0

7.5%

0.25

¥20

30.4%

¥65.69

4.3%

8.6%

4.7%

0.92

2.0

7.1%

0.43

¥24

29.1%

¥82.34

5.1%

10.5%

6.1%

0.84

2.0

7.6%

0.35

14

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15

 
Q

A

How is your progress toward the CT2018 financial targets?

In fiscal 2016 we made a favorable start toward our fiscal 2018 targets.

Our aim is to build a portfolio of high value-added businesses 
with high profitability in 2025. The 3-year period of CT2018 is 
focused on building the base toward that goal, and our targets 
for fiscal 2018 are ¥2.2 trillion in net sales and ¥180.0 billion in 
operating income.
  We had expected fiscal 2016 to be a challenging year 
with reduced reimbursement prices for pharmaceuticals, the 
impact of the higher yen, and increased retirement expenses. 
But thanks to efforts in each business to expand sales and 
reduce costs, we achieved results above the forecast. We even 
exceeded our fiscal 2018 targets of 8.2% for operating margin, 
¥110.0 billion for net income, 9.0% for ROE, and 7.0% for ROIC. 
In all, we made a good start in fiscal 2016 as the first year of the 
3-year management initiative.

Fiscal 2017 will be a pivotal year as the middle year of the 

3-year period. Though the operating environment changes 
incessantly, we find no need to change the basic approach laid 
out in CT2018. We will further advance our strategies toward 
the achievement of our objectives while each individual 
business adapts appropriately to change. We are targeting net 
sales of ¥1,990.0 billion and operating income of ¥165.0 billion 
in fiscal 2017. While working to expand operating income by 
emphasizing profitability in each business, we will continue 
to review our strategic shareholdings in accordance with the 
corporate governance code.

Q

A

Please tell us your perspective on funding for strategic investment, and shareholder returns 
including stock buybacks.

We will steadily advance our growth strategy as we aim for greater shareholder returns.

We plan to adopt and execute strategic investments totaling 
¥700 billion over the 3-year period of CT2018. We adopted 
decisions on ¥150 billion of this in fiscal 2016, and another 
¥200 billion is slated for adoption in fiscal 2017. We are steadily 
advancing measures to heighten the competitive advantages 
of our existing businesses and to expand production capacity 
for businesses operating on a global scale and for businesses 
with potential to garner new demand in the Japanese market. 
Although that leaves about half of the ¥700 billion for fiscal 
2018, we are currently studying investments for non-linear 
growth measures including M&A to proactively expand 
businesses. 
  Our funding policy to support these initiatives is to rely 
on borrowings in principle, while maintaining a D/E ratio of 
around 0.5. We will strive to maintain stable and low-cost 
financing, sustaining a sound financial position, as we advance 
our strategic investments. 
  Our basic policy for shareholder returns is to strive for 
stable dividends and increased dividends through continuous 
earnings growth while maintaining an appropriate internal 
reserve to perform well-balanced investment for growth and 
return to shareholders. Under CT2018 we are targeting a total 

return ratio of 35% in fiscal 2018, including share buybacks 
performed flexibly. Our fiscal 2016 dividend was raised by ¥4 
to ¥24 per share, and we will remain focused on shareholder 
returns in accordance with our basic policy. 

Dividends per share and payout ratio

35.1

36.4

24

20

19

17

30.4

29.1

14

14

25.1

23.5

(¥)

30

15

0

'11

'12

'13

'14

'15

'16

Dividends per share (left scale)

Payout ratio (right scale)

(%)

50

25

0

(FY)

14

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

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15

 
History of Providing Solutions for the Challenges of Society

The Asahi Kasei Group has consistently grown through proactive transformation of its business portfolio  
to meet the evolving needs of every age. We have constantly provided products and services  
that form solutions to various environmental and social challenges. As society undergoes further changes,  
we will continue to contribute to life and living for people around the world by Creating for Tomorrow.

Founder:
Shitagau Noguchi

From 1922

Shitagau Noguchi, the founder of Asahi 
Kasei, succeeded in Japan’s first industrial 
production of ammonia by chemical 
synthesis in Nobeoka, Miyazaki, in 1923 
using technology licensed from Italy. The 
ammonia was used in the production of 
Bemberg™ regenerated cellulose fiber, 
part of a diverse range of business opera-
tions that included chemical fertilizer and 
viscose rayon. As industry modernized 
and the economy of Japan achieved self-
sustainable growth, our operations made 
important contributions to the stability of 
people’s lives.

From 1950

In 1957 we began production of polysty-
rene, and in 1959 entered the synthetic 
fiber business. These were followed by 
the three new businesses of nylon fiber, 
synthetic rubber, and construction mate-
rials. In 1968 we began construction of a 
petrochemical complex in the Mizushima 
area of Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan, paving 
the way for our full-scale development of 
petrochemical operations. Our products 
during this period supported improve-
ments in the quality of life during Japan’s 
high-growth period.

Part of the ammonia plant completed in 1923 
(Nobeoka, Miyazaki, Japan)

Saran Wrap™ launched in Japan in 1960

The Bemberg™ plant which started operation in 
1931 (Nobeoka, Miyazaki, Japan)

Naphtha cracker (Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan)

Portfolio transformation

Chemicals

Fiscal 1940

Net sales
¥56 million

Foods

Fibers

Fiscal 1960

Net sales
¥44.9 billion

From 1970

In 1972 we entered the homes business 
with the launch of the Hebel Haus™, and 
in 1974 we entered the medical device 
business with hollow-fiber membrane 
artificial kidneys. Our entry into the elec-
tronics business began with our launch of 
Hall elements (magnetic sensors) in 1980 
and start of LSI manufacture in 1987. 
Our products continued to help make 
life more comfortable and convenient as 
society’s needs diversified.

The first Hebel Haus™ (Kamata model home park)

Hollow-fiber membrane 
artificial kidneys

LSIs

Others

Fibers

Foods and
Fermentation Chemistry
Construction
Materials
Homes

Fiscal 1980

Net sales

¥800.1 billion

Chemicals

Establishing the basis  
for modern life

Sufficiency of daily necessities, improvement in quality of homes, 
development of public infrastructure

•  Development of chemical industry and 
modern agriculture
•  Interbellum economic downturn and 
World War II

•  Post-war recovery and 
modernization of industry
• Period of high economic growth

• Stable economic growth
• Economic bubble

16

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17

From 2010

Under the “For Tomorrow 2015” manage-
ment initiative which began in 2011, we 
proactively expanded our operations 
through major acquisitions. In 2012 we 
entered the acute critical care business 
by acquiring ZOLL Medical Corporation, 
and in 2015 we acquired battery separa-
tor manufacturer Polypore International, 
LP. The current management initiative 
“Cs for Tomorrow 2018” is focused on 
expanding operations by heightening 
the combined strength of the Asahi Kasei 
Group.

From 1990

In 1992 we acquired Toyo Jozo Co., Ltd. 
to reinforce pharmaceutical operations. 
From 1999, we executed a program to 
heighten selectivity and focus in opera-
tions, divesting our food business and 
closing some fiber businesses, achieving 
selective diversification. From 2000 
onward, we also established many over-
seas operations, mainly in Asia, laying the 
foundation for global management.

The LifeVest™ wearable defibrillator

Pharmaceuticals just after the Toyo Jozo merger

We are Creating for 
Tomorrow, providing 
new value to society 
by enabling living in 
health and comfort 
and harmony with the 
natural environment

1922–
  2016

Celgard™ Li-ion battery separator of Polypore

Asahi Kasei Electronics Materials (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., 
a major manufacturing base for photosensitive 
dry film

Critical Care

Others

Fibers

Health Care

Health Care

Others

Fibers

Construction
Materials

Electronics

Construction
Materials

Fiscal 2000

Net sales

¥1,269.4 billion

Fiscal 2016

Net sales

¥1,883.0 billion

Homes

Chemicals

Increased comfort and  
convenience

•  Two decades of meager growth  
after collapse of bubble
• Effect of global economic crisis

Homes

Chemicals

Electronics

Heightened environmental consciousness

• Changing values after the Great East Japan Earthquake
• Emergence from period of slow economic growth

16

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17

Feature 1: Process of Creating Value in the Asahi Kasei Group

Creating for Tomorrow

The
The
employee
employee
Employee
fulfillment

The
The
community
community
Community
outreach

The
The
environment
environment
Environmental
protection

The
The
customer
customer
Customer
satisfaction

Society of clean
environmental energy

Sustainable Increase
in Corporate Value

The
The
supplier
supplier
Fair business
dealings

The local
The local
economy
economy
Local economic
participation

Business
operations

The
The
shareholder
shareholder
Shareholder
returns

Society of healthy/comfortable
longevity with peace of mind

Pursuit of
Pursuit of
growth and
growth and
profitability
profitability

Creation of
Creation of
new businesses
new businesses

Acceleration of
Acceleration of
globalization
globalization

“Cs for Tomorrow 2018”
strategic management initiative
CSR in Action

CSR Fundamentals

Compliance, Responsible Care, Corporate Citizenship,
Respect for Employee Individuality

Group Mission
Contributing to life and living for people around the world

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19

The Asahi Kasei Group constantly aims to increase corporate value

Creating for Tomorrow

The commitment of the Asahi Kasei Group: To do all that we can in every era to help the people of the world make 
the most of life and attain fulfillment in living. Since our founding, we have always been deeply committed to 
contributing to the development of society, boldly anticipating the emergence of new needs. This is what we mean 
by “Creating for Tomorrow.”

Providing 
value

We contribute to solutions to two important challenges faced by society, “clean environmental 
energy” and “healthy/comfortable longevity,” through our diversified businesses.

▶P.20
Value Provided 
by the Asahi Kasei 
Group

The
environment
Shift to sustainable society;
tightening environmental
regulations

Healthcare
Expansion of
global healthcare markets

Management
Greater importance of
transparency and CSR

IT
Spread of IoT and
other IT advances

Society of clean 
environmental energy

Society of healthy/comfortable
longevity with peace of mind

Energy
Increasing energy demand;
diversification of supply

Demographic
change
Increasing world population;
aging population in
developed countries

Social
economy
Increasing globalization;
growing geopolitical risks

Food
Growing food demand

Business 
activity

▶P.42
Operating Segments

Focused on the three basic strategies of “pursuit of growth and profitability,” ”creation of 
new businesses,” and “acceleration of globalization,” we are strengthening high value-added 
businesses to create new value for people in the world.

Basic strategy

Pursuit of growth 
and profitability

Creation of new 
businesses

Acceleration of 
globalization

Focus of CT 2018

Building the base for the next phase with connections 
among diverse businesses and diverse human resources

Advancing toward 
2025

Creating a portfolio of high-profitability,  
high value-added businesses

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19

Feature 2: Value Provided by the Asahi Kasei Group

Our Group Vision is to provide new value to society by enabling “living in health and comfort” and “harmony with the natural 
environment” in accordance with our Group Mission of contributing to life and living for people around the world. The Hall 
element is a notable example of a product that illustrates how Asahi Kasei has created value from the past to the present, and 
how we will continue to create value in the future.

Hall element

The Hall element is a highly sensitive magnetic sensor 
made with a thin film of semiconductor material. 
The Hall element works by utilizing the Hall effect, in 
which magnetic fields cause change in voltage. With 
high sensitivity, Hall elements from Asahi Kasei can 
detect magnetic flux density and orientation. A broad 
range of applications include contactless switches in 
combination with magnets, angle sensors, and current sensors. Geomagnetic 
sensors using Hall elements have also been commercialized, and are widely used 
in smartphones. Asahi Kasei started mass production of Hall elements in 1975 
and met various evolving needs of society over the following four decades by 
continuously developing new applications to create new value.

Applications

Electric motors

The Hall element contributed to the commercializa-
tion of ultra-small brushless DC motors. Advantages 
include longer service life by eliminating the friction 
and wear of brushes, suppression of electromag-
netic noise, higher drive efficiency, and lower 
power consumption. Applications have included 
electronic products such as VCRs and computers, 
appliances such as refrigerators and washing 
machines, and automotive components.

Appliances

VCRs

Computers

CD drive

Development of Hall element  
starts for collision sensor
(originally part of airbag system)

Components 
using Hall element

Electric motor

1970

1975

1980

Thin-film technology

1985

Hall IC

1990

Hall element 
breakthrough timeline

20

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

 Launch of development

 Entry to LSI business, advancing to next stage

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

21

80%

global share 
of cumulative 
production  
volume
(FY2016)

Smartphones

Energy-efficient 
appliances

Vehicle 
components

Rotating axis

CPU 
cooling fan

Power window

Electronic compass

The electronic compass was devel-
oped by combining Hall elements, 
LSIs to amplify the sensor signals, 
and signal-processing software 
algorithms.

DVD player

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

Rotational angle sensor

Electronic compass

 Generating new demand

 Magnetic convergence plate technology

20

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21

Feature 2: Value Provided by the Asahi Kasei Group

Notable Example of Value Creation—The Electronic Compass

Our invention of the electronic compass was achieved by combining technology for magnetic sensors to measure 
geomagnetism with our LSI and software technology. The electronic compass significantly enhanced the functional-
ity of mobile phones and smartphones, enriching the experience of map applications such as pedestrian navigation 
systems and contributing to their widespread popularity. 

About the electronic compass

The outset

The electronic compass, a semiconductor device 
that determines azimuth by measuring geomagne-
tism, is widely utilized for map applications installed 
in smartphones such as pedestrian navigation 
systems. Asahi Kasei developed the electronic com-
pass by combining our technology for magnetic 
sensors, LSI technology to amplify the sensor signals, 
and signal-processing software algorithms. Asahi 
Kasei has earned a dominant share of the global 
electronic compass market.

Magnetic North Pole

Geographic North Pole

Standard of azimuth

Horizontal 
component

=

Vertical 
component 

Geomagnetism

Equator

Around 2000, when GPS was 
becoming a standard feature in 
mobile phones, we anticipated 
that there would be demand for 
pedestrian navigation systems 
similar to vehicle navigation 
systems. Unlike vehicle speed, 
however, walking is too slow to 
enable the direction of movement 
to be determined from GPS. Realizing that an 
electronic compass would be required to determine 
azimuth by measuring geomagnetism, we initiated 
its development.

Asahi Kasei’s advantage for development 

Competitive strength

Our development of the electronic compass was 
not oriented as an effort to find a new outlet for a 
succession of our technologies starting from sensors 
and followed by LSIs. Rather, we first identified 
a market need and then took stock of our range 
of existing technologies, including sensors, LSIs, 
other constituent technologies, and manufacturing 
technology, and considered how to apply them in 
the development. We also leveraged our established 
business connections to ascertain customer needs 
from the early stages of development, and made 
many proposals. In addition to the advantage 
gained from each of these aspects, our true strength 
was the ability to combine all of them together in a 
new business model culminating in the electronic 
compass. 

While other companies 
focused on the develop-
ment of sensors with high 
sensitivity, which was costly 
and time-consuming, Asahi 
Kasei already had an estab-
lished mass-production 
infrastructure for magnetic sensors as well as signal-
amplifying technology and distribution channels in 
its LSI business. Instead of aiming for high sensitivity, 
we sought to swiftly make an available product 
that provided utility to users. Our combination 
of technologies for sensors, LSIs, and algorithms 
enabled us to provide a solution to customers at low 
cost in a short time.

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23

Creating Value for the Future

Hall elements are poised for expanded use in the automobile field due to emerging trends for intensified application 
of electronic and control systems throughout the vehicle. The technology for Hall elements has also enabled the 
creation of infrared sensors which will meet growing demand in new fields such as human detecting sensors and gas 
sensors.

For automobiles

Infrared sensor

In addition to conven-
tional applications in 
motor control for power 
steering, power win-
dows, and air conditioner 
fans, demand for sensors 
in the power train is 
expected to grow in line 
with engine downsizing 
and an increasing number of gears in the transmis-
sion for improved fuel efficiency and compliance 
with environmental regulations. The development 
and spread of autonomous vehicle technology 
around the world will provide further impetus to 
strong demand growth for sensors in vehicles.

The infrared sensor was developed using thin-film 
semiconductor technology cultivated in the 
magnetic sensor business. It can be used to detect 
human presence in homes and other indoor 
environments. It also has great potential for use as 
a gas sensor in systems to heat and cool buildings. 
Especially in high-rise office buildings and in well-
sealed homes, the efficiency of heating and cooling 
is highly dependent on the amount of outside air 
drawn in. By measuring indoor CO2 concentration, 
a gas sensor can enable the minimum necessary 
ventilation while maintaining a comfortable indoor 
temperature, resulting in a significantly reduced 
energy requirement. 

Hall elements contributing to reduced CO2 emissions

Under the “Cs for Tomorrow 2018” medium-term management initia-
tive, Asahi Kasei aims to contribute to solutions for “clean environmental 
energy” through our diverse businesses. As magnetic sensors, Hall 
elements play an important role in saving energy. Electric motors are 
used in every kind of home appliance. By accurately detecting rotation 
position and speed, magnetic sensors enable the motors to run with the 
minimum amount of electricity, resulting in reduction of CO2 emission 
from power generation.
  We certified Hall ICs and Hall elements for air conditioner DC motors 
as global warming conscious products in accordance with our original 
guidelines. Our business activities with these products will make an 
ongoing contribution to the environment.

22

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23

Directors

1. Chairman & Director

Ichiro Itoh

2.  President & Representative Director 

Presidential Executive Officer 

Hideki Kobori

After many years of experience in the fibers business, he held several 
leadership positions including executive officer for planning, accounting, 
and finance, and vice-presidential executive officer. He has been Chairman 
& Director since April 2010. He possesses a wealth of experience and a 
broad range of knowledge on the Asahi Kasei Group’s businesses and 
corporate management. 

After many years of experience in the electronics business, including as 
President & Representative Director of Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corp., he 
oversaw strategy, accounting, finance, and internal control. He assumed 
the role of President of Asahi Kasei in April 2016. He possesses a wealth of 
experience and a broad range of knowledge on the Asahi Kasei Group’s 
businesses and corporate management.

5.  Director 

Lead Executive Officer

Nobuyuki Kakizawa

6.  Director 

Lead Executive Officer

Soichiro Hashizume

After many years of experience in the housing businesses, he held 
several leadership positions including Assistant Senior General Manager 
of Accounting and Finance at Asahi Kasei Corp. and General Manager of 
General Affairs at Asahi Kasei Homes Corp. He became General Manager 
of General Affairs in April 2013 with responsibility for formulating and 
executing measures for risk management and compliance of the Asahi 
Kasei Group. He possesses a wealth of experience and a broad range of 
knowledge on risk management and compliance.

After many years of experience in human resources, he held several 
leadership positions including President of PTT Asahi Chemical Company 
Limited. He has been responsible for human resources development and 
the planning and execution of personnel and labor measures of the Asahi 
Kasei Group since April 2013. He possesses a wealth of experience and a 
broad range of knowledge on human resources.

9. Outside Director

Tsuneyoshi Tatsuoka

With his wealth of experience and broad range of insight into industrial and 
economic policy, including as administrative vice-minister of the Ministry 
of Economy, Trade and Industry, he fulfills his role as Outside Director in 
deciding on important matters of the Asahi Kasei Group as well as oversee-
ing business execution.

9

8

7

1

2

3

4

5

6

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25

3.  Representative Director 

Vice-Presidential Executive Officer

Masafumi Nakao

4.  Director 

Senior Executive Officer

Shuichi Sakamoto

After many years of experience in R&D and new business development in 
the electronics business, he held several leadership roles including General 
Manager of the R&D Center and executive officer for quality assurance at 
Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corp. Since April 2012, he has overseen R&D of 
the Asahi Kasei Group. He possesses a wealth of experience and a broad 
range of knowledge on R&D. 

After many years of experience in the petrochemical business, he 
became General Manager of Corporate Strategy in November 2014 with 
responsibility for formulating and executing the management strategy 
and business strategies of the Asahi Kasei Group. Since April 2016, he has 
overseen accounting, finance, and IT. He possesses a wealth of experience 
and a broad range of knowledge on the Asahi Kasei Group’s businesses and 
corporate management. 

7. Outside Director

Norio Ichino

8. Outside Director

Masumi Shiraishi

With his wealth of business management experience and broad range of 
insight as a corporate executive, including as President of Tokyo Gas Co., 
Ltd., he fulfills his role as Outside Director in deciding on important matters 
of the Asahi Kasei Group as well as overseeing business execution.

With her wealth of experience and broad range of insight into economics 
and society, including as a professor at Kansai University, she fulfills her role 
as Outside Director in deciding on important matters of the Asahi Kasei 
Group as well as overseeing business execution.

24

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25

Corporate Governance

1

Basic Views on Corporate Governance

The Group Vision of Asahi Kasei is to provide new value to society 
and solve social issues by enabling “living in health and comfort” 
and “harmony with the natural environment” under the Group 
Mission of “contributing to life and living for people around 
the world.” With this as a base, we aim to contribute to society, 
achieve sustainable growth, and enhance corporate value over 

the longer term by promoting innovation and creating synergy 
through integration of various businesses. We continue to pursue 
the optimal corporate governance as a framework to make 
transparent, fair, timely, and resolute decisions in accordance with 
changes in the business environment.

2

Business Management Organization and Other Corporate Governance Systems regarding 
Decision-making, Execution of Business, and Oversight in Management (as of June 28, 2017)

Shareholders Meeting

Audit

Election

Election

 Oversight

Board of Corporate Auditors
(5 Corporate Auditors, including
3 Independent Outside Corporate Auditors)

Board of Directors
(9 Directors, including
3 Independent Outside Directors)

Cooperation

Audit

Independent Auditors

Execution of operations

Audit

Management Council

President

Nomination
Advisory Committee
Remuneration
Advisory Committee

Oversight

Risk Management & Compliance Committee

Compliance Hotline

Responsible Care Committee

Internal Audit Department

Group staff functions

Core Operating Companies, Strategic Business Units

3

Corporate Governance System

Oversight and audit
The Board of Directors, which consists of nine Directors including 
three independent Outside Directors (one-third), makes decisions 
on matters requiring a Board of Directors resolution in accordance 
with laws or the Articles of Incorporation, makes decisions on 
important matters for Asahi Kasei Corp. and other companies of 

the Group, and oversees execution of operations by Directors and 
Executive Officers. 

The newly established Nomination Advisory Committee and 
Remuneration Advisory Committee under the Board of Directors 
consist primarily of Outside Directors who provide active involve-
ment in the consideration of matters such as: optimal makeup 

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27

 
and size of the Board of Directors, policy regarding nomination 
of candidates for Directors and Corporate Auditors, criteria on 
the independence of Outside Directors and Outside Corporate 
Auditors, remuneration policy and system for Directors, and evalu-
ation of individual Directors to determine remuneration based on 
performance.

The Board of Corporate Auditors consists of five Corporate 
Auditors including three independent Outside Corporate Auditors 
(a majority). In accordance with the audit policy stipulated by the 
Board of Corporate Auditors, each Corporate Auditor oversees 
execution of duties by Directors by attending the Board of 
Directors meetings and examining the state of operations. To 
enhance functions of the Board of Corporate Auditors and to 
facilitate smooth cooperation among Corporate Auditors from 
inside the company and Outside Corporate Auditors, a Corporate 
Auditors Office is staffed with full-time employees. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers Aarata LLC performs financial audits 

based on the Companies Act and the Financial Instruments and 
Exchange Act.

Furthermore, the Internal Audit Department conducts 
internal audits based on the audit plan. Results of internal audits 
performed by each group staff function are aggregated by the 
Internal Audit Department and reported to the Board of Directors. 

Execution of operation
We have adopted an Executive Officer system to enable faster 
business execution, and clearly define responsibilities; Directors 
fulfill decision-making and oversight functions, and Executive 
Officers fulfill execution of operations. 

The Decision-making and Approval Authority Regulations 
of the Asahi Kasei Group stipulate detailed criteria for decision-
making with regard to matters concerning the management 
plan, investments and loans, funding and financial management, 
organization and management system, research and develop-
ment, and production technology, and delegate authority from 
the Board of Directors to the Management Council, strategic 
business units, and core operating companies.

4

Policy and Procedure to Nominate Candidates for Directors

In selecting candidates for Directors, we appoint persons with 
deep insight and excellent skills suitable for the role. For Directors 
from inside the company, we select those with expertise, experi-
ence and skills required in the respective field. On the other hand, 
Outside Directors are expected to supervise the management 
from an objective standpoint based on their deep insights and 
rich experience. Therefore we select from among people who 

were corporate executives, academic experts, or public officials. 

To further heighten objectivity and transparency in appointing 

candidates for Directors, we established a Nomination Advisory 
Committee which consists primarily of Outside Directors who 
take part in discussions of the makeup and size of the Board of 
Directors and policies for nomination of Directors and Corporate 
Auditors, and provide advice to the Board of Directors.

5

Policy and Procedure to Determine Remuneration of Directors

Directors’ remuneration consists of fixed base remuneration, 
performance-linked remuneration, and stock-based remuneration. 
The monetary amount and number of stocks are determined based 
on the remuneration system approved in advance by the Board of 
Directors, within the limits approved at a shareholders meeting.
Fixed base remuneration provides specific amounts in 
accordance with the rank of each Director. Performance-linked 
remuneration is based on consolidated financial results and indi-
vidual performance evaluation. Performance is comprehensively 
evaluated in consideration of the degree of achievement of 
individually established objectives, achievements, contributions 
to financial performance, and the degree of contributions, in 
addition to management benchmarks such as net sales, operating 
income, and ROA.

The stock-based remuneration system is designed to reward 

current effort with compensation reflecting future share prices 
by granting the shares at the time of each individual’s retirement 
from any position of officer of the Asahi Kasei Group, with the 
number of shares to be granted being determined in accordance 
with each Director’s rank.

Remuneration for Outside Directors, however, is comprised 

solely of fixed base remuneration.
  We determine the level of remuneration based on research 
data provided by external specialized agencies, etc. 

In order to further improve objectivity and transparency of 
Directors’ remuneration, we have established a Remuneration 
Advisory Committee, which consists primarily of Outside Directors, 
who participate in discussions about the Directors’ remuneration 
system and operation thereof, and provide advice to the Board of 
Directors.

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27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Governance

6

Independence Standards and Qualification for Outside Directors and Outside Corporate Auditors

In determining that Outside Directors and Outside Corporate 
Auditors are independent, we ensure that they do not correspond 
to any of the following and whether they are capable of perform-
ing duties from a fair and neutral standpoint.

  5.  Company which receives donation or aid (¥10 million or more 
in a year) from the Asahi Kasei Group or person who executes 
businesses thereof

  6.  Main shareholder of the Asahi Kasei Group (person or com-

1.  Person who currently executes or has executed businesses of 
the Asahi Kasei Group (executive directors, executive officers, 
employees, etc.) over the last 10 years

pany who directly or indirectly owns 10% or more of all voting 
rights in Asahi Kasei) or person who executes businesses 
thereof

2.  Company or person who executes businesses thereof whose 

  7.  Person who executes businesses of a company which elects 

major business partner is the Asahi Kasei Group (company with 
more than 2% of its annual consolidated net sales from the 
Asahi Kasei Group)

Directors, Corporate Auditors, or employees of the Asahi Kasei 
Group as its own Directors or Corporate Auditors

  8.  Independent Auditors of the Asahi Kasei Group or any staff 

3.  Major business partner of the Asahi Kasei Group (when 

thereof

payments by this partner to the Asahi Kasei Group account for 
more than 2% of our annual consolidated net sales or when 
we borrow money from such partner amounting to more than 
2% of our consolidated total assets) or person who executes 
businesses thereof

4.  Person who receives money or other financial gain (¥10 million 
or more in a year) from the Asahi Kasei Group as an individual 
other than remuneration as a Director or Corporate Auditor of 
Asahi Kasei

  9.  Person who fell into any of the categories 2 through 8 above 

over the last three years

10.  Person who has a close relative (spouse, relative within the sec-
ond degree of kinship, and those who share living expenses) 
who falls under any of the categories 1 through 8 above, 
provided that “person who executes businesses thereof” in 
1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 above shall be replaced with “important 
person who executes businesses thereof (executive directors, 
executive officers, etc.)”

7

Audits

In accordance with the audit policy adopted by the Board of 
Corporate Auditors, each Corporate Auditor attends meetings 
of the Board of Directors and audits Directors in the discharge of 
their duties through examination of business performance. The 
Corporate Auditors Office provides staff to support Corporate 
Auditors in their duties. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers Aarata LLC is contracted as the 

Independent Auditors to perform financial audits in accordance with 
the Companies Act and Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. 
The Independent Auditors form a team of assistants for 

performance of the audit in accordance with its audit plan, 
comprising 17 certified public accountants and 34 other specialist 
accountants.

The Internal Audit Dept., the Board of Corporate Auditors, and 

the Corporate Auditors of core operating companies and other 
subsidiaries regularly meet to confirm the effectiveness of internal 
governance systems for legal compliance and risk management. 
The Board of Corporate Auditors provides counsel to the 
Independent Auditors of the consolidated financial audit of Asahi 
Kasei each quarter and each fiscal year.

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Corporate 
Governance 

Feature
Feature

The effectiveness of our Board of Directors is regularly evaluated after each fiscal year, and results of 
evaluation are disclosed.

1. Measures implemented in fiscal 2016 

The Board of Directors implemented the following measures in 
fiscal 2016 based on evaluation of the previous fiscal year.

1) Change of agendas for Board of Directors meetings
In order to enhance the supervisory functions of the Board of 
Directors, the agendas for Board of Directors meetings were 
reviewed in order to place greater focus on discussions of corpo-
rate governance, risk management, and compliance. After several 
discussions at the meetings, the new Asahi Kasei Group Code of 
Conduct was established and became available on the Asahi Kasei 
website in April 2017.

2)  Proposal for adoption of a stock-based remuneration 

system

By more clearly linking remuneration of Directors and Asahi Kasei’s 
shareholder value, a new system was proposed to reinforce the 
common interest between Directors and shareholders, including 
both the benefits and risks associated with variations in the 
share price. The system is designed to enhance the motivation 

of Directors to contribute to greater business performance and 
corporate value of Asahi Kasei over the longer term. For the 
purposes above, we proposed the introduction of a stock-based 
remuneration system at the 126th Ordinary General Meeting of 
Shareholders, and approval was received. To ensure objectivity 
and transparency, the proposal for adopting the system was 
deliberated at the Remuneration Advisory Committee consisting 
primarily of Outside Directors.

3)  Enhanced provision of information to Outside 
Directors and Outside Corporate Auditors

As part of our effort to expand the provision of information to 
Outside Directors and Outside Corporate Auditors, we held tours 
of our sites for Outside Directors and Outside Corporate Auditors 
to help them gain a deeper understanding of our operations. In 
addition to holding such site visits on an annual basis, we provide 
regular explanations by people responsible for each business unit 
in order for Outside Directors and Outside Corporate Auditors to 
keep abreast of the current business situation and issues.

2. Moving forward

Through the measures described above, we believe that we have 
enhanced the supervisory functions of the Board of Directors. 
Based on deliberations of the effectiveness of the Board of 
Directors during fiscal 2016, we will continue and expand these 
efforts in the future. We also plan to develop discussions during 
fiscal 2017 on the longer-term direction of management strate-
gies, the progress of the medium-term management initiative, 
and IR activities, as well as the opinions of investors and trends of 

capital markets. 

There is an increasing need for the Asahi Kasei Group to 
conduct management from a global perspective through large-
scale M&A and overseas business development, and the business 
environment is rapidly changing. In line with such changes in 
the environment, we recognize the need to flexibly adapt the 
membership and the structure of the Board of Directors in the 
future.

Greater diversity of Directors is needed for growth over the longer term

I feel that the current operation of the Board of Directors is generally appropriate. Outside 
Directors have diverse backgrounds, including in corporate management, industrial 
policy, and academia, and independence is maintained. Directors are given ample time 
to consider proposals in accordance with their content, and the frequency of Board 
meetings is appropriate. Discussions among Directors are uninhibited and lively, and 
frank opinions are exchanged.

Nevertheless, viewed from a longer-term perspective, there are outstanding issues 
concerning the composition of Directors. If we are to have a broader range of business 
strategies, including for future M&A and global development, I think we need to bring in 
more people having backgrounds in technology, women from within the company, and 
younger people as Directors. I believe this is important for the longer-term development 
of Asahi Kasei, and I will continue to clearly express my thoughts on the matter.

Masumi Shiraishi
Outside Director

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Specific Measures to Heighten Compliance

“Compliance,” “Communication,” and “Challenge” are identified as areas of emphasis under our Cs for Tomorrow 2018 

management initiative. To heighten awareness for compliance among personnel, we are focusing on the “three actuals” 

of the actual place, actual thing, and actual fact. We believe that the trust of society is earned by having employees go 

to the actual place in person, see the actual thing with their own eyes, and know the actual facts.

Basic principles

The Asahi Kasei Group takes compliance seriously, and fully adheres to laws and regulations that are applicable to each business and 
function, as well as internal company rules. Each employee is also expected to uphold high ethical standards and respect social norms 
throughout the course of business activities.

Actions during the past year

Enhanced framework for risk management and compliance

Enactment of Asahi Kasei Group Basic Regulation for Risk 
Management & Compliance
We newly enacted the Asahi Kasei Group Basic Regulation for Risk 
Management & Compliance to clearly specify basic systems and 
organizations for the central aggregation and administration of all 
matters related to risk management and compliance.

Establishment and composition of Risk Management & 
Compliance Committee
Our previous Corporate Ethics Committee and Risk Management 
Committee were combined into a new Risk Management & 
Compliance Committee chaired by the President of Asahi Kasei 
Corp. The new committee monitors the management of risks and 
the state of compliance throughout the Asahi Kasei Group.

Outline of Asahi Kasei Group Basic Regulation
for Risk Management & Compliance

1. Purpose of the regulation

2. Definition of terms for risk management & compliance

3. Scope of application of the regulation

4. Framework for risk management & compliance

  1)  Designation of Executive Officer for Risk Management & 

Compliance

  2)  Establishment and composition of Risk Management & 

Compliance Committee

  3)  Establishment of Risk Management & Compliance 

Oversight Department/Risk Management & Compliance 
Promotion Departments

  4)  Role of Presidents of SBUs and core operating companies

Framework for risk management & compliance

Board of Directors,
Management Council

Deliberation/decision

Reporting

Risk Management & 
Compliance Committee

(Secretariat)

Instructions/reports

Risk Management & Compliance, 
General Affairs
(Risk Management & 
Compliance Oversight Department)

Coordination

Administrative departments
(Risk Management & 
Compliance Promotion Departments)

  5)  Designation and role of Risk Management & Compliance 

Business units

Supervisors/Risk Management & Compliance Managers

5. The Asahi Kasei Group Code of Conduct

6. Crisis response

7. Internal reporting system

Strategic Business Units

Core Operating Companies

Subsidiaries (worldwide)

Subsidiaries (worldwide)

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Formulation of compliance policy, heightening awareness

Establishment of new Asahi Kasei Group Code of Conduct
For greater ease of understanding among our personnel around 
the world, we fundamentally reviewed the content of our former 
“Corporate Ethics—Basic Policy and Code of Conduct” and adopted 
a new “Asahi Kasei Group Code of Conduct” which is applied 
throughout all companies of the Asahi Kasei Group. In fiscal 2017 we 
distributed a booklet on the new code of conduct to all employees 
in Japan, and disclosed the code of conduct on our public website. 
(Measures to gain understanding and familiarity with the Asahi Kasei 
Group Code of Conduct among subsidiaries and affiliates located 
outside Japan are scheduled to be performed henceforth.)

Efforts for heightened awareness at each workplace
Each workplace in Japan is holding training sessions to review the 
content of the Asahi Kasei Group Code of Conduct. To support 
the consistent and effective implementation of these training 
sessions, we prepared several case studies for employees to easily 
understand how elements of the code of conduct relate to real-
world situations, as well as a supplementary reader that explains 
the content of the code of conduct, with cartoon illustrations.

Outline of the Asahi Kasei Group Code of Conduct

Case studies

1.  Ensuring Safety, Environmental Protection, and High 

1.  Reporting, informing, and/or discussing as fundamental to 

Quality to Contribute to Life and Living

(1) Maintaining Thorough Safety in All Aspects

ensuring thorough safety

2.  What is the first thing you think of when putting priority on 

(2)  Provision of Safe and High-Quality Products and Services that 

Customers Can Rely On

the safety and health of customers?

3. Health management at the workplace

(3)  Thorough Management of Workplace Safety, Ensuring Safe 

4. Environmental standards that were acceptable in the past, but...

and Comfortable Workplace Environments

(4)  Environmental Protection and Harmony with Local 

Communities

5. Dealing with sudden media inquiries

6.  1) Even if good data is obtained... 
2) Although sales are important...

7. Even when the company doesn’t give you instructions...

8. At social gatherings of industry associations...

9.  1) What is optimal procurement? 
2) Offers of gifts from suppliers

10. When enthusiastic instruction may seem dehumanizing...

11. Beware of overdependence on certain individuals!

12.  1) Discretion when speaking in the elevator! 
2) Caution when writing in blogs or SNS

13.  1) Be wary of e-mail from unknown parties! 
2) Carelessness with customer information

14. Carelessness with technological information

15.  Conduct with integrity (part 1) 
Conduct with integrity (part 2)

2.  Maintaining Sincere Relationships with Various Related 

Parties around Us

(5) Timely and Appropriate Disclosure of Information to Society

(6)  Appropriate Descriptions to Customers, Provision of Safe and 

Reliable Products and Services

(7)  Healthy Relationships with Customers and Government 

Officials

(8) Fair Relationships with Competitors

(9)  Optimized Procurement and Healthy and Appropriate 

Relationships with Suppliers

(10) Respect for Human Rights and Diversity

3.  Utilizing Management Assets  
Appropriately and Effectively

(11) Performing Work with Integrity and Responsibility

(12)  Compliance with Accounting and Tax Rules,  

Protecting Company Property

(13) Protecting and Managing Information

(14) Protecting and Respecting Intellectual Property Rights

(15)  Compliance with Laws and Regulations,  

Practicing Corporate Ethics

The Asahi Kasei Group Code of Conduct is available at the following address:
www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/asahi/en/csr/compliance/about_compliance/pdf/about_compliance_01.pdf

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31

Specific Measures to Heighten Compliance

Cartoon illustrations of 
case study examples

Measures for risk management

Reviews to identify latent risks in each business unit
Managers responsible for risk management and compliance are 
designated in each SBU, core operating company, and subsidiary, 
and work to assess and analyze their related risks and to plan and 
implement measures to mitigate serious risks. Through the Risk 
Management & Compliance Committee, we confirm and follow-
up on the state of risk management in each business unit.

Measures applied throughout the Asahi Kasei Group
Prevention of bribery: To prevent the occurrence of any act 
which would constitute bribery, we newly enacted Asahi Kasei 
Group Policies for Prevention of Bribery, including basic policies to 
prohibit bribery and clear procedures to follow to reduce bribery-
related risks.

Protection of personal information: In conformity with the May 
2017 amendment of Japan’s Act on the Protection of Personal 
Information, we revised the Asahi Kasei Group Regulation for 
Management of Personal Information as necessary. Related depart-
ments were informed of the changes and new measures required.

Prevention of insider trading: In March 2017, an employee of 
a subsidiary was fined by Japan’s Financial Services Agency for 
insider trading. Taking this matter very seriously, we revised the 
Asahi Kasei Group Regulation for Prevention of Insider Trading to 
prevent any recurrence. Since July 2017, the revised regulation 
requires advance notification of share trading by employees, 
and prohibits share trading by employees prior to earnings 
announcements. 

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Feature 3: Global Executives Interviews

Asahi Kasei acquired acute critical care device manufacturer ZOLL in 2012 and battery separator man-

ufacturer Polypore in 2015 for a combined total of some $4.4 billion. While ZOLL retained its manage-

ment team after the acquisition, new leadership was installed at Polypore. In these interviews, leaders 

of the two companies share their thoughts on the PMI process and other management challenges.

ZOLL

How do you evaluate the post-merger integration (PMI) pro-
cess between Asahi Kasei and ZOLL?

The process of PMI went smoothly, I think mostly because of the flexibility that Asahi Kasei 
showed. ZOLL and Asahi Kasei have very different kinds of business, so we had to learn a lot 
about one another’s ways of working. Asahi Kasei’s PMI team really allowed the ZOLL people 
to help define what would work for ZOLL in the long term for continuous growth. It’s a good 
example of what I found to be the Japanese way of making a plan after first scrutinizing condi-
tions; different from the American way of taking action first and thinking about it later. 

Compensation was another area where Asahi Kasei showed flexibility. Knowing there 
are big differences between the American and Japanese systems, Asahi Kasei contracted an 
American compensation consulting firm to analyze what kind of incentives would be best 
for ZOLL. The firm concluded that in order to achieve retention, ZOLL people should be 
compensated in a different manner. But I told Asahi Kasei it wasn’t necessary. ZOLL already had 
an effective compensation system that kept people satisfied, with a low turnover rate. Asahi 
Kasei flexibly adopted our opinion and trusted us more than the consulting firm, and the result 
was excellent. 
  When it comes to flexibility, I believe we owe a lot to the leadership of Fujiwara-san, the 
President of Asahi Kasei at the time. He and I had many discussions about how to integrate our 
companies. He always said that the key to success would be to retain the ZOLL people, since 
Asahi Kasei couldn’t grow the business without them. I really appreciate his vision, giving us 
flexibility to manage the business after the merger as well. 

Richard Packer
Chairman, Board Director,
ZOLL Medical Corporation
Primary Executive Officer, 
Asahi Kasei Corp.

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Feature 3: Global Executives Interviews

Did you find any shortcomings of Asahi Kasei?

In my view, some top management people may not really want to take bold actions for 
growth. They tend to seek stability. I believe that seeking growth provides greater potential to 
increase business opportunities, and ZOLL is always doing so. Like most American companies, 
we don’t want to just be stable. The younger people in Asahi Kasei understand the need for 
growth and are eager for it, but some of the senior people don’t give me that impression. I’m 
not saying we should always take high risks aiming for high rewards. The point is striking a 
balance between risk and reward. It’s good to gain a degree of stability by having diversified 
operations, but we can’t expect any growth at all without taking any risk. 

Why do you think some senior people place too much 
emphasis on stability?

It may because of the Japanese system of lifetime employment and seniority. This functioned 
very well during the period of high growth until the 1990s. But past success can be an 
impediment to change. In effect, younger people are prevented from getting into positions 
of responsibility early in their career. If people don’t join the management ranks until they are 
near retirement, it’s natural that they would tend to value stability. They don’t want to hurt 
the business during their tenure, and they can’t expect to stay long enough to follow through 
on something new. If people joined the management ranks at a younger age, knowing they 
had 10 or 20 years ahead of them, they would be more ambitious in taking risks to expand 
their business. When I took responsibility for ZOLL, I was the youngest of the top executives; 
others were more than 10 years older than I. I looked for ways to grow the business, knowing 
the risks entailed, but I knew I had years ahead of me to make it work if I made a mistake. In 
the United States, we have a way to fast-track young personnel, moving younger people into 
management earlier and giving them responsibility for growing their business. I know this may 
cause friction because some people are skipped over, and some younger people receive more 
compensation than their seniors. But I believe that it is important to utilize talented young 
people this way. A diversity in age is also beneficial because the more experienced people can 
serve as mentors to the younger leaders, and they can reinforce one another effectively.

Packer together with Taketsugu Fujiwara, 
President of Asahi Kasei at the time of the 
acquisition in 2012

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35

You said growth creates opportunities. What is needed for 
Asahi Kasei to grow more? 

I think growth provides opportunities and solves various problems. Having worked at Asahi 
Kasei for five years, I really appreciate our corporate culture, I know we have outstanding 
people, and I understand how much they care about the company. Also, I have seen that we 
can be very flexible. So I think we already have the foundation for further success, but that 
alone is not enough. We need to build on that foundation by utilizing not only people of 
various ages but also local people in various locations. By flexibly utilizing a more diverse range 
of people, Asahi Kasei can build on its strengths toward further growth. I believe this can also 
establish Asahi Kasei’s competitive advantage ahead of other Japanese companies in the midst 
of globalization. In that sense, utilizing diversity of personnel becomes all the more important. 
Looking back on the 25 years I’ve been involved in the management of ZOLL, we have 
always utilized people of various nationalities. We leverage local people in the management 
of our operations around the world. For example, a German person runs our business in 
Germany, and a British person runs our British business. We deliberately involve local people in 
the management at each location rather than sending an American person, and it has worked 
well for us. Unfortunately, we have not been as successful with diversity of gender, as we do 
not have enough women in high executive positions. We need to do better in this area. 

Finally, could you tell us about the mission of the acute critical 
care business?

I remember when I first met people from Asahi Kasei. They were fascinated by the mission 
of ZOLL. Here was this medical equipment that could save a life in danger, and a company 
that saw its mission as saving lives by providing the right products. On the other hand, I was 
fascinated by the fact that Asahi Kasei, a 100-year-old company with $20 billion in sales mainly 
in chemicals, had a mission of contributing to healthy living and longevity. You would rarely 
see that attitude in an American company. Asahi Kasei sincerely held protecting life to be one 
of its core values, which aligned perfectly with ZOLL’s aims. Our relationship was cemented by 
sharing the same mission. Since the merger, ZOLL’s growth has accelerated and our products 
save many more lives than before. Together with Asahi Kasei, ZOLL will continue to expand as 
we fulfill our unchanging mission of saving lives.

The LifeVest™ wearable defibrillator

The ZOLL AED Plus™ automated external 
defibrillator

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Feature 3: Global Executives Interviews

Polypore

What is the key to expanding your business?

The operating environment for Polypore is changing very rapidly. As electric drive vehicles 
become more widespread, battery performance is improving tremendously. Performance 
requirements for battery separators are constantly on the rise. We need to meet these changes 
while maintaining high quality and stable supply. The key is adapting to rapid change. The 
management team must clearly discern the changes, and swiftly act accordingly.

What measures have you taken to adapt to changes?

During the post-merger integration (PMI) process, we overhauled the management team. 
After the acquisition, a new kind of leadership was required for Polypore. Previously, skillful 
explanation was required in order to raise funds from the capital markets. As part of Asahi 
Kasei, however, this became unnecessary. Rather, swift actions toward growth while integrat-
ing our businesses together and adapting to rapid changes became essential. The previous 
management team was ill suited to the new tasks. The eight members of the current team 
are a diverse group, including three women and several nationalities—Japanese, American, 
German, and Chinese. This team is nimble enough to adapt our strategy on a monthly basis, 
yet adhere firmly to a long-term growth perspective. It is also able to gain the understanding 
of personnel as we busily work toward further growth.

How do you evaluate the support you’ve received from 
Asahi Kasei?

The battery separator business is probably the most dynamically changing business in Asahi 
Kasei. The company understands that. Investment decisions are made swiftly and flexibly with 
sufficient consideration for economics and safety. A delay in judgment would be devastating 
for this business. I am extremely grateful that Asahi Kasei acts promptly and appropriately to 
respond to changes in the operating environment and meet customer needs.

How do you keep personnel motivated in such a rapidly 
changing operating environment?

Maintaining employee motivation is absolutely vital. Among brain scientists, there is a theory 
that people naturally fear change, and to maintain a balance people also need an equivalent 
degree of stability. I feel that the company’s vision can serve as the needed source of stability. 
While people work hard every day on new developments and quality improvements to meet 
customer needs, the company’s vision remains an unchanging beacon to continuously strive 
toward. For example, consider Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla. He is also CEO of SpaceX, which 
develops rockets. His vision is for the rockets to be used to move 50,000 people to Mars in 
the near future. I understand that a sense of urgency regarding the world’s energy issues and 
a grand vision are what motivate his employees. Polypore is also involved in solutions to the 
world’s energy challenges. I would like to craft a clear vision that enables all our employees to 
share the same aim. 

I also think it’s important to enjoy change. Sometimes it’s necessary to go beyond 
your own boundaries. In the United States, there tends to be clear recognition of personal 

Shigeki Takayama
CEO, Polypore International, LP
Senior Executive Officer, 
Asahi Kasei Corp.

Celgard™ lithium-ion battery separator

Takayama gives his first briefing to Polypore and 
Celgard employees after the acquisition

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At the opening ceremony of a new plant for 
Daramic™ in Gujarat, India

Daramic™ lead-acid battery separator

performance, and so boundaries of responsibility are clearly delineated. At Asahi Kasei, though, 
people often work beyond their boundaries. This is one aspect of taking on challenges, which 
is one of our Group Values. Motivation for work comes not only from monetary remuneration. 
Even in the United States, “fun” is recently seen as an important factor. If the company encour-
ages people to proactively reach beyond their own area, we can foster a culture that values 
fun. I hope we can get Polypore personnel to begin doing this, and our management team is 
now advancing discussions on how to do so.

Globalization requires appropriate response to various 
changes. What do you consider to be important points?

The first is to have high-level administrative functions such as legal, HR, and IT. Polypore 
operates globally, with manufacturing sites around the world. They have rich knowledge and 
experience in various regions. I think the Asahi Kasei Group would benefit from leveraging 
such functions. For instance, if one of our businesses is going into a region where Polypore is 
already operating, Polypore’s knowledge of legal procedures, HR systems, and IT infrastructure 
can be very helpful. Also, we have 10 group companies in the United States including ZOLL 
and Polypore. Polypore has a highly advanced IT infrastructure which could be used to support 
other operations as well.

The second important point is hiring outstanding local personnel in each location. For 

example, when we built a new Daramic™ plant in India, an excellent local employee led the 
project for us. Everything went very smoothly. The local managers and engineers we’ve hired 
in each location are fluent in English and help us think hard about the business. Retaining 
highly capable local personnel is extremely important. Polypore has a global HR network, and 
is able to contact appropriate outside people as required. It would be valuable for the Asahi 
Kasei Group to make use of this function.

Thirdly is outstanding communication. I have a telephone conference with around 100 
global leaders every three months. In these quarterly conferences, I discuss the state of busi-
ness, progress on achieving our budget, and what our challenges are. The participants have 
various nationalities and different native languages, so we try to make sure the documents 
are written in plain English. We are also careful about the sequence of the documents to be 
discussed. Arranging each conference requires careful coordination so as to avoid a time 
that falls on a holiday for any of the participants. We have a very capable communications 
team that arranges the conferences and prepares the documents. Effective communication 
is essential for smooth decision-making among our global leaders, and to advance the overall 
management of a global organization.

What is the significance of your business?

Our business makes an important contribution to solutions to the world’s fossil-fuel challenges. 
We have the potential to reshape the history of energy. It is a wonderful business that employ-
ees can tell their families about with pride. I’d like to channel this into motivation to work 
diligently for the growth of the business. Put simply, our product is a polyolefin film. But as 
part of a battery, it is an essential component that ensures safety and performance. More and 
more electric drive vehicles are on the road. Soon there will be a million, then two million. Our 
product plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of those vehicles. We can never compromise 
on the safety and quality of our products. We will continue to contribute to a society of clean 
environmental energy, providing safety that no competitor can match as we create new value 
for society.

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Financial and Non-Financial Highlights

For the years ended March 31

Net sales

Domestic sales
Overseas sales
Operating income
Ordinary income
Income before income taxes
Net income attributable to owners of the parent
Comprehensive income
Net income per share, yen
Capital expenditure
Depreciation and amortization
R&D expenditures
Cash dividends per share, yen

As of March 31

Total assets

Inventories
Property, plant and equipment
Investments and other assets

Net wortha
Net worth per share, yen
Net worth/total assets, %
Number of employees

2017

¥1,882,991
1,226,633
656,358
159,229
160,633
157,388
115,000
138,979
82.34
90,573
91,387
79,566
24.00

2017

¥2,254,500
346,682
556,881
340,302
1,151,344
824.36
51.1
33,720

2016

¥1,940,914
1,261,203
679,711
165,203
161,370
146,389
91,754
(11,925)
65.69
99,000
93,811
81,118
20.00

2016

¥2,211,729
336,743
555,989
305,140
1,041,901
745.94
47.1
32,821

2015

¥1,986,405
1,313,128
673,277
157,933
166,543
158,440
105,652
214,484
75.62
89,108
86,058
75,540
19.00

2015

¥2,014,531
339,677
502,507
334,368
1,082,654
775.05
53.7
30,313

2014

¥1,897,766
1,289,054
608,712
143,347
142,865
163,860
101,296
146,102
72.48
92,397
86,052
71,101
17.00

2014

¥1,915,089
328,540
480,535
285,735
912,699
653.15
47.7
29,127

a Net assets less non-controlling interests.
b  In the year ended March 31, 2012, the accounting policy for naphtha resale was changed to exclude naphtha resale amount from net sales. This change is applied retroactively  

from the year ended March 31, 2008, through the year ended March 31, 2011.

Net sales1

Operating income2

1,897.8

1,986.4

1,940.9

1,883.0

1,666.6

(¥ billion)

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

143.3

157.9

165.2

159.2

(¥ billion)

250

200

150

100

50

0

-50

92.0

2013

¥1,666,640

1,181,429

485,211

91,960

95,125

82,302

53,712

117,515

38.43

113,785

80,050

71,120

14.00

309,677

461,581

263,704

812,080

581.05

45.1

28,363

2012

¥1,573,230

1,151,705

421,525

104,258

107,567

94,866

55,766

62,561

39.89

85,124

78,440

66,269

14.00

279,206

416,119

227,489

706,846

505.72

50.1

25,409

2011b

¥1,555,945

1,106,656

449,289

122,927

118,219

98,342

60,288

45,088

43.11

66,014

84,092

62,320

11.00

256,248

418,354

220,773

663,566

474.59

46.5

25,016

2010b

¥1,392,212

1,021,803

370,409

2009b

¥1,521,178

1,127,213

393,965

Millions of yen, except where noted

2008b

¥1,663,778

1,176,441

2007

¥1,623,791

1,195,751

57,622

56,367

46,056

25,286

—

18.08

83,990

86,166

62,924

10.00

251,084

447,497

226,331

633,343

452.91

46.3

25,085

34,959

32,500

19,031

4,745

—

3.39

126,725

79,436

60,849

10.00

273,539

441,271

218,477

603,846

431.77

43.8

24,244

487,337

127,656

120,456

105,599

69,945

—

50.01

82,911

73,983

56,170

13.00

272,372

424,193

234,873

666,244

476.39

46.7

23,854

428,040

127,801

126,507

114,883

68,575

—

49.00

84,413

71,646

52,426

12.00

240,006

426,959

281,502

645,655

461.50

44.2

23,715

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

¥1,800,170

¥1,410,568

¥1,425,879

¥1,368,892

¥1,379,337

¥1,425,367

¥1,459,922

'12

'13

'14

Fibers
Health Care

Chemicals
Critical Care

Electronics
Others

Homes

'15
Construction Materials

'16

(FY)

'12

'13

'14

Fibers
Health Care

Chemicals
Critical Care

Electronics
Others

'15
Construction Materials

'16

Homes
Corporate expenses and eliminations, etc.

(FY)

Net income attributable to owners of the parent, ROE

Interest-bearing debt, D/E ratio

(¥ billion)

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

101.3

105.7

91.8

115.0

53.7

7.1

11.7

10.6

10.5

8.6

(%)

24

20

16

12

8

4

0

(¥ billion)

500

400

300

200

100

0

381.4

0.47

449.7

402.8

303.9

269.0

0.33

0.25

0.43

0.35

'13
Net income attributable to owners of the parent (left scale)

'12

'14

'15

'16
ROE (right scale)

(FY)

'13
Interest-bearing debt (left scale)

'12

'14

'15
D/E ratio (right scale)

'16

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0

(FY)

1  In FY2016, the four segments of Chemicals & Fibers, Homes & Construction 
Materials, Electronics, and Health Care were changed to the three segments of 
Material, Homes, and Health Care. Some businesses were reclassified among 
segments at the same time. For comparison, FY2015 results have been recalculated 
according to the new classifications.

38

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

2  Amortization of goodwill, etc., related to acquisition of ZOLL and Polypore are 
excluded from Critical Care and Electronics, respectively, and included in  
“Corporate expenses and eliminations, etc.”

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

39

Income before income taxes

Net income attributable to owners of the parent

For the years ended March 31

Net sales

Domestic sales

Overseas sales

Operating income

Ordinary income

Comprehensive income

Net income per share, yen

Capital expenditure

Depreciation and amortization

R&D expenditures

Cash dividends per share, yen

As of March 31

Total assets

Inventories

Property, plant and equipment

Investments and other assets

Net wortha

Net worth per share, yen

Net worth/total assets, %

Number of employees

a Net assets less non-controlling interests.

2017

¥1,882,991

1,226,633

2016

¥1,940,914

1,261,203

2015

¥1,986,405

1,313,128

2014

¥1,897,766

1,289,054

656,358

159,229

160,633

157,388

115,000

138,979

82.34

90,573

91,387

79,566

24.00

346,682

556,881

340,302

824.36

51.1

33,720

679,711

165,203

161,370

146,389

91,754

(11,925)

65.69

99,000

93,811

81,118

20.00

336,743

555,989

305,140

745.94

47.1

32,821

673,277

157,933

166,543

158,440

105,652

214,484

75.62

89,108

86,058

75,540

19.00

339,677

502,507

334,368

1,082,654

775.05

53.7

30,313

1,151,344

1,041,901

608,712

143,347

142,865

163,860

101,296

146,102

72.48

92,397

86,052

71,101

17.00

328,540

480,535

285,735

912,699

653.15

47.7

29,127

2017

2016

2015

2014

¥2,254,500

¥2,211,729

¥2,014,531

¥1,915,089

b  In the year ended March 31, 2012, the accounting policy for naphtha resale was changed to exclude naphtha resale amount from net sales. This change is applied retroactively  

from the year ended March 31, 2008, through the year ended March 31, 2011.

38

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

2013

¥1,666,640
1,181,429
485,211
91,960
95,125
82,302
53,712
117,515
38.43
113,785
80,050
71,120
14.00

2013

¥1,800,170
309,677
461,581
263,704
812,080
581.05
45.1
28,363

2012

¥1,573,230
1,151,705
421,525
104,258
107,567
94,866
55,766
62,561
39.89
85,124
78,440
66,269
14.00

2012

¥1,410,568
279,206
416,119
227,489
706,846
505.72
50.1
25,409

Millions of yen, except where noted

2011b

¥1,555,945
1,106,656
449,289
122,927
118,219
98,342
60,288
45,088
43.11
66,014
84,092
62,320
11.00

2011

¥1,425,879
256,248
418,354
220,773
663,566
474.59
46.5
25,016

2010b

¥1,392,212
1,021,803
370,409
57,622
56,367
46,056
25,286
—
18.08
83,990
86,166
62,924
10.00

2010

¥1,368,892
251,084
447,497
226,331
633,343
452.91
46.3
25,085

2009b

¥1,521,178
1,127,213
393,965
34,959
32,500
19,031
4,745
—
3.39
126,725
79,436
60,849
10.00

2009

¥1,379,337
273,539
441,271
218,477
603,846
431.77
43.8
24,244

2008b

¥1,663,778
1,176,441
487,337
127,656
120,456
105,599
69,945
—
50.01
82,911
73,983
56,170
13.00

2008

¥1,425,367
272,372
424,193
234,873
666,244
476.39
46.7
23,854

2007

¥1,623,791
1,195,751
428,040
127,801
126,507
114,883
68,575
—
49.00
84,413
71,646
52,426
12.00

2007

¥1,459,922
240,006
426,959
281,502
645,655
461.50
44.2
23,715

Environmental and safety investment

Greenhouse gas emissions from production processes

(¥ billion)

(million tons CO2 equivalent)

7.88

5.20

5.38

3.80

3.90

8

6

4

2

0

5

4

3

2

1

0

4.11

4.17

4.06

3.84

3.03

'12
Environmental investment

'13

'14

'15

'16

(FY)

Safety investment

'12
Carbon dioxide
Sulfur hexafluoride

'13

Nitrous oxide

'14
Methane

'15

'16

(FY)

HFCs

PFCs

Number of women working as managers3

Employees using parental leave4

370

410

500

534

454

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

454

468

457

556

582

'13/6

'14/6

'15/6

'16/6

'17/6

3  Results as of June 30 each year for personnel employed by Asahi Kasei Corp., 
Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corp., Asahi Kasei Homes Corp., Asahi Kasei Construction 
Materials Corp., Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp., and Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd. (Asahi 
Kasei Chemicals Corp., Asahi Kasei Fibers Corp., and Asahi Kasei E-materials Corp. 
included in FY2015 and earlier).

Women

'12
Men

'13

'14

'15

'16

(FY)

4  Results for personnel employed by Asahi Kasei Corp., Asahi Kasei Microdevices 
Corp., Asahi Kasei Homes Corp., Asahi Kasei Construction Materials Corp., Asahi Kasei 
Pharma Corp., and Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd. (Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corp., Asahi 
Kasei Fibers Corp., and Asahi Kasei E-materials Corp. included in FY2015 and earlier).

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

39

At a Glance

The Asahi Kasei Group operates business in the 
three sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. 
The “Cs for Tomorrow 2018” medium-term man-
agement initiative is focused on raising corporate 
value through optimal allocation of management 
resources across the three sectors.

Business sector

Material

FY2017 net sales and operating income*

Net sales and operating income are forecasted to increase in all 
three sectors.

Health Care

14.8 %

Homes

32.8 %

FY2017
Net sales

(planned)
¥1,990 billion

Material

52.4 %

Homes

Health Care

18.7 %

FY2017
Operating income

(planned)
¥165 billion

Homes

33.9 %

Material

47.4 %

Health Care

* Original forecast announced on May 11, 2017.
Note:  Percentages shown exclude “Others” category and “corporate expenses and 

eliminations.”

40

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

41

FY2017 forecast 

Business units

Major products

Net sales

  ¥ 1,033.0 billion

Operating income

¥ 90.0 billion

Net sales

¥ 647.0 billion

Operating income

¥ 64.5 billion

● Asahi Kasei Corp.
● Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corp.

 Fibers & Textiles SBU
 Petrochemicals SBU
 Performance Polymers SBU
 Performance Materials SBU
 Consumables SBU
 Separators SBU
  Asahi Kasei Microdevices 
Corp. (electronic devices)

● Asahi Kasei Homes Corp.
●  Asahi Kasei Construction 

Materials Corp.

Hipore™ lithium-ion battery  
(LIB) separator

Membrane-process 
ion-exchange plant

Acrylonitrile plant

Lamous™ microfiber suede

 Homes
 Construction Materials

Hebel Haus™

Atlas™ condominiums

Hebel Building™ System

Neoma Foam™ phenolic foam  
insulation panels

● Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp.
● Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd.
● ZOLL Medical Corporation

 Pharmaceuticals
 Medical Care
 Acute Critical Care

Net sales

¥ 291.0 billion

Operating income

¥ 35.5 billion

Pharmaceutical products

Planova™ virus removal  
filter

ZOLL AED Plus™ 
automated external 
defibrillator

LifeVest™ wearable defibrillator

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

41

40

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

 
 
 
 
 
Operating Segments

Material

From unique fiber materials to petrochemicals and synthetic resins, and from 
consumables such as Saran Wrap™ cling film to battery separators and electronic 
devices such as LSIs and sensors, our high value-added product portfolio is 
expanding on a global scale, contributing to a better future through unrivaled 
technologies.

■ Sales composition

52.3 %

  Operating income 
composition

46.8 %

Hideki Kobori
Executive Officer  
for Material business sector
President & Representative Director, 
Presidential Executive Officer,  
Asahi Kasei Corp.

Fiscal 
2016

Not including “Others” category and 
corporate expenses and eliminations.

Main products

Highl ight s

Net sales & operating income

977.9

88.5

1,033.0

90.0

(¥ billion)
1,200

900

600

300

0

'16

'17*
(forecast)

Net sales (left scale)

Operating income (right scale)

(¥ billion)
120

90

60

30

0

(FY)

*  Beginning with FY2017, the Energy Division, which was 

formerly included in Others, is reclassified into the Material 
segment. FY2016 figures are recalculated in accordance 
with the new classification.

■ Bemberg™ cupro fiber 
■ Roica™ premium stretch fiber 
■ Spunbond nonwovens
■ Leona™ nylon 66 filament 
■ Acrylonitrile (AN)
■ Styrene
■ Polyethylene (PE)
■ Engineering plastics
■ Synthetic rubber
■  Microza™ hollow-fiber filtration 

membranes

■ Ion-exchange membranes
■ Ceolus™ microcrystalline cellulose
■ Saran Wrap™ cling film
■ Sunfort™ photosensitive dry film 
■  Hipore™ and Celgard™ Li-ion battery 

separators

■ Daramic™ lead-acid battery separator
■ Mixed-signal LSIs 
■ Hall elements

•  Launch of Klaran™ UVC LEDs for 
disinfection

With light emission in the vicinity of 265 nm—the 
wavelength most effective for disinfection—and 
featuring high output with a small footprint, 
Klaran™ affords unprecedented flexibility in the 
design of disinfection products and systems. A 
wide range of applications is expected to include 
healthcare, home electronics, and various other 
fields where UVC disinfection of water, air, and 
surfaces had previously been impractical.
•   Capacity expansion for Hipore™ 
LIB separator

With increasing demand for hybrid-electric and all-
electric vehicles worldwide, the lithium-ion battery 
(LIB) market is forecasted to grow substantially in 
automotive applications, in addition to applica-
tions for consumer electronics. Capacity expansion 
at the plant in Moriyama, Shiga, will further 
reinforce our capability to provide stable supply to 
meet rising global demand for LIB separators.

42

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

43

Fibers and Textiles

Q

A

Please tell us about your proactive investments for growth and the earnings contribution of each business, 
as well as the outlook for fiscal 2017.

Sales and operating income decreased in fiscal 2016 with the impact of the stronger yen. We aim to 
increase sales and operating income in fiscal 2017 by leveraging the investments we made for growth.

Although shipments were firm in fiscal 2016, sales and operating 
income decreased with the impact of the stronger yen. Demand 
for Bemberg™ cupro fiber continues to grow as material for 
ethnic garments in India and Pakistan as well as functional 
innerwear. Sales of Lamous™ microfiber suede are expanding in 
automotive interior applications. Recent expansions of production 

capacity—for Bemliese™ continuous-filament cellulose nonwoven 
to meet growing demand in facial masks, and for Leona™ nylon 66 
filament to meet growing demand in air bags—are contributing 
to increased earnings. 
  We forecast firm demand for each product in fiscal 2017, with 
recent capacity expansions expected to enable further growth. 

Chemicals

Q

A

You reported lower sales but increased operating income for the Chemicals business in fiscal 2016. What is 
the current situation and future outlook for petrochemicals, synthetic rubber, and engineering plastics?

Sales decreased and operating income increased in fiscal 2016 as the stronger yen impacted 
each product category and terms of trade for acrylonitrile (AN) improved. We forecast increased 
shipments of each product in 2017 while a scheduled maintenance turnaround of the naphtha 
cracker will have a negative impact, resulting in higher sales and lower operating income.

Petrochemicals sales decreased in fiscal 2016 with lower ship-
ments of styrene following the strengthening of petrochemical 
operations in Japan, but operating income increased with 
improved terms of trade for AN. In performance polymers, 
sales increased with growing shipments of synthetic rubber for 
fuel-efficient tires and engineering plastics, but operating income 
decreased due to the impact of the stronger yen. 
  We forecast higher sales in fiscal 2017 with further growth in 
synthetic rubber for fuel-efficient tires and engineering plastics, 

but lower operating income as an effect of a maintenance turn-
around scheduled at the naphtha cracker of Asahi Kasei Mitsubishi 
Chemical Ethylene Corp. in Mizushima, Okayama, Japan.

In July 2017 we decided to increase production capacity 
of our plant in Singapore for synthetic rubber for fuel-efficient 
tires to meet rapidly growing demand against a background of 
greater motorization in emerging markets and more stringent 
environmental regulations around the world.

Electronics

Q

A

How did separators and electronic devices perform in fiscal 2016, and what is your outlook moving 
forward?

Sales grew with strong shipments of each product in fiscal 2016, but operating income decreased as an 
effect of the stronger yen and amortization of goodwill related to the acquisition of Polypore. We forecast 
higher sales and operating income in fiscal 2017 with further shipment growth for each product.

Fiscal 2016 separators sales increased with greater shipments 
across the board and a full-year contribution from Polypore which 
we acquired in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, but operating 
income decreased with the impact of the stronger yen and amor-
tization of goodwill related to the Polypore acquisition. We have 
decided to increase production capacity for Hipore™ lithium-ion 
battery (LIB) separator to meet brisk demand growth in automo-
tive applications, including hybrid-electric and all-electric vehicles. 

We plan to make further proactive expansions of our LIB separator 
supply infrastructure, raising our capacity to 1.1 billion m2/year 
by 2020. Both sales and operating income for electronic devices 
increased in fiscal 2016, despite the impact of the stronger yen, 
with growing shipments of audio devices for smartphones.
  We forecast higher sales and operating income in fiscal 2017 
with increased shipments of both separators and electronic 
devices.

42

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

43

 
Operating Segments

Homes

Fumitoshi Kawabata
Executive Officer  
for Homes business sector
Senior Executive Officer, Asahi Kasei Corp.
President & Representative Director,  
Asahi Kasei Homes Corp.

With our homes business that provides high-quality products and services for 
Long Life Homes that maintain high customer satisfaction that lasts more than 
half a century, and our construction materials business that provides innovative 
and original high value-added products, we set the stage for a rich and fulfilling 
lifestyle. 

■ Sales composition

33.2 %

  Operating income 
composition

35.5 %

Fiscal 
2016

Net sales & operating income

(¥ billion)
800

600

400

200

0

619.0

64.1

647.0

64.5

(¥ billion)
100

75

50

25

0

Not including “Others” category and 
corporate expenses and eliminations.

'16

'17
(forecast)

Net sales (left scale)

Operating income (right scale)

Main products

Highl ight s

■ Hebel Haus™ unit homes
■ Hebel Maison™ apartment buildings
■ Atlas™ condominiums
■  Hebel Rooms™ apartment rental 

network
■ Remodeling
■ Mortgage financing
■ Hebel™ AAC panels
■  Neoma Foam™ phenolic foam  

insulation panels
■ Foundation systems
■ Structural systems and components 

•  Launch of Hebel Building™ System
Asahi Kasei Homes launched the sale of its Hebel 
Building™ System enabling higher quality, higher 
precision construction of medium-rise buildings by 
using systematic manufacturing techniques, devel-
oped mainly targeting 4–6 story buildings with space 
for commercial use on upper floors. By leveraging 
the company’s core technology for heavy-frame steel 
structures as well as the manufacturing and construc-
tion systems of the Hebel Haus Frex™, the new system 
enables the construction of buildings up to 8 stories 
while maintaining high quality and precision. It also 
affords exceptional flexibility in design, with ceiling 
height ranging from 2.8 to 3.5 m, suitable for com-
mercial purposes.

•  Launch of Comfortable Space Laboratory™
Asahi Kasei Construction Materials launched its Comfortable Space Laboratory™ in Sakai, 
Ibaraki, Japan, as a facility to exhibit and allow visitors to experience the outstanding 
thermal insulation performance of Neoma Foam™ panels. The laboratory will serve as 
a venue to raise public awareness on the importance of the thermal environment and 
insulation performance, as well as the quality of Neoma Foam™ products.

44

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

45

Homes

Q

A

How did your homes business perform in fiscal 2016, and how is the trend for home orders? 

Both sales and operating income decreased in fiscal 2016 with lower deliveries of order-built homes. After 
the full resumption of advertising, however, orders recovered to the same level as in the previous year.

Deliveries of Hebel Haus™ unit homes and Hebel Maison™ 
apartment buildings decreased reflecting a decline in orders 
received in fiscal 2015, and advertising expenses increased. Labor 
costs increased for remodeling operations, while real estate 
operations grew in line with an increased number of rental units 
under management. For homes overall, both sales and operating 
income decreased. 

After the full resumption of advertising in May 2016, home 
orders recovered to the previous year’s level and increased by 
+0.1% for the full year. To gain further growth in orders, we held 
an “Outdoor Living Fair” to showcase how the rooftop of Hebel 
Haus™ homes can be filled with enjoyable greenery and nature 
even while generating electricity. We also expanded the market-
ing area for Hebel Maison™ apartment buildings with features that 
enrich the living environment for tenants with dogs and cats.

Medium-rise built with the Hebel 
Building™ System

Hebel Maison Boriki™

Construction Materials

Q

A

Please tell us about the situation in fiscal 2016, and prospects for the future.

Both sales and operating income decreased in fiscal 2016 with lower shipments of autoclaved 
aerated concrete (AAC) panels and foundation systems. Although feedstock costs are expected to 
increase, fiscal 2017 operating income is forecasted to be even with the previous year thanks to 
increased shipments of Neoma Foam™ high-performance foam insulation panels.

Fiscal 2016 shipments of Neoma Foam™ grew mainly for use in 
wood-frame houses, but shipments of foundation systems and 
Hebel™ AAC panels declined. Both sales and operating income 
decreased for construction materials overall. 

Although demand related to construction projects in 

preparation for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics is anticipated 
to begin materializing around the middle of fiscal 2017, the 
business environment for construction materials is expected to be 
challenging with stagnating demand related to construction of 
rental homes and rising transportation costs. We forecast sales to 
increase and net income to be on the same level as the previous 
year with shipment growth mainly in Neoma Foam™ insulation 
panels.

Neoma Foam™ phenolic foam 
insulation panels

Comfortable Space 
Laboratory™

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

45

44

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

 
 
Operating Segments

Health Care

We contribute to advanced medical care around the world with world-class 
drugs in the fields of orthopedics, critical/intensive care, and the immune 
system; blood purification devices for chronic and acute renal failure, and various 
intractable diseases; and products for the manufacturing process of biophar-
maceuticals and other new drugs. Our life-saving products in the field of acute 
critical care include AEDs, defibrillators for professional use, and intravascular 
temperature management systems.

■ Sales composition

14.5 %

  Operating income 
composition

17.7 %

Net sales & operating income

(¥ billion)
300

270.1

291.0

(¥ billion)
60

200

100

0

31.9

35.5

40

20

0

'16

'17
(forecast)

Net sales (left scale)

Operating income (right scale)

Fiscal 
2016

Not including “Others” category and 
corporate expenses and eliminations.

Highl ight s

•  Japanese approval of Reclast® for 
intravenous infusion 5 mg*

Asahi Kasei Pharma obtained approval for the sale of 
Reclast® for intravenous (i.v.) infusion 5 mg in Japan 
for the treatment of osteoporosis. Reclast® is an 
osteoporosis drug capable of a year-long treatment 
with intravenous administration one time each year.

*  Reclast® is a bisphosphonate developed by Novartis Pharma 
AG and was first approved in 2007 in the US and EU followed 
by approval in over 115 countries worldwide. Reclast® is a 
trademark of Novartis Pharma AG.

•  New spinning plant for  
Planova™ BioEX filters

Asahi Kasei Medical constructed a new plant 
for the spinning of hollow-fiber membranes for 
Planova™ BioEX virus removal filters at its Planova 
Oita Plant in Oita, Japan. Incorporating hydro-
philic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hollow-fiber 
membranes, Planova™ BioEX virus removal filters are used in the production process for 
biotherapeutic products such as biopharmaceuticals and plasma derivatives. The hollow-
fiber membranes produced at the new spinning plant will be used in the assembly of 
Planova™ BioEX filters at plants in Oita and Nobeoka.

Yutaka Shibata
Executive Officer  
for Health Care business sector (joint)
Primary Executive Officer, Asahi Kasei Corp.
President & Representative Director,  
Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp.

Richard Packer
Executive Officer  
for Health Care business sector (joint)
Primary Executive Officer, Asahi Kasei Corp.
Chairman & Board Director,  
ZOLL Medical Corporation

Main products

■ Teribone™ osteoporosis drug
■ Recomodulin™ anticoagulant
■  APS™ polysulfone-membrane 

dialyzers

■ Therapeutic apheresis devices
■ Planova™ virus removal filters
■ Defibrillators for professional use
■ LifeVest™ wearable defibrillator
■  AED Plus™ automated external 

defibrillator

■  Thermogard System™ temperature 

management system

46

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47

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Care

Q

A

Please tell us about fiscal 2016 results and the fiscal 2017 forecast for the pharmaceuticals and medical care 
businesses.

Net sales and operating income decreased in fiscal 2016 with reduced reimbursement prices and 
competition from generics. We are forecasting both sales and operating income to increase in fiscal 
2017 with increased shipments of Teribone™ osteoporosis drug and Planova™ virus removal filters.

Medical care products

Although shipments of Teribone™ osteoporosis drug and 
Recomodulin™ thrombomodulin increased, fiscal 2016 sales and 
operating income from pharmaceuticals decreased with the impact 
of reduced reimbursement prices, including repricing of Teribone™ 
for market expansion, and the impact of competition from generics 
on Flivas™ agent for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. 
Although shipments of Planova™ virus removal filters increased, 
sales and operating income from medical care decreased with the 
impact of the stronger yen and the impact of reduced reimburse-
ment prices for dialysis-related products in Japan. 

In fiscal 2017, in pharmaceuticals operations we expect 
increased R&D expenses related to the development of an auto-
injection formulation of Teribone™ and a further impact on Flivas™ 
due to competition from generics, but increased shipments of 
Teribone™ following approval to extend the maximum duration 
of treatment. In medical care operations we expect firm sales 
centering on Planova™. Increased sales and operating income are 
forecasted for pharmaceuticals and medical care as a whole.

Acute Critical Care

Pharmaceuticals 

Q

A

The acute critical care operation continues to grow. Please tell us about fiscal 2016 results and the fiscal 
2017 forecast.

Fiscal 2016 saw continued growth in operating income. We forecast further growth in fiscal 2017.

The acute critical care business continued to expand well in fiscal 
2016. Although sales showed a decline when translated into 
consolidated accounts due to the impact of the stronger yen, 
both sales and operating income increased on a US-dollar basis. 
The LifeVest™ wearable defibrillator business continued to expand 
well, especially in the US, and sales of other products such as defi-
brillators and related accessories also increased. Operating income 
grew in both Japanese-yen and US-dollar terms despite increased 
SG&A expenses associated with an ongoing increase in personnel 
to reinforce sales activities. Sales on a US-dollar basis have grown 
at an average of 15% per year for the past 10 years.

The trend in fiscal 2017 will be largely unchanged, with con-
tinuous growth expected. Although we anticipate higher SG&A 
expenses with reinforced sales activities, we forecast higher net 
sales and operating income centering on the LifeVest™ business.

ZOLL AED Plus™ 
automated external 
defibrillator

LifeVest™ wearable defibrillator

46

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47

 
 
Feature 4: Research & Development

New business creation with  
R&D leveraging diversification 
Masafumi Nakao
Representative Director, Vice-Presidential Executive Officer; Executive Officer for R&D

Strategy of New Business Creation

One of our basic strategies under the “Cs for 
Tomorrow 2018” medium-term management 
initiative is “creation of new businesses.” Having 
various technologies and diverse business 
operations, the Asahi Kasei Group is striving to 
create new value through combinations among 
core technologies, multifaceted business 
models, and diverse human resources. The areas 
of “clean environmental energy” and “healthy/
comfortable longevity with peace of mind” are 
targeted in R&D to create new businesses that 
provide solutions to challenges faced by society.

Our main areas of 
focus to address 
social issues

Foster and acquire
core technology

Acquire technology seeds
Apply technology laterally

Society of clean 
environmental 
energy

Society of 
healthy/
comfortable 
longevity with 
peace of mind

CVC

Coordination/
combination

Strengths of
Asahi Kasei

Utilize market
channels

Enhance and fully
utilize business platforms

Heighten
added value

Business models
Solutions

M&A

■ Aims and approach for new business creation

The Asahi Kasei Group will create new businesses by leverag-
ing our strengths in technology and operations from a 3-axis 
perspective. The first axis is to enhance and fully utilize our 
market channels. By utilizing the various market channels and 
platforms of each business area throughout the Asahi Kasei 
Group, we will develop a broad range of new businesses. The 
second axis is to foster and acquire core technology. While 

performing in-house R&D, we will actively apply new external 
technologies to enhance our core technologies. The third 
axis is to heighten added value. In addition to just supplying 
substances, which had been our main approach particularly in 
material businesses, we will place greater emphasis on build-
ing new business models around services and solutions.

Approach for new business creation viewed by market axis and technology axis

Established mature markets

Established growth markets

New markets

Potential future markets

until FY2018

until FY2025

1.  Coordinate with strategic business units and core operating 

companies

Maximizing value of established businesses
•  Brand strength/market channels   •  Cost competitiveness   • Services

2.  Utilize information technology, study new business models
Creating added value from new perspectives
•  Higher added value from solutions

3.  Coordinate with strategic 
business units and core 
operating companies

•  Marketing
•  Full utilization of Asahi Kasei 
Group technologies and business 
platforms
•  Acquiring missing parts (CVC)

/
s
t
n
e
m
e
v
o
r
p
m

i

s
n
o
i
t
a
n
b
m
o
c

i

i

l

/
s
e
g
o
o
n
h
c
e
t
g
n
i
t
s
i
x
E

l

d
e
p
o
e
v
e
d
y
l
w
e
N

i

l

s
e
g
o
o
n
h
c
e
t

4.  Review programs, examine originality and differentiation
B-to-C in Health Care and Homes sectors
•  Better therapy 
• Comfortable residential living

B-to-B in Material sector
•  Disregarding mature markets 
• Pursuing originality and differentiation in growth markets

5.  Focus on strong points and 

accelerate
•  Accelerating R&D
•  Acquiring technology seeds/ 
sprouts by CVC
•  New business models

6.  Basic/exploratory research in 
collaboration with universities 
and government research organs

Long-term perspective
•  Develop/acquire leading-edge 
technology 
•  Collaboration with outside research 
institutions

48

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49

 
 
 
 
 
We perform longer-term group-wide corporate R&D projects where we identify business areas 
with a high degree of novelty and markets having high growth potential. R&D for further 
enhancement of existing businesses is focused on ways to build on our strengths. We aim to 
create new businesses by leveraging our diversification through seamless connections between 
projects as well as through proactive collaboration utilizing outside resources including CVC.

R&D at the Asahi Kasei Group

The strength of the Asahi Kasei Group is the ability to create 
new businesses based on our wide range of technologies 
and to manage diverse fields of operation. Throughout our 
history of diversification, we have leveraged a wide variety of 
technologies cultivated in chemicals operations to establish 

a number of core technologies. Since our founding, we have 
constantly performed R&D to meet the world’s needs and cre-
ated new businesses based on technology. While our business 
environment and the structure of society are rapidly changing, 
we will continue to strive for the creation of new value.

■ R&D organization

We reviewed our R&D organization at the time of our transi-
tion to an operating holding company configuration in April 
2016. Material-related R&D is now combined together under 
Corporate Research & Development, with efforts advancing 

in coordination with the R&D sections of each SBU. Under 
the new configuration, R&D with a longer perspective is 
seamlessly connected with product development peripheral 
to established businesses.

Asahi Kasei Corporation

Corporate Research & 
Development

• Technology Policy Center
• CVC Office
• Corporate IP
• Analysis & Simulation Center
• R&D Center

• Healthcare R&D Center
• Synergistic Solution Initiative
• Yamashita Laboratory
• Chemistry & Chemical Process Laboratory
• Fibers & Textiles Technology Center
• Performance Polymers Technology Center
• Performance Materials Technology Center

Corporate Production 
Technology

• Maintenance Technology Center
• Engineering Center
• Production Technology Center

Clean Energy Project

UVC Project

Residential Living Project

Material

Homes

Health Care

Asahi Kasei  
(operating function)

•  Fibers & Textiles
•  Petrochemicals
•  Performance Polymers
•  Performance Materials
•  Consumables
•  Separators 

Asahi Kasei  
Microdevices

•  Research & 

Development Center

Asahi Kasei Homes

•  Technology Div.
•  New Business  

Development Dept.
•  Housing R&D Center
•  Lifestyle R&D Laboratory

Asahi Kasei  
Construction Materials

•  Products & Marketing 
Development Dept.

•  Materials Technology Dept.

Asahi Kasei Pharma

•  Clinical Development Center
•  Pharmaceutical Research Center

Asahi Kasei Medical

•  Medical Products 
Development Div.

ZOLL Medical

•  R&D departments

48

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49

Feature 4: Research & Development

■ Main R&D bases around the world

With R&D bases located around the world, we are able to meet 
a wide variety of needs in each market.

R&D sites overseas

Asia, ASEAN:
Technical Center located in close 
proximity to market demand

Dormagen, Germany
Engineering Plastics 
Technical Center

Shanghai, China
Engineering Plastics Technical Center

Guangzhou, China
Engineering Plastics Technical Center

Vietnam 
Computer Aided Engineering
(CAE)

Charlotte, North Carolina
Polypore

R&D sites in Japan

Core R&D sites
Kawasaki, Ohito, Fuji, 
Moriyama, Mizushima, 
Nobeoka, etc.

■ R&D expenses

Each SBU performs R&D both to reinvigorate and enhance 
existing businesses and to create new businesses for the future. 

North America:
Acquiring new technology (CVC); 
Healthcare-related R&D; new business creation

Waltham, Massachusetts
Asahi Kasei Pharma America

Chelmsford,
Massachusetts
ZOLL, CVC

Menlo Park, 
California
CVC

Owensboro, Kentucky
Polypore

Albany, 
New York
Crystal IS: UVC LED

Critical Care
14.3%

Corporate expenses 
17.1%

Annual R&D expenses
(¥ billion)
90

Breakdown of 
R&D expenses 

¥79.6 billion

(FY 2016)

Fibers 
3.7%

Chemicals
21.4%

Health Care
24.8%

Construction 
Materials
1.0%

Homes 3.3%

Electronics 14.5%

50

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

81.1

79.6

75.5

71.1 71.1

80

70

60

0

66.3

62.3

’10

’11

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

(FY)

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

51

■ Core technologies that support Asahi Kasei products

Compound semiconductor/LSI

● Application-specific IC   ● Electronic compass

● IR sensor/gas sensor   ● Magnetic sensor

Catalyst/process

● Cyclohexanol  ● AN/MMA
● CreolexTM metallocene polyethylene
● SunfineTM ultrahigh molecular 
  weight polyethylene

Catalysis/
inorganic
synthesis

Compound
semicon-
ductors

Software
algorithms

Homes/construction materials

● Hebel HausTM unit homes
● Hebel MaisonTM apartment buildings
● HebelTM autoclaved aerated concrete
● Neoma FoamTM phenolic foam insulation

Foam
insulation

Polymers/processing

● Performance polymers:
  LeonaTM, XyronTM, TenacTM, etc.
● Synthetic rubber:
  TuftecTM/TufpreneTM, etc.
● SB latex/Dura-PhotoTM
● AsacleanTM
● Saran WrapTM cling film
● Photosensitive resins:
  SunfortTM, PimelTM, APRTM/AFPTM
● NovacureTM latent hardener

Chemical
process

Polymer design/
polymerization/
processing

Core 
Technologies

Anti-quake/
construction methods/
anti-fire/durability

Bio
pharmaceuticals

Functional
polymer

Polymeri-
zation/
spinning/
cellulose

Fibers

● Spunbond 
  nonwovens
● BemlieseTM
● LamousTM
● RoicaTM
● LeonaTM filament
● BembergTM

Biological
information
processing

Virus
removal/
blood puri-
fication

Health Care

● Prescription drugs: TeriboneTM, RecomodulinTM, etc.
● Acute critical care devices: AEDs, LifeVestTM, etc.
● Blood purification:
  Artificial kidneys (APSTM), 
  therapeutic apheresis devices
● PlanovaTM virus removal filters

Phase
separation/
electro-
chemistry

Membranes/separation

● MicrozaTM 

● Ion-exchange membranes

● HiporeTM

IP Strategy

To facilitate the creation of new businesses as an important 
management task in the Asahi Kasei Group, the management 
strategy, IP strategy, and R&D strategy of each operation are 
integrated as one. IP activities directly contribute to the man-
agement of operations by acquiring IP rights from R&D results 
to gain business advantage, enabling the creation of new 
businesses, and securing the profitability of existing businesses. 

The business units take the lead in formulating an IP 
strategy that matches the characteristics of each operation. 
Emphasis is placed on the quality of individual patents as well 
as the quantity of patents. Strategic licensing is performed 
when it is deemed an effective means to heighten the contri-
bution of IP rights to our own business operations.

Japanese Patent 
Applications

5.4%

4.4%

1.6%
b

a

34.19%

1.4%

Overseas Patent 
Applications
8.9%

12.2%

2.0%
a
b

11.8%

c

5.5%

b

Total
834

a
37.2%

10.9%

c

4.1%

b

Total
147*

Japanese Trademark 
Applications

7.2%

5.7%

Overseas Trademark 
Applications
10.0%

1.2%

20.7%

b

4.9%

4.9%

3.7%

c
b

15.7%

a

b

2.9%
c
0.7%

Total
140

Total
81

a

75.3%

a

60.5%

a

47.1%

50

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51

■ Holding company  ■ Material (a: Chemicals b: Fibers c: Electronics)  ■ Homes (a: Homes b: Construction Materials)  ■ Health Care (Pharmaceuticals, Medical Care)  ■ Others 

(From January 1 to December 31, 2016)

* Overseas applications for a single patent family are counted as one.

 
CSR

Medium-Term Management Initiative and CSR Fundamentals

The Asahi Kasei Group is focused on providing solutions to various challenges faced by society in accordance  

with our Group Mission of contributing to life and living for people around the world. 

Under our Cs for Tomorrow 2018 management initiative which began in fiscal 2016, we are emphasizing  

business operations that contribute to a “society of clean environmental energy” and  

a “society of healthy/comfortable longevity with peace of mind” based on four CSR Fundamentals:  

Compliance, Responsible Care, Corporate Citizenship, and Respect for Employee Individuality.

Position of CSR Fundamentals

Creating for Tomorrow

The
The
employee
employee
Employee
fulfillment

The
The
community
community
Community
outreach

The
The
environment
environment
Environmental
protection

The
The
customer
customer
Customer
satisfaction

Sustainable Increase
in Corporate Value

The
The
supplier
supplier
Fair business
dealings

The local
The local
economy
economy
Local economic
participation

The
The
shareholder
shareholder
Shareholder
returns

Society of clean
environmental energy

Pursuit of
Pursuit of
growth and
growth and
profitability
profitability

Business
operations

Creation of
Creation of
new businesses
new businesses

Society of healthy/comfortable
longevity with peace of mind

Acceleration of
Acceleration of
globalization
globalization

P. 54

Area of focus

Key subjects under CT2018

Goals

   Compliance

P. 30

   Responsible Care

   Identification of  

compliance-related issues

   Enriching the risk compliance  

system

  Environmental protection

  Operational safety

  Workplace safety and hygiene

  Health maintenance

  Product safety

  Managing chemical substances

   Dissemination of  

Human Resources Principles

Developing human resources

(global human resources)

  Valuing human rights and diversity

  Balancing work and family life

  Stakeholder dialog

• Customers

• Investors

• Suppliers

• Public outreach

  Community fellowship

•  Gain trust through not only thorough 

compliance with laws and regulations, but 

also consideration of generally accepted 

social norms

•  Understand risks in management, and 

establish a system to mitigate them and 

enable sustainable development

•  Contribute to establishment of a recycling-

oriented society

• Enrich system for risk assessment

• Zero workplace injuries

•  Maintain and promote employees’ health

• Enrich RC compliance

• Minimize risks from chemicals

•  Employee engagement in challenging and 

fulfilling work in global business operations

•  Workplace environment that respects 

diversity and work-life balance, enabling 

employees to perform to their full potential

•  Maintain good relationships with 

stakeholders

•  Utilize our resources to provide solutions to 

challenges faced by society

“Cs for Tomorrow 2018”
strategic management initiative
CSR in Action

   Respect for 
   Employee Individuality

CSR Fundamentals

Compliance, Responsible Care, Corporate Citizenship,
Respect for Employee Individuality

P. 58

   Corporate Citizenship

Group Mission
Contributing to life and living for people around the world

P. 60

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53

Our four CSR Fundamentals of Compliance,  
Responsible Care, Corporate Citizenship, and  
Respect for Employee Individuality are applied  
throughout the Asahi Kasei Group.

CSR Fundamentals

Area of focus

Key subjects under CT2018

Goals

   Compliance

   Responsible Care

   Respect for 

   Employee Individuality

   Corporate Citizenship

P. 30

P. 54

P. 58

P. 60

   Identification of  
compliance-related issues

   Enriching the risk compliance  
system

  Environmental protection
  Operational safety
  Workplace safety and hygiene
  Health maintenance
  Product safety
  Managing chemical substances

   Dissemination of  
Human Resources Principles

Developing human resources
(global human resources)

  Valuing human rights and diversity

  Balancing work and family life

  Stakeholder dialog

• Customers

• Investors

• Suppliers

• Public outreach

  Community fellowship

•  Gain trust through not only thorough 
compliance with laws and regulations, but 
also consideration of generally accepted 
social norms

•  Understand risks in management, and 
establish a system to mitigate them and 
enable sustainable development

•  Contribute to establishment of a recycling-
oriented society
• Enrich system for risk assessment
• Zero workplace injuries
•  Maintain and promote employees’ health
• Enrich RC compliance
• Minimize risks from chemicals

•  Employee engagement in challenging and 
fulfilling work in global business operations

•  Workplace environment that respects 
diversity and work-life balance, enabling 
employees to perform to their full potential

•  Maintain good relationships with 
stakeholders

•  Utilize our resources to provide solutions to 
challenges faced by society

Platinum Kurumin certification for 
outstanding support for the devel-
opment of the next generation.

52

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53

Responsible Care

CSR Fundamentals

Safety is a fundamental prerequisite for the continuation of operations as a corporate member of 
society. To ensure that every aspect of safety is maintained, the Asahi Kasei Group implements a 
Responsible Care (RC) program comprising the six pillars of operational safety, workplace safety and 
hygiene, environmental protection, health maintenance, product safety, and community outreach.

Message from the 
Executive for RC

Masafumi Nakao
Representative Director, Vice-
Presidential Executive Officer  
Asahi Kasei Corp.

Asahi Kasei adopted an operating holding company configuration in fiscal 2016 and started 
the three-year medium-term management initiative “Cs for Tomorrow 2018” (CT2018). We are 
not only implementing various measures to achieve our business targets and build the base 
for the next phase towards fiscal 2025, but also contributing to society through our business 
operations. The operating climate is changing greatly with growing awareness for global 
environmental issues and corporate responsibility as a social entity. At the Asahi Kasei Group, 
in accordance with our Group Mission of contributing to life and living for people around the 
world, we will give due consideration to the environment, safety, and health throughout the 
full life cycle from R&D to manufacturing, product supply, and disposal, while focusing on the 
three fundamental “actuals” of the actual place, actual thing, and actual fact, as we ensure the 
stable provision of product quality that our customers can depend upon. While working to 
achieve our annual RC objectives, we will also advance RC activities from a broader perspective, 
reinforcing R&D to provide solutions to global warming and other environmental issues, in 
order to raise our corporate value for our various stakeholders.

Responsible Care at Asahi Kasei

RC represents the commitment and initiative to secure and improve safety and environmental protection at every step of 
the product life cycle through the individual determination and responsibility of each firm producing and handling chemical 
products, together with measures to gain greater public trust through disclosure and communication. RC was conceived 
in Canada in 1985, and was strengthened on a global scale with the establishment of the International Council of Chemical 
Associations (ICCA) in 1990. In 1995, the chemical industry in Japan began implementing RC with the establishment of the 
Japan Responsible Care Council (JRCC*). Asahi Kasei was among the founding members of the JRCC, and played a leading role 
in the expansion and development of RC in Japan.

RC at the Asahi Kasei Group is not limited to chemicals-related operations but encompass operations in all fields, including 

homes, health care, fibers, electronics, construction materials.

* JRCC: Operated as the Japan Chemical Industry Association’s RC Committee since April 2011.

Asahi Kasei Group RC Principles

RC at the Asahi Kasei Group is 
guided by the following principles:
In April 2016, a statement 
regarding quality assurance was 
added, and the six elements were 
condensed into four.

We give the utmost consideration to environmental protection, quality assurance, operational safety, workplace 
safety and hygiene, and health maintenance, throughout the product life cycle from R&D to disposal, as 
preeminent management tasks in all operations.
•  We give full consideration to the global environment, and make efforts to reduce the environmental 
burden of all operations. 
•  We continuously provide safe products and services with the quality that gives customers a sense of 
security and satisfaction.
•  We strive for stable and safe operation while preventing workplace accidents and securing the safety of 
personnel and members of the community.
•  We strive for a comfortable workplace environment, and support the maintenance and promotion of 
employee health.
In addition to maintaining legal compliance, we set self-imposed targets for continuous improvement, while 
performing proactive information disclosure and communication to gain public understanding and trust.

Revised on April 1, 2016

RC Management System
The management system of Asahi Kasei Group RC is 
maintained in accordance with our Group RC Management 
Guidelines and other internal standards. The RC Committee, a 
corporate organ under the direct authority of the President of 
Asahi Kasei, deliberates RC plans and results and ensures that 
continuous reevaluation and improvement are systematically 
pursued with “plan-do-check-act” (PDCA) cycles—for the Asahi 
Kasei Group as a whole, within each core operating company 
and Region*, and within individual plants and facilities.

Certified compliance with internationally standardized 
management systems is obtained for the RC Management 
System of the Asahi Kasei Group. We have obtained ISO 14001 
environmental management system certification for environ-
mental protection and ISO 9001 quality management system 
certification for product safety. An Occupational Health & 
Safety Management System (OHSMS) is adopted for workplace 
safety, hygiene, and health.

*  A site or group of sites consisting of several plants and facilities of various core 

operating companies. Each Region General Manager is responsible for the unified 
implementation of RC in the respective Region.

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55

 
 
Prevent abnormal reactions, confirm interlock functions on-site

Confirmed progress in preventing abnormal reactions and  
securing interlock functions 

★★★

Ongoing confirmation of implementation at RC Audits, etc.

★★★ Control changes to equipment and operating conditions

For more information, please refer to the Asahi Kasei Group CSR website.
 http://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/asahi/en/csr/

★★★Complete   ★★Satisfactory   ★Unsatisfactory

FY2016 Results
Preparation for follow-up on RC compliance at overseas companies 
(start in FY2017 using external organizations such as ERM) 
RC training course partially revised
Group discussions enhanced
Follow-up until all members pass test 
Communication and coordination with superiors 
RC at affiliates enhanced through instructions and support  
by core operating companies
RC reports of 2 core operating companies and  
8 plant complex sites were used in community outreach 
No polluting accidents or serious incidents,  
27 incidents (2 other than freon leaks)

Attainment

FY2017 RC Objectives

★★

★★

Review RC framework (including quality assurance)
Enhance RC compliance

Further advance RC education and training  
(gaining fuller understanding)

★★★ Enhance RC at affiliates

★★★ Continue to enhance dialog with the public

★

Avoid all polluting accidents and minor incidents

RC objectives and results

FY2016 RC Objectives

Enhance RC compliance

Advance RC education and training for section managers and  
assistant chiefs 

Enhance RC at affiliates

Enhance dialog with the public

Avoid all polluting accidents and minor incidents

Promote recycling-oriented society:
· Final disposal of 0.3% or less of generated industrial waste
· Recycling rate of at least 90%
Prevention of global warming:
· Reduce CO2 emissions in Japan by 28.2% from FY2005 level
· Reduce global CO2 emissions by 5% from FY2010 level
· Reduce GHG emissions in Japan by 34.8% from FY2005 level
· LCA/CO2 contribution ratio1 of 8.3
Protect water resources:
· Water resource contribution ratio2 of 8.3
Control emissions of chemical substances:
· Control emissions of PRTR-specified substances 
· Control emissions of air and water pollutants 

Preserve biodiversity when procuring biological resources

Advance CSR procurement

Avoid all industrial accidents

Continuously monitor for hazards of fire, explosion, and leaks;  
perform training of managers

Goal reached with final disposal rate of 0.3% 
Goal reached with recycling rate of 98% 

45% reduction from FY2005 level
29.6% reduction from FY2010 level
48.6% reduction from FY2005 level
LCA/CO2 contribution ratio of 10.3

Water resource contribution ratio of 8.5

Release of PRTR-specified substances and emission of VOCs  
reduced by 92% and 87%, respectively, from FY2000 level
Continuously advanced actions in Nobeoka, Moriyama, and Fuji; 
started new program at Asahi Kasei Jyuko Co., Ltd. in FY2016
Implemented CSR procurement
No serious industrial accidents,  
3 incidents including minor industrial accidents and slight injuries
Review performed at time of on-site confirmation  
for preventing abnormal reactions

Control changes to equipment and operating conditions
Review earthquake response and enhance emergency response systems:
·  Confirm seismic resistance of high-pressure gas facilities and  
formulate plans
· Implement seismic retrofitting for specific and non-specific buildings
Monitor for items in need of replacement and uninspected items, 
implement remediation
Avoid all workplace injuries:
· Achieve frequency rate3 of 0.1 or less
· Achieve severity rate4 of 0.005 or less
Deepen utilization of OHSMS:

· Enhance risk assessment for workplace tasks

Avoid all accidents in “caught in/between machinery” category  
(no lost-workday injury):

· Perform sound risk assessment for mechanical equipment

Avoid chemical burn, poisoning, fire, explosion, etc.  
related to chemical substances (no lost-workday injury):
· Perform sound risk assessment for chemical substances
· Perform sound management of workplace environment
Prevent injuries during working hours unrelated to operating procedures 
and during commuting:
· Prevent lost-workday injury related to stairways
·  Prevent traffic accidents resulting in harm to self or others  
while commuting or traveling for sales
Enhance safety management guidance of on-site contractors:

Completed according to the plan

Delay in some retrofitting for FY2016
Information shared with Corporate Production Technology; 
ongoing review with new perspectives

0.38
Over 0.005 (tentative)

Risk assessment level confirmed at audit and  
improvements applied as necessary

Advanced risk assessment for mechanical equipment, but one 
lost-workday injury in “caught in machinery” category occurred  
in irregular work in February 2017 

Advanced risk assessment for chemical substances and manage-
ment of workplace environment, but 1 lost-workday injury occurred

· 4 lost-workday injuries due to falls related to stairways and walking
·  Injuries due to traffic accidents resulting in harm to self or others 
while commuting or traveling for sales decreased from 4 to 2

· No serious accident of on-site contractors

No serious injuries, but injury from forklift tip-over

Reinforce management of safety on equipment work:
· Zero severe injuries related to equipment work
Promote health maintenance and improvement among personnel:
·  Promote the prevention of and countermeasures to lifestyle-related 
diseases

· Prevent falls 

Promote countermeasures to mental health issues and  
enhance support system:
·  Implement company-wide stress survey, utilize its results,  
and perform follow-up 
Develop the health management system:

· Resolve critical tasks at each site with lateral extension

·  Establish the health management system at affiliates and  
independent plants
Ongoing zero lost-workday injuries related to serious product safety 
incidents (review the definition)
Enhance management of chemical substances:
·  Promote compliance with laws and regulations on management of 
chemical substances in Japan and overseas

· Encourage JIPS5 activities

· Promote JAMP6 tools

No serious injuries, but injury in “caught in machinery” category

Proportion of employees with health warning signs and obesity  
increased slightly; ratio of employees who smoke decreased
Physical fitness tests performed as part of fall prevention program, 
follow-up implemented

Stress survey and follow-up implemented

Held internal interviews and provided instructions  
on health management activities 
Expanded scope of affiliates and independent plants supported  
by specialist industrial physicians 

Compliance maintained and system enhanced

Secretariat activities to promote JIPS; continued risk assessment 
and public disclosure of safety documents 
Provided and received information via MSDSplus and AIS,  
used new JAMP scheme chemSHERPA

★

★★

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· Maintain the same level as FY2015 level
Number of residents in Hebel HausTM homes:
· 3.3% increase from FY2015 level

14% decrease from FY2015 level

2.9% increase from FY2015 level

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★★★

★★★

Promote recycling-oriented society:
· Maintain rate of final disposal at 0.3% or less of generated industrial waste 
· Maintain recycling rate of at least 90% 
Prevention of global warming:
· Reduce CO2 emissions in Japan by 28.7% from FY2005 level
· Reduce global CO2 emissions by 5% from FY2010 level 
· Reduce GHG emissions in Japan by 34.8% from FY2005 level
· Achieve LCA/CO2 contribution ratio of 8.5

★★★ Protect water resources:

★★★

· Water resource contribution ratio of 8.8
Control emissions of chemical substances:
· Control emissions of PRTR specified substances
· Control emissions of air and water pollutants

★★★ Promote preservation of biodiversity at each site

★★★ Advance CSR procurement

★★★ Continue to avoid all industrial accidents
★★★ Enhance risk assessment:

· Continuously monitor for hazards of fire, explosion, and leaks
·  Continue ongoing review to prevent abnormal reactions and  
confirm interlock functions
· Enhance pre-investment safety assessment system

★★★

Enhance earthquake response system:
·  Review earthquake preparedness  
(emergency facilities, disaster response supplies)
★★
· Advance seismic retrofitting of specific and non-specific buildings
★★★ Monitor for items in need of replacement and uninspected items, 

implement remediation
No serious workplace injuries:
· Achieve frequency rate of 0.1 or less (1.0 or less overseas)
· Achieve severity rate of 0.005 or less

Prevent all accidents in “caught in/between machinery” category:

· Perform sound risk assessment for mechanical equipment 

· Through standards of behavior for safety 

Avoid workplace injuries related to chemical substances:

· Perform sound risk assessment for chemical substances
· Perform sound management of workplace environment
Prevent injuries during working hours unrelated to operating procedures 
and during commuting:
· Thorough standards of behavior for safety related to stairways and walking
·  Program to prevent traffic accidents resulting in harm to self or others 
while commuting or traveling for sales
Prevent serious injuries related to on-site contractors and equipment work:
·  Improve the level of safety management guidance related to on-site 
contractors and equipment work

Promote health maintenance and improvement among personnel: 
·  Promote the prevention of and countermeasures to lifestyle-related 
diseases

· Prevent falls

Promote countermeasures to mental health issues and  
enhance support system: 
·  Implement company-wide stress survey, utilize its results,  
and perform follow-up 
Improve the health management system:

· Resolve critical tasks at each site with lateral extension

·  Establish the health management system at affiliates and  
independent plants

★★

★★

★

★★

Enhance management of chemical substances:
·  Promote compliance with laws and regulations on management of 
chemical substances in Japan and overseas

· Encourage JIPS activities

· Expand use of JAMP (chemSHERPA)

Number of people our health care business contributed to:
· FY2018 objective: maintain FY2015 level 
Number of residents in Hebel HausTM homes:
· FY2018 objective: 10% increase from FY2015 level

No product safety incidents

★★★ Maintain zero serious product safety incidents

54

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

1  LCA is used to determine the amount of reduction in CO2 emissions enabled by Asahi Kasei products and technologies in comparison with conventional products and technologies. The ratio is calculated by 
dividing this amount by the global CO2 emissions of the entire Asahi Kasei Group.
2  The water resource contribution ratio is calculated by adding up the total quantity of water clarified and recycled using Asahi Kasei filtration technology and dividing this by the quantity of the Asahi Kasei 
Group’s water intake.
3 Number of accidental deaths and injuries resulting in the loss of one or more workdays, per million man-hours worked.
4 Lost workdays, severity-weighted, per thousand man-hours worked.
5 Japan Initiative of Product Stewardship: A chemical industry initiative promoted by the Japan Chemical Industry Association to minimize chemical risks through voluntary risk assessment and management.
6 Joint Article Management Promotion-consortium.

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Responsible Care

Environmental protection

As in our Group Vision of “harmony with the natural environment,” the Asahi Kasei Group considers environmental 
preservation as one of the most important tasks. Our major focuses are on 1) prevention of global warming, 2) promotion of 
a recycling-oriented society, 3) management of chemical substances, and 4) preservation of biodiversity. For prevention of 
global warming, we have established new indicators and targets to curtail greenhouse gas emissions to be achieved by fiscal 
2020. Regarding promotion of a recycling-oriented society, we continue to reduce our rate of final disposal and increase our 
rate of recycling. Furthermore, as a chemical company, we are working to promote safe handling of chemical substances and 
actively provide safety information. We are also making efforts to reduce the impact of our business activities on biodiversity.

Highlights
■  Climate-change effort ranked “A–” by CDP* for two 

consecutive years

Our effort with respect to climate change was given an evalua-
tion of “A–” by the CDP* in fiscal 2015 and 2016.

■  Moriyama Works receives Environmental Action Promotion 

Award 

Actions in Moriyama for the conservation of endangered 

smallhead stickleback were recognized with an Environmental 
Action Promotion Award at the 9th Biotope Award ceremony 
held by the Japan Biotope Association.

*  Formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project, CDP is an NPO based in the UK which 
researches and evaluates how companies and cities are working to address 
environmental issues related to climate change, water, forests, etc., and provides 
the information and results to investors. It began as a project to disclose companies’ 
environmental strategy and performance in response to demand from institutional 
investors. The CDP is now one of the most trusted evaluation organizations among 
investors. It issues evaluations on a 9-rank scale of A, A–, B, B–, C, C–, D, D–, and F. 

Operational safety

To achieve safe operations, it is essential to build highly safe plants based on process hazard assessment prior to construction, 
to perform sound plant maintenance, and to operate facilities in a stable and safe manner. The Asahi Kasei Group avoids 
operational accidents through risk assessments prior to the construction of new plants, periodic inspections of existing plants 
performed by auditors specialized in fire and explosion prevention, process reviews from the perspective of preventing 
abnormal reactions and ensuring interlock functions, and process reviews corresponding to the age of facilities. 

In fiscal 2013, we completed a program of on-site confirmation 
to identify hazards from the perspective of preventing abnor-
mal reactions and ensuring interlock functions. From fiscal 
2013 onwards, we have been preparing technical documents 
on items with a high degree of hazard and on accidents and 
problems which occurred in the past. From fiscal 2015, we 

are implementing education and training for managers and 
operators to enable them to properly identify the cause and 
take appropriate action if problems occur, including problems 
that have not been previously encountered. There were no 
serious operational accidents inside or outside Japan during 
fiscal 2016.

Workplace safety and hygiene

The effort to prevent workplace accidents is integrated in a 
comprehensive OHSMS* program that combines conven-
tional safety initiatives—such as tidiness/orderliness/ 
cleanliness, reporting of near-accidents and potential 
hazards, hazard prediction analysis, safety patrols, and case 
studies—with risk assessments and a prevention-oriented 
plan-do-check-act (PDCA) system.

Integration of workplace safety initiatives

Conventional safety initiatives

Risk assessments

PDCA management system

OHSMS

*  Occupational Health and Safety Management System. A standardized system used 
to confirm that continuous improvement is being applied to measures to minimize 
the risks of workplace injuries and to prevent the emergence of future risks.

Occurrence of workplace injuries

Incidence of lost-workday
injury by event category,
FY2016 in Japan
Total
18 cases

Incidence of lost-workday
injury by event category,
FY2006–2015 in Japan
Total
122 cases

22%
17%
11%

Fall on same level 
Kickback/overexertion 
Traffic accident 
Contact with high-temperature
11%
substance/object 
11%
Caught in something else 
6%
Caught in/between machinery 
6%
Hit by flying/falling object 
Collision 
6%
Contact with harmful substances  6%
4%
Others 

Traffic accident 
Fall on same level 
Fall from height 
Caught in/between machinery 
Kickback/overexertion 
Contact with high temperature
substance/object 
Caught in something else 
Hit by flying/falling object 
Collision 
Others 

24%
20%
13%
12%
12%

5%
3%
2%
2%
7%

56

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

57

For more information, please refer to the Asahi Kasei Group CSR website.
http://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/asahi/en/csr/

Health maintenance

The Asahi Kasei Group implements various activities to help employees maintain and advance their mental and physical well-being 
in accordance with its health management guidelines, including screening for lifestyle-related diseases and mental health checkups.

Enhanced health management framework
During fiscal 2016, interviews to monitor the effectiveness of 
the health management centers were performed at 7 sites. 
The series of interviews were launched in fiscal 2014 to confirm 
whether the activities at each site, including the duties of our 

industrial physicians and health nurses, are being performed in 
accordance with the Industrial Safety and Health Law and our 
health management guidelines. Further guidance and support 
is being provided as necessary.

Quality assurance

Upon our transition to an operating holding company configuration in April 2016, we established a new Asahi Kasei Group 
Quality Policy and Group Quality Assurance Bylaws. At the same time, Corporate ESH & QA was reorganized, including the 
establishment of a new Quality Assurance Group to coordinate the reinforcement of quality assurance activities throughout 
the Asahi Kasei Group, ensuring the provision of safe and reliable products to our customers. In fiscal 2016, we once again 
met our target of no serious product safety incidents.

Asahi Kasei Group Quality Policy

The Asahi Kasei Group creates and provides products 
and services with the quality to meet the needs of 
customers and society and ensure safety and security.

Reinforcing the quality assurance system:  
maintaining zero serious product safety incidents
■ Consumer satisfaction and safety
Products and services provided by the Asahi Kasei Group 
include materials, products, installations, various services, and 
after-sale support. We believe that providing products and 
services that satisfy our customers is our ultimate mission. We 
constantly strive to enhance our systems for quality assurance, 
including product safety.

Managing chemical substances

■ Effort to maintain zero serious product safety incidents
As part of the effort to prevent serious product safety 
incidents, we established new quality assurance bylaws that 
stipulate quality assurance activities for RC administrators to 
perform. The bylaws newly define the central role of quality 
assurance managers in activities to enhance quality assurance, 
and are applied in concert with our product safety guidelines 
to secure product safety and prevent the occurrence of serious 
product safety incidents.

All business units of the Asahi Kasei Group apply these uni-

form bylaws and guidelines to assure the quality of products 
and services.

To ensure the safety of products and production processes in the Asahi Kasei Group, we maintain awareness of the properties 
of the chemical substances we use, and manage them strictly and appropriately throughout each phase from materials 
procurement to production (including intermediates), use, and disposal.

The Asahi Kasei Group’s effort
Strict management and control of chemical substances is a 
key element in the effort to ensure environmental protection, 
operational safety, workplace safety and hygiene, health main-
tenance, and product safety. Chemical substances are man-
aged at each stage from development to use and disposal. 
The management of chemical substances begins with R&D, 
which is guided throughout every stage by a commitment 
to developing products and processes characterized by safe, 
environmentally sound production, handling, and use.

Industry-wide initiatives
Joint Article Management Program (JAMP)
As an active member of JAMP, we participate in the 

development of systems to manage chemical substance infor-
mation as well as revision of the list of applicable substances. 
We also convey relevant information throughout the supply 
chain to help establish JAMP as a widely used tool. 

In fiscal 2016, we started to use a tool of information 

transmission compatible with chemSHERPA, a new scheme by 
the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. We are working 
to smoothly transition from JAMP to chemSHERPA during the 
two-year period starting in fiscal 2016. 

As a major upstream company, we will continue to work 

with the JAMP Office toward the greater adoption of the 
JAMP-IT platform as a means of information sharing.

56

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

57

 
 
 
CSR Fundamentals

Respect for Employee Individuality

The Asahi Kasei Group considers fulfilling and satisfying working conditions and 
workplace culture, in which personnel feel motivated to achieve and take pride in their 
career, to be key to business performance.

Our human resources policies are focused on the maintenance and reinforcement of a corporate culture 
emphasizing Asahi Kasei characteristics, the personal growth of each employee, and the creation and 
expansion of business through superior people and organizations, based on the understanding that the 
exceptional power of our people and organizations is the source of our competitive strength.

Human Resources Principles

The Human Resources Principles of the Asahi Kasei Group are a distillation of the values and beliefs held in common by all 
employees, a key aspect of a corporate culture where personal growth and corporate development are mutually reinforcing.

Corporate Commitment

Basic Expectations

Expectations of Leaders

The basic commitment to human resources 
is to provide the venue for a dynamic and 
fulfilling career as a part of a lively and 
growing corporate group.

•  Enterprise and growth through challenge 
and change
• Integrity and responsibility in action
• Respect for diversity

•  Building the team, heightening  
performance and achievement
•  Going beyond conventional boundaries, 
in thought and action
•  Contributing to mutual development  
and growth

Human resource development

 A wide range of training programs

Employees are given a wide range of training to develop the skills 
needed to successfully advance their careers. A regular program 
of training is applied at key career stages beginning with hiring 
and extending through promotion to managerial positions. Other 
individual training programs such as for global management are 
implemented according to business need. Each core operating 
company also implements training programs to support the devel-
opment of employee skills required for its specific field of business.

 Group Masters

The Asahi Kasei Group employs a “Group Masters” program 
to recognize employees who have developed and exercised 
extraordinary expertise and skills that hold universal value, and to 
facilitate their application throughout the Group. As of May 2017, 
88 Group Masters are designated: 30 as Senior Group Experts and 

58 as Group Experts, with rank and remuneration commensurate 
with general manager and section manager, respectively.

To accelerate the creation of new businesses as a basic strategy of the 
“Cs for Tomorrow 2018” management initiative, we revised the system in 
fiscal 2017 for greater emphasis on the development and growth of engi-
neers and technical personnel. The program is focused on reinforcing the 
specialized technical abilities of such personnel who will drive the creation 
of new businesses and the enhancement of established businesses.

 Development of global human resources

To accelerate the expansion of world-leading businesses in 
accordance with the medium-term management initiative “Cs for 
Tomorrow 2018” from the perspective of human resources, we are 
implementing measures such as internship programs for young 
personnel, and holding training sessions for personnel at overseas 
subsidiaries on subjects such as dissemination of corporate phi-
losophy, intercultural communication, and management training.

Valuing human rights and diversity

Basic policy
Human Resources leads the effort to ensure that there will be no 
discrimination to maintain a lively workplace culture which enables 
personnel to perform at their best, to advance employment of persons 
with disability, and to rehire personnel after mandatory retirement.

To prevent any harassment or discrimination, we implement 

training on corporate ethics to employees at each level—new 
hires, assistant managers, and managers. Ethics training is also 
implemented by business unit and by geographical area.

Hiring
The Asahi Kasei Group is working to create new value for 

society by enabling living in health and comfort and harmony 
with the natural environment. We strive to hire motivated and 
capable personnel who will successfully execute our strategy 
on a global scale.
  We continue to hire university graduates of foreign nationality 
every year, and the overall makeup of our personnel is becoming 
more global. We are also strengthening our ties to universities 
both in Japan and overseas, through career briefing sessions and 
student internships, as part of an ongoing effort to attract talent.

In April 2017, 379 new graduates were hired: 296 men and 
83 women. In addition, 108 persons were hired in mid-career 
between April 2016 and March 2017.

58

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59

 
 
 
For more information, please refer to the Asahi Kasei Group website.
http://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/asahi/en/csr

Expansion of opportunities for women
In 1993, we established a dedicated corporate organ (now 
Diversity Promotion Group) to promote equal opportunity, 
and have proactively increased the proportion of women hired 
and expanded the distribution of job assignments for women. 
While only five employees at the rank of manager or above were 
women in 1993, this has risen to 534 in June 2017. To support 
female personnel in their careers, we provide a mentoring pro-
gram, hold seminars on returning to work after maternity leave, 
and publish diversity-related articles in our internal magazine. 

Number of women as managers*
600

410

454

370

500

534

500

400

300

200

100

0

Employment of persons with disabilities
Asahi Kasei Ability Corp. was established in 1985 for the employ-
ment of persons with disabilities, performing a wide range of ser-
vices for the Asahi Kasei Group. The employment rate at applicable 
companies of the Asahi Kasei Group was 2.19% (550.0 persons) as of 
June 1, 2017, exceeding the legal requirement. We continue recruit-
ment activities to further increase the employment of persons with 
disabilities at group companies other than Asahi Kasei Ability. 

Rate of employment of persons with disabilities  
at applicable Group companies*

Asahi Kasei Group

Legal minimum

2.12

2.08

2.05

2.12

2.19

2.00

(%)
2.2

2.1

2.0

1.9

1.8

1.7

’13/6

’14/6

’15/6

’16/6

’17/6

’13/6

’14/6

’15/6

’16/6

’17/6

*  Results as of June 30 each year for personnel employed by Asahi Kasei Corp., 

Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corp., Asahi Kasei Homes Corp., Asahi Kasei Construction 
Materials Corp., Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp., and Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd. (Asahi 
Kasei Chemicals Corp., Asahi Kasei Fibers Corp., Asahi Kasei E-materials Corp. are 
included through June 2015). 

*  Results as of June 1 each year at applicable Group companies. Calculation based on 
total employment of 25,073 persons in the 21 applicable companies. As of June 1, 
2017, the number of persons with disabilities employed by Asahi Kasei Ability Corp. 
stood at 333 of the total 550 employees with disabilities. Calculated in accordance 
with the Act on Employment Promotion etc. of Persons with Disabilities.

Balancing work and family life

Basic policy
We provide various forms of support for personnel to work 
with security and vitality in accordance with their individual 
circumstances and values from the perspective of balancing 
work and family life.

Parental leave
Our parental leave is available through the fiscal year in which 
the child turns three years old. In fiscal 2016, parental leave 
was utilized by 582 personnel. This included 316 men, 43% of 
those who were qualified, and 266 women.

Employees using parental leave*

Women

Men

242

212

235 233

226 231

240

316

316

266

330

220

110

0

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

(FY)

*  Results as of June 30 each year for personnel employed by Asahi Kasei Corp., 

Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corp., Asahi Kasei Homes Corp., Asahi Kasei Construction 
Materials Corp., Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp., and Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd. (Asahi 
Kasei Chemicals Corp., Asahi Kasei Fibers Corp., and Asahi Kasei E-materials Corp. 
included through June 2015).

Shortened working hours for child care
Personnel are able to utilize shortened working hours to care 
for preschoolers, with the working day shortened by up to 2 
hours until the child enters elementary school. In September 
2007, a provision called “Kids Support” was added to enable 
personnel with children in the first and second grades to work 
shortened hours as well. These provisions may be used con-
currently with a “flex-time” system for flexible working hours.

Leave to accompany spouse overseas
As globalization continues to advance, an increasing number 
of personnel have a spouse who is transferred to an overseas 
assignment. In fiscal 2013 we adopted a provision for such 
personnel to take a leave of absence to accompany their 
spouses living overseas. In fiscal 2016, 16 personnel utilized 
this provision.

Platinum Kurumin certification mark 

In 2016, we received the Platinum Kurumin 
certification mark from the Ministry of Health, 
Labor and Welfare.* Platinum Kurumin 
certification is awarded in recognition of 
proactive support for the development of 
the next generation which is superior to the 
previously received Kurumin certification.

*  Certification received for Asahi Kasei Corp., Asahi Kasei Homes Corp., Asahi Kasei 
Microdevices Corp., Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp., Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd., and 
Asahi Kasei Ability Corp. Asahi Kasei Ability Corp. is the first company in Miyazaki 
Prefecture to receive Platinum Kurumin certification.

58

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59

Corporate Citizenship

CSR Fundamentals

We are committed to advancing in harmony with society from a global perspective 
through fair information disclosure and the proactive employment of management 
resources for corporate responsibility and citizenship.

Stakeholder dialog

Different corporate organs hold responsibility for fair and open dialog with each of our different groups of stakeholders.

Stakeholders

Customers

Shareholders, investors

Suppliers

Local communities

Corporate
Communications at Asahi 
Kasei Corp.

Communications sections 
at core operating 
companies

Marketing and sales 
departments,  
consumer contact offices

Investor Relations  
at Asahi Kasei Corp.

• Issuing news releases
•  Holding news 
conferences
•  Issuing documents for 
information disclosure
•  Website disclosure of 
information
•  Responding to CSR-
related questionnaires
•  Promoting social 
contribution activities

• Issuing news releases
•  Holding news 
conferences
•  Website disclosure of 
information

•  Face-to-face discussion 
by marketing and sales 
personnel
•  Taking inquiries via 
telephone, website, etc.

•  Meeting with 
securities analysts and 
institutional investors
•  Seminars for Individual 
investors
•  Website disclosure of 
information
•  Taking inquiries via 
telephone, website, etc.

Purchasing and logistics 
sections, environment 
and safety sections at 
production sites

General affairs and 
administration sections  
at production sites

•  Safety discussion 
forums
•  Information exchange 
forums

•  Periodic community 
dialog meetings
•  Community outreach 
initiatives

Customer relations

Investor Relations

Principled supplier 
relationships

Public outreach

Asahi Kasei Group

Customer relations

We believe that it is by maintaining customer satisfaction that our products and services contribute to society. For 
materials, intermediates, and devices, communication with our customers is handled by the sales and technical support 
departments of each business unit. For end products and housing, communication with our customers is handled by the 
customer support center of each product.

Investor Relations

We strive to disclose information in a timely and fair manner to enable our domestic and  
international investors to gain an accurate understanding of the Asahi Kasei Group.

Shareholder distribution
Information on shareholder distribution is available in the 
Corporate Citizenship section of our CSR website.

IR meetings with institutional investors and  
securities analysts
In fiscal 2016, Investor Relations (IR) held 210 meetings with 
institutional investors and securities analysts in Japan, includ-
ing quarterly results briefings and an annual management 
briefing with the President. To deepen understanding of Asahi 
Kasei among investors, we held a briefing on the Material 
sector as well as individual meetings. In addition, 79 meetings 

were held overseas. We also provide a wide variety of informa-
tion for investors on our website.

Seminars for individual investors
To provide individual investors with a better understanding 
of the operations of the Asahi Kasei Group, 5 seminars were 
held in fiscal 2016. We will continue to provide accurate and 
timely information to individual investors through direct com-
munications, the corporate website, and articles published in 
magazines for individual investors.

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61

For more information, please refer to the Asahi Kasei Group website.
http://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/asahi/en/csr

Principled supplier relationships

A relationship of mutual trust with our suppliers is fostered through fair and principled purchasing 
practices based on regulatory compliance and respect for the environment and human rights.

Purchasing departments throughout the Asahi Kasei Group 
regard suppliers as important partners and work to build 
relationships with them based on sincerity in accordance with 
our Group Philosophy. To this end, we are placing greater 

emphasis on CSR in accordance with our Procurement Policy. 
Each year we conduct a survey of suppliers to help foster 
greater awareness of the importance of CSR issues.

Public outreach

We work to honor and respect the local culture of each community where our operations are 
based, and to maintain effective dialog and communication with community members.

Many of our major plants offer plant tours to provide the local 
community with a better understanding of our operations 
and the measures we implement for the environment and 
safety. Measures for community dialog and interaction include 
regularly held forums and meetings with representatives of 

local governments and members of local residents associa-
tions. We also open our gymnasiums, sports fields, parking lots, 
and other facilities for public use and enjoyment, and host a 
variety of events. 

Community fellowship

The Community Fellowship Committee is organized under direct supervision of the President 
of Asahi Kasei. Its roles include formulation of overall policy, plans, and courses of action in 
regard to community fellowship activities. The Committee also monitors and reviews com-
munity fellowship activities at each site and at each affiliated company of the Asahi Kasei Group. Under our Community 
Fellowship Policy, we are involved in a wide range of community-focused activities in accordance with the three themes 
of Nurturing the Next Generation, Coexistence with the Environment, and Promotion of Culture, Art, and Sports.

We participate in the One-Percent Club of the Keidanren 
(Japan Business Federation), and convert our social contribu-
tion activities into monetary value by a method set forth in 
its annual Survey of Expenditure for Corporate Philanthropic 
Activities. In fiscal 2015, this was ¥1.133 billion. 

Nurturing the Next Generation
To promote understanding and heighten interest in science 
and technology among elementary, junior high, and high 
school students, we visit schools and host visits by students to 
factories to give explanations and demonstrations of science and 
technology and on environmental issues. We also support career 
development with occupational lectures and host visits by junior 
high and high school students to our corporate head office. Such 
activities were held 81 times in fiscal 2016, with a total of some 
3,408 students of 83 schools participating. In August 2016, we 
held a laboratory tour for female high school students, together 
with informal discussion with our researchers, as part of our effort 
to foster interest in careers in science and technology among 
young women. We also sponsor educational events including 
science competitions and environmental education programs 
organized by newspaper companies, exhibit at science and 
chemistry events, and have a partnership with the National 
Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan).

Coexistence with the Environment
In addition to our afforestation activities in Miyazaki and 
Shizuoka, we participate in an afforestation project in the 
Horqin Desert of Inner Mongolia, China. We also exhibit at 
environmental-related events, and work to raise understand-
ing of environmental issues.

Disaster relief
We participate in a Disaster Relief Market featuring produce 
of the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. We 
also supported the relief effort in areas affected by the July 
2017 flooding in northern Kyushu by making donations of ¥5 
million each to the government of Oita Prefecture and to the 
Community Chest of Fukuoka.

Promotion of Culture, Art, and Sports
Members of our corporate distance running and judo teams 
have competed in the Olympics a total of some 50 times. In 
Nobeoka, Miyazaki, where the teams are based, we host a 
major track event, and hold running and judo lessons for the 
local youth. The Asahi Kasei Himuka Cultural Foundation was 
established in 1985 to enrich the environment of day-to-day 
life and culture in Miyazaki Prefecture, with a wide range of 
cultural activities being held.

60

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62

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Financial Section

Contents

64 Management’s Discussion and Analysis
70 Risk Analysis
72 Consolidated Financial Statements
72 Consolidated Balance Sheets
74 Consolidated Statements of Income
75 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
76 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets
77 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
78 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

78   1. Major policies for preparing the consolidated financial statements
78   2. Significant accounting policies
79   3. Changes in significant accounting policies
80   4. Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets
81   5. Notes to Consolidated Statements of Income
83   6. Notes to Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
83   7. Notes to Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets
85   8. Notes to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
85   9. Leases
86 10. Financial instruments
89 11. Marketable securities and investment securities
90 12. Derivative financial instruments
93 13. Provision for retirement benefits
95 14. Taxes
96 15. Business combinations
97 16. Asset retirement obligations
97 17. Business segment information
100 18. Information on related parties
101 19. Per share information
102  20. Borrowings
102 21. Others

103 Independent Auditor’s Report

PB

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63

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Fiscal year 2016 (April 1, 2016 – March 31, 2017)

Operating Environment

During fiscal 2016, the outlook for the global economy 
remained obscure with increased political uncertainty related 
to the withdrawal of the UK from the EU and increased con-
cern regarding the economic policy of the new US administra-
tion, as well as concern of economic slowdown in emerging 
economies. Meanwhile, the Japanese economy continued on 
a path of gradual recovery with strong corporate performance 
while consumer spending became firm as the employment 
situation and income environment improved.

Overview of Consolidated Results

Net sales, operating income
Consolidated net sales for the fiscal year decreased by ¥57.9 
billion (3.0%) to ¥1,883.0 billion. Overseas sales decreased by 
¥23.4 billion (3.4%) to ¥656.4 billion, largely in the Material 
segment, and decreased by 0.2 percentage points as a portion 
of consolidated net sales from 35.0% to 34.9%. Domestic sales 
decreased by ¥34.6 billion (2.7%) to ¥1,226.6 billion with lower 
deliveries of order-built homes in the Homes segment and 
lower reimbursement prices for pharmaceuticals in the Health 
Care segment.
  Operating income decreased by ¥6.0 billion (3.6%) to 
¥159.2 billion. As a percentage of net sales, cost of sales 
decreased by 1.0 percentage points to 68.8%. Selling, general 
and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased by ¥6.5 billion 
despite the decrease in net sales, increasing as a portion of 
net sales by 1.0 percentage points to 22.7%. Operating margin 
decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 8.5%.

Non-operating income and expenses, ordinary income
Net non-operating income was ¥1.4 billion, a ¥5.2 billion 
improvement from the ¥3.8 billion net non-operating 
expenses of a year earlier. Foreign exchange loss transitioned 
to foreign exchange gain, and equity in losses of affiliates 
decreased. As a result, ordinary income decreased by ¥0.7 
billion (0.5%) to ¥160.6 billion.

Extraordinary income and loss
Extraordinary income of ¥10.1 billion included ¥9.9 billion 
in gain on sales of investment securities. Extraordinary loss 
of ¥13.3 billion included ¥6.2 billion in business structure 
improvement expenses, ¥4.9 billion in loss on disposal of 
noncurrent assets, ¥1.5 in impairment loss, and ¥0.7 billion in 
business integration expense. The net extraordinary loss of 
¥3.2 billion was ¥11.7 billion lower than a year ago.

Net income attributable to owners of the parent
With ordinary income of ¥160.6 billion and net extraordinary 
loss of ¥3.2 billion, income before income taxes was ¥157.4 
billion. Income tax expense was ¥40.7 billion (current income 
taxes of ¥49.0 billion less deferred income taxes of ¥8.3 billion). 
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests was ¥1.7 
billion. As a result, net income attributable to owners of the 
parent increased by ¥23.2 billion (25.3%) to ¥115.0 billion, and 
net income per share increased by ¥16.65 to ¥82.34 from the 
¥65.69 of the previous year.

Net Sales,  
Overseas Sales Ratio

Operating Income, 
Operating Margin

SG&A, SG&A Ratio

Net Income Attributable to 
Owners of the Parent,  
Net Income per Share

(¥ billion)
2,000

(%)
40

(¥ billion)
200

(%)
20

(¥ billion)
500

(%)
50

(¥ billion)
120

1,500

1,000

500

0

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

Net sales (left scale)
Overseas sales ratio (right scale)

64

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

30

150

20

100

10

50

0

(FY)

0

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

Operating income (left scale)
Operating margin (right scale)

400

300

200

100

0

15

10

5

0

(FY)

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

SG&A (left scale)
SG&A ratio (right scale)

40

30

20

10

0

(FY)

90

60

30

0

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

(¥)
100

75

50

25

0

(FY)

Net income attributable to owners of 
the parent (left scale)
Net income per share (right scale)

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

65

Among electronics operations, shipments of each battery 
separator product increased. While results of Polypore, consoli-
dated from the second quarter of fiscal 2015, were included, 
amortization of goodwill, etc., was recorded for the full year, 
and the stronger yen had an impact. In electronic devices, 
shipments of audio devices for smartphones increased but the 
stronger yen had an impact.

Homes 
Sales decreased by ¥13.5 billion (2.1%) from a year ago to 
¥619.0 billion, and operating income decreased by ¥6.9 billion 
(9.7%) from a year ago to ¥64.1 billion.

Among homes operations, in order-built homes, deliveries 

of Hebel Haus™ unit homes and Hebel Maison™ apartment 
buildings decreased as an effect of orders received during 
the previous period, while SG&A expenses such as advertising 
expenses increased. In remodeling, SG&A expenses such as 
labor costs increased, but in real estate, management of rental 
units was firm.

In construction materials operations, sales of Neoma™ 
phenolic foam insulation panels were firm, while shipments 
of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) and foundation systems 
decreased.

Results by Operating Segment

In April 2016, the Asahi Kasei Group reorganized its business 
portfolio together with the beginning of a new strategic 
management initiative. The previous four reportable segments 
of Chemicals & Fibers, Homes & Construction Materials, 
Electronics, and Health Care, together with an “Others” cat-
egory, have been changed to the three reportable segments 
of Material, Homes, and Health Care, together with an “Others” 
category. The figures for the year-ago period have been recal-
culated in accordance with the new segment configuration for 
comparison purposes.

Material
Sales decreased by ¥31.3 billion (3.1%) from a year ago to 
¥973.2 billion, and operating income increased by ¥5.3 billion 
(6.6%) from a year ago to ¥84.5 billion. 

In fibers & textiles, shipments of Bemberg™ cupro fiber, 

Lamous™ artificial suede, and Leona™ nylon 66 filament 
increased, but selling prices declined due to competition, and 
each product in fibers & textiles operations was impacted by 
the stronger yen. 

Among chemical operations, in petrochemicals, shipments 

of styrene decreased following the strengthening of petro-
chemical operations in Japan, while terms of trade improved 
for acrylonitrile. Shipments of synthetic rubber for fuel-efficient 
tires and engineering plastics increased, but each product in 
performance polymers was impacted by the stronger yen. 
In performance materials and consumables, ion-exchange 
membranes were impacted by the stronger yen, but sales of 
electronic materials and Saran Wrap™ cling film were firm.

Fibers Business  
Operating Income Increases/Decreases

Chemicals Business  
Operating Income Increases/Decreases

Electronics Business 
Operating Income Increases/Decreases

Sales
volume
+2.2

Sales
prices1
–3.0

13.9

Foreign
exchange2
–2.8

(¥ billion)
80

Sales volume
+5.0

60

60.9

(¥ billion)
15

Operating
costs and
others
+39.1

70.4

11.7

Operating
costs and
others
+1.4

40

20

0

Sales
prices1
–12.6

Foreign
exchange2
–22.2

Sales
volume
+7.7

Sales
prices1
–6.2

4.4

Foreign
exchange2
–4.6

Operating
costs and 
others
+1.1

2.5

12

9

6

3

0

(¥ billion)
20

15

10

5

0

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’15

’16

(FY)

’15

’16

(FY)

’15

’16

(FY)

1 Excluding impact of foreign exchange
2 Impact of foreign exchange on sales prices

1 Excluding impact of foreign exchange
2 Impact of foreign exchange on sales prices

1 Excluding impact of foreign exchange
2 Impact of foreign exchange on sales prices

 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Health Care
Sales decreased by ¥15.3 billion (5.4%) from a year ago to 
¥270.1 billion, and operating income decreased by ¥4.3 billion 
(11.9%) from a year ago to ¥31.9 billion. 

Others
Sales increased by ¥2.1 billion (11.2%) from a year ago to ¥20.7 
billion, and operating income increased by ¥2.3 billion (59.8%) 
from a year ago to ¥6.0 billion.

Shipments of Teribone™ osteoporosis drug and 
Recomodulin™ recombinant thrombomodulin increased, 
but pharmaceuticals operations were impacted by reduced 
reimbursement prices, and Flivas™ agent for treatment of 
benign prostatic hyperplasia was impacted by competition 
from generics.

Shipments of Planova™ virus removal filters increased, but 

medical devices operations were impacted by the stronger 
yen and, in Japan, by reduced reimbursement prices for 
dialysis-related products.

In critical care operations, on a local-currency basis, the 
LifeVest™ wearable defibrillator business continued to expand 
well, and sales of other products such as defibrillators and 
related accessories increased, but SG&A expenses grew with 
reinforced sales activity. The higher exchange value of the yen 
had an impact on the translation of results into consolidated 
accounts.

Homes Business  
Operating Income Increases/Decreases

Construction Materials Business  
Operating Income Increases/Decreases

Health Care Business 
Operating Income Increases/Decreases

(¥ billion)
80

(¥ billion)
6.0

5.8

Sales volume
–0.9

Sales
volume
–1.5

Sales
prices
+1.9

65.4

Operating
costs and
others
–6.4

59.5

60

40

20

0

4.5

3.0

1.5

0

Sales
prices
–0.5

Operating
costs and
others
0

4.5

(¥ billion)
30

24

24.3

Sales
volume
+1.2

Sales
prices1
–7.5

Foreign
exchange2
–3.6

17.1

Operating 
costs and 
others
+2.6

18

12

6

0

’15

’16

(FY)

’15

’16

(FY)

’15

’16

(FY)

1 Excluding impact of foreign exchange
2 Impact of foreign exchange on sales prices

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67

 
 
 
  Net assets increased by ¥110.7 billion (10.5%) from  
¥1,057.4 billion to ¥1,168.1 billion. While dividend payments 
were ¥27.9 billion, net income attributable to owners of the 
parent was ¥115.0 billion. 

As a result, net worth per share increased by ¥78.42 to 
¥824.36, net worth to total assets increased from 47.1% to 
51.1%, and debt-to-equity ratio decreased by 0.08 points to 
0.35.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Financial position
Total assets at fiscal year end were ¥2,254.5 billion, ¥42.8 billion 
(1.9%) higher than a year earlier.

Current assets increased by ¥38.5 billion (4.5%) to ¥894.5 

billion, mainly as notes and accounts receivable–trade 
increased by ¥22.7 billion and inventories increased by ¥9.9 
billion.
  Noncurrent assets increased by ¥4.2 billion (0.3%) to 
¥1,360.0 billion, notably with a ¥39.5 billion increase in invest-
ment securities while there was a ¥31.8 billion decrease in 
intangible assets.

Current liabilities decreased by ¥130.8 billion (18.0%) to 
¥594.9 billion, mainly as a result of a ¥200.1 billion decrease 
in short-term loans payable and a ¥16.5 billion decrease in 
income taxes payable, while there was a ¥56.0 billion increase 
in commercial paper.

Although bonds payable decreased by ¥20.0 billion, non-
current liabilities increased by ¥62.8 billion (14.7%) to ¥491.5 
billion with a ¥98.0 billion increase in long-term loans payable.
Interest-bearing debt decreased by ¥46.8 billion (10.4%) to 

¥402.8 billion.

Critical Care Business 
Operating Income Increases/Decreases

Others 
Operating Income Increases/Decreases

Total Assets, Net Worth

Sales
volume
+5.8

Foreign
exchange2
–0

Sales
prices1
+1.9

Operating
costs and
others
–4.8

14.8

11.9

(¥ billion)
20

15

10

5

0

(¥ billion)
6.0

Sales
volume
+1.9

6.0

(¥ billion)
2,500

Operating
costs and
others
+0.4

3.8

4.5

3.0

1.5

0

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

’15

’16

(FY)

’15

’16

(FY)

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

(FY)

1 Excluding impact of foreign exchange
2 Impact of foreign exchange on sales prices

Total assets
Net worth

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Capital Expenditure

  Notable capex by operating segment was as follows.

Capital expenditure (capex) was primarily for new and 
expanded production plant and equipment in long-term 
growth fields. Investments were also made for rationalization, 
labor-saving, maintenance, and IT systems to bring greater 
product reliability and cost reductions.

The following table of capex by operating segment shows 
totals of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 
(other than goodwill), excluding consumption tax.

A total of ¥90.6 billion was invested during the fiscal year 
for the expansion of businesses with competitive superiority, 
particularly in the Material segment, as well as for modification 
and rationalization.

Material

Homes

Health Care

Totals for the year  
(¥ million)

Compared to  
previous year (%)

Others

Material

Homes

Health Care

Others

Combined

Corporate assets and 
eliminations 

Consolidated

47,205

12,139

15,604

6,836

81,783

8,790

90,573

82.5

101.6

80.5

145.3

87.7

152.1

91.5

Corporate assets

Construction of a new production line 
for Hipore™ lithium-ion battery separator, 
construction of a new production facility 
for Bemliese™ continuous-filament 
cellulose nonwoven, rationalization, labor-
saving, and maintenance.

Rationalization, labor-saving, and 
maintenance.

Construction of a new manufacturing 
facility for the active ingredient of 
Recomodulin™ thrombomodulin agent, 
construction of a new plant for the 
spinning of hollow-fiber membranes for 
Planova™ BioEX virus removal filters, ratio-
nalization, labor-saving, and maintenance.

Rationalization, labor-saving, and 
maintenance.

R&D equipment, IT systems, and 
maintenance.

Net Worth to Total Assets

Interest-Bearing Debt,  
D/E Ratio

Capex, Depreciation and 
Amortization

(%)
60

50

40

30

20

10

0

(¥ billion)
500

400

300

200

100

0

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

(FY)

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0

(FY)

(¥ billion)
120

90

60

30

0

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

(FY)

Interest-bearing debt (left scale)
D/E ratio (right scale)

Capex
Depreciation and amortization

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Cash Flows

Free cash flows* were a positive ¥79.0 billion, as cash provided, 
principally from income before income taxes and from depre-
ciation and amortization, exceeded cash used, principally for 
purchase of property, plant and equipment, and for payment 
of income taxes. Cash flows from financing activities were a 
net ¥74.0 billion used, principally due to a decrease in short-
term loans payable. As a result, cash and cash equivalents at 
fiscal year end were ¥144.1 billion, ¥1.2 billion less than a year 
earlier.

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash used included ¥61.4 billion for income taxes paid and a 
¥20.8 increase in notes and accounts receivable–trade. Income 
before income taxes provided ¥157.4 billion, and depreciation 
and amortization provided ¥91.4 billion. Net cash provided by 
operating activities was ¥169.0 billion, ¥47.3 billion less than a 
year earlier.

Cash flows from investing activities
Cash provided included ¥12.0 billion in proceeds from sales 
of investment securities. Cash used included ¥83.0 billion for 
purchase of property, plant and equipment, ¥9.8 billion for 
purchase of investment securities, and ¥8.8 billion for purchase 
of intangible assets. Net cash used in investing activities was 
¥89.9 billion, ¥195.4 billion less than a year earlier.

Cash flows from financing activities
Cash provided included ¥138.8 billion in proceeds from long-
term loans payable, and a ¥56.0 increase in commercial paper. 
Cash used included a ¥193.8 billion decrease in short-term 
loans payable, ¥45.5 billion for repayment of long-term loans 
payable, and ¥27.9 billion in cash dividends paid. Net cash 
used in financing activities was ¥74.0 billion, ¥175.3 billion 
more than a year earlier.

*  Total of net cash provided by (used in) operating activities and net cash provided 

by (used in) investment activities.

Financial Policy

We aim to increase free cash flows with increased earnings 
through enhanced cost efficiency, greater product competi-
tiveness, and business structure improvements, and with 
greater capital efficiency through utilization of group finance 
and maintenance of optimum inventory levels.

A wide range of fund-raising methods including bank 
borrowings, bonds, and commercial paper will be utilized 
dynamically in accordance with the financial circumstances 
of the Asahi Kasei Group in order to obtain stable financing at 
low cost.

These resources will be used to fund strategic investments 

under the “Cs for Tomorrow 2018” strategic management 
initiative focused on the pursuit of growth and profitability, 
creation of new businesses, and acceleration of globalization, 
as well as dividends for shareholders.

Advancing these measures will enable us to further 

enhance corporate value and provide an appropriate return to 
shareholders while maintaining discipline for a sound financial 
constitution.

Free Cash Flows

(¥ billion)
160

Cash Flows

(¥ billion)
300

120

80

40

0

(40)

(80)

(120)

(160)

200

100

0

(100)

(200)

(300)

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

(FY)

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

(FY)

Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

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Risk Analysis

Operating risks and non-operating risks which may materially influence investor decisions are described below. The manage-
ment maintains awareness of the possibility that these scenarios may emerge and, to the fullest possible extent, implements 
measures to avoid their emergence and to minimize their impact on corporate performance in the event that they do emerge. 
The description of risks given here includes elements which may emerge in the future, but as it is based on current evalua-

tions as of June 28, 2017, it does not include risks which could not be foreseen.

Profitability of electronics-related businesses
The electronics industry is characterized by sharp market 
cycles. The profitability of electronics-related businesses may 
decline significantly in a relatively short time, thereby affect-
ing our consolidated performance and financial condition. 
Because products in this field rapidly become obsolete, the 
timely development and commercialization of leading-edge 
devices and materials is required. New product development 
may be delayed, or demand fluctuations may exceed expecta-
tions, thereby affecting our consolidated performance and 
financial condition.

Pharmaceutical, medical device, and critical care device 
businesses
Pharmaceutical, medical device, and critical care device busi-
nesses may be significantly affected by government measures 
regarding health care or other changes in government policy 
in various countries. Unforeseeable side effects or complica-
tions may emerge, significantly affecting these businesses. 
Product approval may be withdrawn as a result of reexamina-
tion, and competition may intensify as a result of the market 
entry of generics. For products under development, regulatory 
approval may be prolonged or fail to be obtained, market 
demand may be lower than expected, and reimbursement 
prices may be lower than expected. Such scenarios may affect 
our consolidated performance and financial condition.

Crude oil and naphtha prices
Operating costs in operations based on petrochemicals are 
affected by prices for crude oil and naphtha. If crude oil and 
naphtha prices rise, selling prices for products derived from 
these feedstocks must be increased in a timely manner to 
maintain sufficient price spreads. Price spreads may diminish, 
thereby affecting our consolidated performance and financial 
condition.

Exchange rate fluctuation
The value of items denominated in currencies other than the 
yen is affected by the rate of exchange at the time of conver-
sion to yen. Although measures such as currency exchange 
hedges are utilized to minimize the short-term effects of 
exchange rate fluctuations, such fluctuations may exceed the 
foreseeable range over the short to long term, thereby affect-
ing our consolidated performance and financial condition.

Overseas operations
Overseas operations may face a variety of risks which cannot be 
foreseen, including the existence or emergence of economi-
cally unfavorable circumstances due to legal and regulatory 
changes, vulnerability of infrastructure, difficulty in hiring/retain-
ing qualified employees, or other factors, and social or political 
instability due to terrorism, war, or other factors. Overseas 
operations may be impaired by such scenarios, thereby affect-
ing our consolidated performance and business plans.

Housing-related tax policy, interest rate fluctuation
Operations in the Homes segment are affected by Japanese 
tax policies as they relate to home acquisition and by 
fluctuations in Japanese interest rates. Changes in Japanese 
tax policy, including consumption taxes, or fluctuations in 
Japanese interest rates may result in diminished housing 
demand, thereby affecting our consolidated performance and 
financial condition.

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71

 
Industrial accidents and natural disasters
The occurrence of a significant industrial accident or natural 
disaster at a plant or elsewhere may result in a loss of public 
trust, the emergence of costs associated with accident 
response, including compensation, and opportunity loss due 
to plant shutdown caused by damage to plant facilities, supply 
chain disruptions which impede raw materials procurement, 
etc., thereby affecting our consolidated performance and 
financial condition.

Business and capital alliances
Acquisitions, business alliances, and capital alliances may 
bear lower results or less synergy than anticipated due to 
deterioration of the operating environment, thereby affecting 
our consolidated performance and financial condition. Poor 
performance at companies in which we have invested may 
require the recording of an impairment loss for goodwill, etc., 
thereby affecting our consolidated performance and financial 
condition.

Intellectual property, product liability, and legal regulation
An unfavorable ruling may emerge in a dispute relating to 
intellectual property, a product defect resulting in a large 
scale recall and compensation whose costs exceed insurance 
coverage may emerge, and detrimental legal and regulatory 
changes may emerge in any country where we operate. 
Such scenarios may affect our consolidated performance and 
financial condition.

Business counterparties
The occurrence of misconduct or unforeseeable credit impair-
ment, etc. may necessitate additional losses or allowances 
to be recorded in financial accounts, thereby affecting our 
consolidated performance and financial condition.

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Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets
Asahi Kasei Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
March 31, 2017 and 2016

ASSETS
Current assets:

Cash and deposits (Notes 8 and 10)

Notes and accounts receivable—trade 

Short-term investment securities (Notes 8, 10 and 11)

Merchandise and finished goods

Work in process

Raw materials and supplies 

Deferred tax assets (Note 14)

Other

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Total current assets

Noncurrent assets:

Property, plant and equipment:

Buildings and structures (Notes 4 (b), (d))

Accumulated depreciation

Buildings and structures, net

Machinery, equipment and vehicles (Notes 4 (b), (d))

Accumulated depreciation

Machinery, equipment and vehicles, net

Land (Note 4 (d))

Lease assets (Note 9)

Accumulated depreciation

Lease assets, net

Construction in progress

Other (Note 4 (d))

Accumulated depreciation

Other, net

Subtotal

Intangible assets:

Goodwill

Other

Subtotal

Investments and other assets:

Investment securities (Notes 4 (a), (b), 10 and 11)

Long-term loans receivable (Note 10)

Deferred tax assets (Note 14)

Other

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Subtotal

Total noncurrent assets

Total assets

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

72

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

Millions of yen

Thousands of  
U.S. dollars (Note 1)

2017

2016

2017

¥    145,289

¥    146,054

302,751

—

159,395

116,481

70,806

20,279

81,816

(2,272)

894,545

508,713

(278,122)

230,590

1,376,029

(1,176,686)

199,343

62,391

12,367

(11,381)

986

45,958

150,073

(132,460)

17,613

556,881

285,622

177,149

462,772

284,137

18,918

9,309

28,154

(215)

340,302

1,359,955

280,095

1,534

159,441

108,684

68,618

18,133

75,324

(1,865)

856,018

495,817

(268,635)

227,183

1,348,103

(1,149,544)

198,559

61,046

12,928

(11,183)

1,745

49,240

147,286

(129,072)

18,215

555,989

305,112

189,470

494,582

244,598

16,353

20,098

24,280

(189)

305,140

1,355,711

$   1,295,026

2,698,556

—

1,420,759

1,038,248

631,126

180,756

729,263

(20,251)

7,973,482

4,534,388

(2,479,027)

2,055,353

12,265,166

(10,488,332)

1,776,834

556,119

110,233

(101,444)

8,789

409,644

1,337,668

(1,180,676)

156,993

4,963,731

2,545,878

1,579,009

4,124,895

2,532,641

168,625

82,975

250,949

(1,916)

3,033,265

12,121,891

¥ 2,254,500

¥ 2,211,729

$ 20,095,374

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

73

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Liabilities:

Current liabilities:

Notes and accounts payable—trade (Note 10)

Short-term loans payable (Notes 4 (b), 10 and 20)

Commercial paper (Notes 10 and 20)

Current portion of bonds payable (Notes 10 and 20)

Lease obligations (Notes 9, 10 and 20)

Accrued expenses

Income taxes payable (Note 10)

Advances received

Provision for periodic repairs

Provision for product warranties

Provision for removal cost of property, plant and equipment

Asset retirement obligations (Note 16)

Other

Total current liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities:

Bonds payable (Notes 10 and 20)

Long-term loans payable (Notes 4 (b), 10 and 20)

Lease obligations (Notes 9, 10 and 20)

Deferred tax liabilities (Note 14)

Provision for periodic repairs

Provision for removal cost of property, plant and equipment

Provision for loss on litigation

Net defined benefit liability (Note 13)

Asset retirement obligations (Note 16)

Long-term guarantee deposits (Note 10)

Other

Total noncurrent liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets:

Shareholders’ equity:

Capital stock

Authorized—4,000,000,000 shares

Issued and outstanding—1,402,616,332 shares

Capital surplus

Retained earnings (Note 7 (b) (ii))

Treasury stock

(2017—5,958,904 shares, 2016—5,861,678 shares)

Total shareholders’ equity

Accumulated other comprehensive income:

Net unrealized gain on other securities

Deferred gains or losses on hedges

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Remeasurements of defined benefit plans

Total accumulated other comprehensive income

Non-controlling interests

Total net assets

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Notes 4 (c) and 9)

Total liabilities and net assets

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

Millions of yen

Thousands of  
U.S. dollars (Note 1)

2017

2016

2017

¥   147,543
113,475
56,000
20,000
305
100,419
16,202
72,882
5,003
2,461
1,800
572
58,217
594,880

20,000
192,584
467
59,759
165
4,390
2,162
178,368
3,436
20,479
9,695
491,506
1,086,385

¥   126,653
313,587
—
—
919
98,717
32,735
74,667
3,908
2,355
2,130
568
69,423
725,662

40,000
94,632
537
64,930
558
7,228
2,171
186,300
3,480
20,131
8,702
428,669
1,154,330

$  1,315,117
1,011,454
499,153
178,269
2,719
895,080
144,416
649,630
44,594
21,936
16,044
5,098
518,914
5,302,433

178,269
1,716,588
4,163
532,659
1,471
39,130
19,271
1,589,874
30,627
182,539
86,416
4,381,014
9,683,439

103,389
79,443
850,532
(3,242)

103,389
79,410
763,076
(3,150)

921,553
708,111
7,581,175
(28,897)

1,030,122

942,724

9,181,941

113,475
55
40,831
(33,140)
121,222
16,771
1,168,115

92,280
(179)
48,429
(41,353)
99,177
15,498
1,057,399

1,011,454
490
363,945
(295,392)
1,080,506
149,487
10,411,935

¥2,254,500

¥2,211,729

$20,095,374

72

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Asahi Kasei Report 2017

73

Consolidated Statements of Income
Asahi Kasei Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Years Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

Net sales (Note 17)

Cost of sales (Note 5 (b))

Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative expenses (Note 5 (a))

Operating income (Note 17)

Non-operating income:

Interest income

Dividends income

Equity in earnings of affiliates

Other

Total non-operating income

Non-operating expenses:

Interest expense

Equity in losses of affiliates

Foreign exchange loss

Donations

Other

Total non-operating expenses

Ordinary income

Extraordinary income:

Gain on sales of investment securities

Gain on sales of noncurrent assets (Note 5 (c))

Total extraordinary income

Extraordinary loss:

Loss on valuation of investment securities

Loss on disposal of noncurrent assets (Note 5 (d))

Impairment loss (Note 5 (e))

Business structure improvement expenses (Notes 5 (e), (f ))

Litigation settlement

Loss on piling business (Note 5 (g))

Business integration expense

Special retirement expenses and other

Loss on discontinuation of joint sales agreement (Notes 5 (e), (h))

Total extraordinary loss

Income before income taxes

Income taxes (Note 14) — current

— deferred

Total income taxes

Net income

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

Net income attributable to owners of the parent

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

Millions of yen

2017
¥1,882,991

1,296,255

586,736

427,506

159,229

2016
¥1,940,914

1,354,698

586,216

421,013

165,203

Thousands of  
U.S. dollars (Note 1)

2017
$16,783,947

11,554,105

5,229,842

3,810,554

1,419,280

1,425

5,170

4,899

3,854

15,347

4,435

—

1,228

3,930

4,351

13,944

160,633

9,918

165

10,083

101

4,863

1,484

6,189

—

—

690

—

—

13,328

157,388

49,017

(8,293)

40,724

116,663

1,663

1,417

4,757

—

5,148

11,322

3,611

854

3,679

851

6,159

15,154

161,370

8,275

917

9,192

363

5,214

3,493

3,606

1,201

1,456

1,547

2,027

5,266

24,173

146,389

55,419

(2,441)

52,978

93,412

1,658

12,702

46,083

43,667

34,352

136,795

39,531

—

10,946

35,030

38,782

124,289

1,431,794

88,404

1,471

89,874

900

43,346

13,228

55,165

—

—

6,150

—

—

118,798

1,402,870

436,911

(73,919)

362,991

1,039,870

14,823

¥   115,000

¥     91,754

$  1,025,047

74

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Asahi Kasei Report 2017

75

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Asahi Kasei Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Years Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

Net income

Other comprehensive income:

Net increase (decrease) in unrealized gain on other securities

Deferred gains or losses on hedges

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Remeasurements of defined benefit plans

Share of other comprehensive income of affiliates accounted  
for using equity method

Total other comprehensive income (Note 6)

Comprehensive income

Comprehensive income attributable to:

Owners of the parent

Non-controlling interests

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

Millions of yen

2017
¥116,663

2016
¥   93,412

21,177

234

(8,020)

8,114

810

22,315

¥138,979

¥137,045

1,934

(21,098)

1,519

(48,860)

(33,331)

(3,567)

(105,337)

¥  (11,925)

¥  (12,708)

783

Thousands of  
U.S. dollars (Note 1)

2017
$1,039,870

188,760

2,086

(71,486)

72,324

7,220

198,904

$1,238,782

$1,221,544

17,239

74

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75

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Asahi Kasei Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Years Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

Shareholders’ equity

Accumulated other comprehensive income

Millions of yen

Capital  
stock
¥103,389 

Capital  
surplus
¥79,410 

Retained 
earnings  
(Note 7 (b))
¥763,076 

Total 
shareholders’ 
equity

Treasury  
stock
¥(3,150) ¥   942,724 

Net  
unrealized  
gain on  
other securities
¥  92,280 

Deferred  
gains or  
losses on  
hedges

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
adjustment

¥(179)

¥48,429 

Remeasure-
ments of 
defined  
benefit plans
¥(41,353)

Total 
accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
income
¥  99,177 

Non- 
controlling 
interests
¥15,498  ¥1,057,399 

Total  
net assets

103,389

79,410

0 

33 

10 
763,086

(27,935)

115,000 

418 
(37)

(3,150)

(93)
1 

10 
942,734

(27,935)

115,000 
(93)
1 
418 
(37)

33 

92,280

(179)

48,429

(41,353)

99,177

15,498

10 
1,057,409

(27,935)

115,000 
(93)
1 
418 
(37)

33 

21,195 

234 

(7,597)

8,213 

22,045 

1,273 

23,318 

—
¥103,389 

33 
¥79,443 

87,446 
¥850,532 

(92)

87,388 
¥(3,242) ¥1,030,122 

21,195 
¥113,475 

234 
¥   55 

(7,597)
¥40,831 

8,213 
¥(33,140)

22,045 
¥121,222 

1,273 

110,705 
¥16,771  ¥1,168,115 

Shareholders’ equity

Accumulated other comprehensive income

Millions of yen

Capital  
stock
¥103,389 

Capital  
surplus
¥79,408 

Retained 
earnings  
(Note 7 (b))

¥699,259 

Treasury  
stock
¥(3,041)

Total 
shareholders’ 
equity
¥879,014 

Net  
unrealized  
gain on  
other securities
¥113,562 

Deferred  
gains or  
losses on  
hedges

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
adjustment

¥(1,697)

¥ 99,531 

Remeasure-
ments of 
defined  
benefit plans
¥  (7,757)

Total 
accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
income
¥ 203,639 

Non- 
controlling 
interests

¥15,068 

Total  
net assets
¥1,097,722 

103,389

79,408

699,259

(3,041)

(27,937)

91,754 

2 

(113)
4 

—
879,014

(27,937)

91,754 
(113)
6 
—

—
—

113,562

(1,697)

99,531

(7,757)

203,639

15,068

—
1,097,722

(27,937)

91,754 
(113)
6 
—

—
—

(21,282)

1,519 

(51,102)

(33,596)

(104,462)

430 

(104,032)

—
¥103,389 

2
¥79,410 

63,817
¥763,076 

(109)
¥(3,150)

63,710
¥942,724 

(21,282)
¥  92,280 

1,519 
¥   (179)

(51,102)
¥ 48,429 

(33,596)
¥(41,353)

(104,462)
¥   99,177 

430 
¥15,498 

(40,323)
¥1,057,399 

Shareholders’ equity

Accumulated other comprehensive income

Thousands of U.S. dollars (Note 1)

Capital  
stock
$921,553 

Capital  
surplus
$707,817 

Retained 
earnings  
(Note 7 (b))
$6,801,640 

Treasury  
stock
$(28,077)

Total 
shareholders’ 
equity
$8,402,924 

Net  
unrealized  
gain on  
other securities
$   822,533 

Deferred  
gains or  
losses on 
hedges

$(1,596)

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
adjustment
$431,669 

Remeasure-
ments of 
defined  
benefit plans
$(368,598)

Total 
accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
income
$   884,009 

Non- 
controlling 
interests
$138,141  $  9,425,074 

Total  
net assets

921,553

707,817

0 

294 

89 
6,801,729

(248,997)

1,025,047 

3,726 
(330)

(28,077)

(829)
9 

89 
8,403,013

(248,997)

1,025,047 
(829)
9 
3,726 
(330)

294 

822,533

(1,596)

431,669

(368,598)

884,009

138,141

89 
9,425,163

(248,997)

1,025,047 
(829)
9 
3,726 
(330)

294 

—
$921,553 

294 
$708,111 

779,446 
$7,581,175 

(820)
$(28,897)

778,929 
$9,181,941 

188,921 
$1,011,454 

2,086 
$    490 

(67,715)
$363,945 

73,206 
$(295,392)

196,497 
$1,080,506 

11,347 
$149,487 

986,764 
$10,411,935 

188,921 

2,086 

(67,715)

73,206 

196,497 

11,347 

207,844 

Balance at March 31, 2016

Cumulative effect of changes  

in accounting policies

Restated balance
Changes during the fiscal year:

Dividends from surplus
Net income attributable  
to owners of the parent
Purchase of treasury stock
Disposal of treasury stock
Change of scope of consolidation
Change of scope of equity method
Capital increase of  

consolidated subsidiaries

Net changes of items other than 

shareholders’ equity
Total changes of items  

during the period

Balance at March 31, 2017

Balance at March 31, 2015

Cumulative effect of changes  

in accounting policies

Restated balance
Changes during the fiscal year:

Dividends from surplus
Net income attributable  
to owners of the parent
Purchase of treasury stock
Disposal of treasury stock
Change of scope of consolidation
Capital increase of  

consolidated subsidiaries

Change of scope of equity method
Net changes of items other than 

shareholders' equity
Total changes of items  

during the period

Balance at March 31, 2016

Balance at March 31, 2016

Cumulative effect of changes  

in accounting policies

Restated balance
Changes during the fiscal year:

Dividends from surplus
Net income attributable  
to owners of the parent
Purchase of treasury stock
Disposal of treasury stock
Change of scope of consolidation
Change of scope of equity method
Capital increase of  

consolidated subsidiaries

Net changes of items other than 

shareholders' equity
Total changes of items  

during the period

Balance at March 31, 2017

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

76

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77

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Asahi Kasei Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Years Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

Cash flows from operating activities:

Income before income taxes
Depreciation and amortization
Impairment loss
Amortization of goodwill
Amortization of negative goodwill
Increase in provision for periodic repairs
Increase (decrease) in provision for product warranties
Decrease in provision for removal cost of property, plant and equipment
Decrease in net defined benefit liability
Interest and dividend income
Interest expense
Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliates
Gain on sales of investment securities
Loss on valuation of investment securities
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
Loss on disposal of noncurrent assets
(Increase) decrease in notes and accounts receivable—trade
(Increase) decrease in inventories
Increase (decrease) in notes and accounts payable—trade
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses
(Decrease) increase in advances received
Other, net
Subtotal

Interest and dividend income received
Interest expense paid
Income taxes paid

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Payments into time deposits
Proceeds from withdrawal of time deposits
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of investment securities
Proceeds from sales of investment securities
Purchase of shares in subsidiaries resulting in change in scope of consolidation
Payments for transfer of business
Payments of loans receivable
Collection of loans receivable
Other, net

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

(Decrease) increase in short-term loans payable
Increase in commercial paper
Proceeds from long-term loans payable
Repayment of long-term loans payable
Repayments of lease obligations
Purchase of treasury stock
Proceeds from disposal of treasury stock
Cash dividends paid
Cash dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Other, net

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Increase in cash and cash equivalents resulting from changes  
in scope of consolidation
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year (Note 8)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

Millions of yen

Thousands of  
U.S. dollars (Note 1)

2017

2016

2017

¥ 157,388
91,387
1,484
17,806
(159)
703
108
(3,168)
(8,150)
(6,595)
4,435
(4,899)
(9,918)
101
(165)
4,863
(20,756)
(9,840)
18,619
2,467
(1,886)
(6,721)
227,105
7,733
(4,428)
(61,444)
168,965

(4,105)
5,232
(82,983)
3,178
(8,810)
(9,846)
12,018
—
—
(5,218)
2,169
(1,553)
(89,920)

(193,760)
56,000
138,812
(45,513)
(965)
(93)
1
(27,935)
(712)
207
(73,959)
(6,759)
(1,673)
145,307

¥ 146,389
93,811
3,493
15,821
(159)
824
(193)
(1,339)
(9,227)
(6,173)
3,611
854
(8,275)
363
(917)
5,214
48,513
12,901
(24,104)
(3,980)
120
(4,863)
272,687
7,558
(3,596)
(60,431)
216,218

(6,360)
17,364
(85,184)
774
(10,330)
(7,017)
10,197
(193,680)
(200)
(11,131)
2,520
(2,241)
(285,287)

213,417
—
9,445
(91,760)
(1,411)
(113)
6
(27,937)
(653)
371
101,365
(5,560)
26,736
112,297

$ 1,402,870
814,573
13,228
158,713
(1,417)
6,266
963
(28,238)
(72,645)
(58,784)
39,531
(43,667)
(88,404)
900
(1,471)
43,346
(185,008)
(87,708)
165,960
21,989
(16,811)
(59,907)
2,024,289
68,928
(39,469)
(547,678)
1,506,061

(36,590)
46,635
(739,665)
28,327
(78,527)
(87,762)
107,122
—
—
(46,510)
19,333
(13,843)
(801,497)

(1,727,070)
499,153
1,237,294
(405,678)
(8,601)
(829)
9
(248,997)
(6,346)
1,845
(659,230)
(60,246)
(14,912)
1,295,187

443
¥ 144,077

6,273
¥ 145,307

3,949
$ 1,284,223

76

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Asahi Kasei Report 2017

77

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Asahi Kasei Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries

1. Major policies for preparing the consolidated financial statements

The consolidated financial statements, which are filed with the prime 
minister of Japan as required by the Financial Instruments and Exchange 
Act in Japan, are prepared in accordance with accounting principles 
generally accepted in Japan, which are different in certain respects from 
the application and disclosure requirements of International Financial 
Reporting Standards. The accompanying consolidated financial state-
ments are a translation of those filed with the prime minister of Japan and 
incorporate certain modifications to enhance foreign readers’ understand-
ing of the consolidated financial statements. In addition, the notes to the 
consolidated financial statements include certain financial information 
which is not required under the disclosure regulations in Japan, but is 
presented herein as additional information.

The U.S. dollar amounts presented in the consolidated financial 
statements are included solely for the convenience of readers. These 
translations should not be construed as representations that the Japanese 
yen amounts actually represent, have been, or could be converted into 
U.S. dollars. As the amounts shown in U.S. dollars are for convenience 
only, and are not intended to be computed in accordance with generally 
accepted translation procedures, the approximate current exchange rate 
of ¥112.19=US$1 prevailing on March 31, 2017, has been used.

Consolidation and investments in affiliated companies
The consolidated financial statements consist of the accounts of the 
parent company and 171 subsidiaries (174 subsidiaries at March 31, 
2016, hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Company”) which, with 
minor exceptions due to immateriality, are all majority or wholly owned 

2. Significant accounting policies

(a) Cash and cash equivalents
For cash flow statement purposes, cash and cash equivalents include 
all highly liquid investments, generally with original maturities of three 
months or less, which are readily convertible to known amounts of cash, 
and therefore present an insignificant risk of changes in value due to 
changes in interest rates.

(b) Inventories
Inventories held for sale in the ordinary course of business are stated at the 
lower of cost or net realizable value. Residential lots and dwellings for sale 
are stated at specifically identified costs.

(c) Noncurrent assets and depreciation/amortization
Property, plant and equipment (except for lease assets) are stated at cost. 
Significant renewals and improvements are capitalized at cost, while 
maintenance and repairs are charged to income as incurred. Depreciation 
is provided for under the declining-balance method for property, plant 
and equipment, except for buildings and building accessories acquired on 
or after April 1, 2016 which are depreciated using the straight-line method, 
at rates based on estimated useful lives of the assets, principally ranging 
from 5 to 60 years for buildings and from 4 to 22 years for machinery and 
equipment and vehicles.

Intangible fixed assets (except for lease assets), including software for 
internal use, are mainly amortized using the straight-line method over the 
estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful life of software for 
internal use is mainly 5 years.

Lease assets (financing lease transactions without title transfer) are 
depreciated/amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease 
with no residual value. For financing lease transactions without title trans-
fer whose transaction date is before March 31, 2008, the previous method 
of accounting for lease transactions continues to be applied, with periodic 
lease charges for financing leases being charged to income as incurred.

(d) Significant allowances

i) Allowance for doubtful accounts
Estimates of the unrecoverable portion of receivables, generally based 
on historical rates and for specific receivables of particular concern based 
on individual estimates of recoverability, are recognized as allowance for 
doubtful accounts.

companies, including 6 core operating companies (Asahi Kasei Homes 
Corp., Asahi Kasei Construction Materials Corp., Asahi Kasei Microdevices 
Corp., Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp., Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd., and 
ZOLL Medical Corporation), Polypore International, LP, and Tongsuh 
Petrochemical Corp. Ltd. (Korea). Material inter-company transactions and 
accounts have been eliminated.

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and 20% to 50% owned 

companies in which the Company exercises significant influence are 
accounted for, with minor exceptions due to immateriality, using the 
equity method of accounting. There were 32 such unconsolidated subsid-
iaries and 20% to 50% owned companies to which the equity method is 
applied at March 31, 2017 (31 at March 31, 2016), including Asahi Kasei EIC 
Solutions Corp. and Asahi Yukizai Corporation.

Certain subsidiaries’ results are reported in the consolidated financial 
statements using a fiscal year ending December 31. Material differences in 
inter-company transactions and accounts arising from the use of different 
fiscal year-ends are appropriately adjusted for through consolidation 
procedures.

All assets and liabilities of acquired companies are measured at their 

fair value and any difference between the net assets and the cost of 
investment is recognized as goodwill or negative goodwill. Goodwill, and 
negative goodwill incurred through business combinations which took 
place before April 1, 2010, are amortized using the straight-line method 
over a reasonable period during which their effects would last, with the 
exception of minor amounts which are charged to income as incurred.

ii) Provision for periodic repairs
The portion of foreseeable periodic repair expenses deemed to cor-
respond to normal wear and tear of plant and equipment as of the closing 
date of the fiscal year is recognized as provision for periodic repairs.

iii) Provision for product warranties
Estimates of product warranty expenses based on historical rates are 
recognized as provision for product warranties.

iv) Provision for removal cost of property, plant and equipment
Provision for removal cost of property, plant and equipment is recorded 
based on estimated future removal cost of property, plant and equipment 
at the end of each fiscal year.

v) Provision for loss on litigation
Provision for loss on litigation is recorded for estimated losses related to 
pending litigation.

(e) Accounting for retirement benefits

i)  Method of attributing expected retirement benefits to each 

period

In calculating retirement benefit obligations, the Company applies a 
method of attributing expected retirement benefits to each period based 
on a benefit formula basis.

ii) Accounting for actuarial gains/losses and prior service costs
Actuarial gains/losses are amortized using the straight-line method from 
the fiscal year following their accrual over a certain period (mainly 10 
years) within the average remaining service period of employees at the 
time of accrual. Prior service costs are amortized using the straight-line 
method over a certain period (mainly 10 years) within the average remain-
ing service period of employees at the time of accrual.

iii) Adoption of the simplified method
In calculating expected defined benefit liability and periodic retirement 
benefit expenses, certain consolidated subsidiaries have adopted the sim-
plified method. Under this method, the expected defined benefit liability 
is recorded at the severance payment amount to be required should all 
employees retire voluntarily at fiscal year end.

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derivatives that are designated as hedging instruments. Gains or losses 
arising from changes in fair value of these qualifying hedges are deferred 
as “Deferred gains or losses on hedges” until being offset against gains or 
losses of the underlying hedged assets and liabilities.

(h) Taxes
Accrued income taxes are stated at the estimated amount of payables 
for corporation, enterprise, and inhabitant taxes. The asset and liability 
approach is used to recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the 
expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the 
carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities.

The Company has elected to file its return under the consolidated 
tax filing system in Japan. Transactions subject to consumption taxes are 
recorded at amounts net of consumption taxes.

(i) Translation of foreign currencies
Foreign currency receivables and payables are translated into Japanese 
yen at the exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Resulting 
gains and losses are charged to income for the period.

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into Japanese 

yen at fiscal year-end exchange rates, and income and expenses of same 
are translated into Japanese yen at the average exchange rate for the 
fiscal year. Shareholders’ equity of foreign subsidiaries is translated into 
Japanese yen at the historical exchange rates. The translation differences 
in Japanese yen amounts arising from the use of different rates are rec-
ognized as foreign currency translation adjustments in the consolidated 
balance sheets. A portion of the foreign currency translation adjustment 
is allocated to non-controlling interests and the Company’s portion is 
presented as a separate component of net assets in the consolidated 
balance sheets.

(b) Changes in presentation 
Consolidated statements of income
In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, donations, which had previously 
been included in others under non-operating expenses, exceeded 10% of 
total non-operating expenses, and is reported separately. The consolidated 
statements of income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, have been 
adjusted accordingly, resulting in others under non-operating expenses 
being ¥851 million lower than previously reported, reflecting the separa-
tion of the same amount as donations.

(f) Significant revenue and expense recognition

i) Construction activities that are realizable as of fiscal year end
The percentage-of-completion method (progress of work is estimated using 
the percentage of costs incurred to the total projected costs) is applied.

ii) Other construction activities
The completed-contract method is used.

(g) Financial instruments

i) Securities
Securities are classified into four categories: trading securities, held-to-
maturity debt securities, equity securities of unconsolidated subsidiaries and 
affiliates, and other securities. At March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company did 
not have trading securities or held-to-maturity debt securities.

Equity securities of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates are 
accounted for, with minor exceptions due to immateriality, using the 
equity method of accounting.

Other securities whose fair values are readily determinable are carried 

at fair value with net unrealized gains or losses, net of income taxes, 
being included as a component of net assets. Other securities whose 
fair values are not readily determinable are stated at cost. In cases where 
any significant decline in the realizable value is assessed to be other than 
temporary, the cost of other securities is devalued by the impaired amount 
and is charged to income. Realized gains and losses are determined using 
the average cost method and are reflected in the consolidated income 
statements.

ii) Derivative financial instruments
All derivatives are stated at fair value. Gains or losses arising from changes 
in fair value are recognized in the period in which they arise, except for 

3. Changes in significant accounting policies

(a) Changes in accounting policies

i)  Application of revised implementation guidance on 

recoverability of deferred tax assets

The Accounting Standards Board of Japan (ASBJ) issued revised Guidance 
No. 26 “Implementation Guidance on Recoverability of Deferred Tax 
Assets.” This revised guidance is applied from the fiscal year ended March 
31, 2017. Accordingly, the method of accounting related to recoverability 
of deferred tax assets has been partially amended.

In accordance with the transitional accounting provisions set forth 
in Article 49, Paragraph 4, of the revised Guidance No. 26, the difference 
between the amount of deferred tax assets at the beginning of the 
fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, as calculated in accordance with the 
applicable provisions of Article 49, Paragraph 3, Items 1 through 3, of the 
revised Guidance No. 26, and the amount of deferred tax assets at the end 
of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, is added to retained earnings at 
the beginning of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017.

The effect of this change on deferred tax assets (investments and other 

assets) and retained earnings at the beginning of the fiscal year ended 
March 31, 2017, is immaterial.

ii)  Application of practical solution on a change in depreciation 

method due to Tax Reform 2016

The ASBJ issued Practical Issues Task Force (PITF) No. 32 “Practical Solution 
on a change in depreciation method due to Tax Reform 2016.” This 
practical solution is applied from the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. 
Accordingly, the method of depreciation of buildings and accompanying 
facilities and of structures has changed from the declining-balance 
method to the straight-line method.

The effect of this change on operating income, ordinary income, and 
income before income taxes during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, 
is immaterial.

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4. Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets

(a) Investment securities
Among investment securities, shares of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates as of March 31, 2017 and 2016, amounted to ¥65,725 million (US$585,837 
thousand) and ¥55,786 million, respectively. Included in those amounts are investments in joint ventures of ¥33,686 million (US$300,258 thousand) and 
¥27,003 million, respectively.

(b) Pledged assets and secured debt
A summary of assets pledged as collateral and secured debt as of March 31, 2017 and 2016, is shown below:

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

Pledged assets:

Buildings and structures
Machinery, equipment and vehicles

Total pledged assets
Secured debt:

Short-term loans payable
Long-term loans payable

Total secured debt

2017

¥106
1
¥107

¥    0
28
¥  29

2016

¥118
1
¥120

¥    1
77
¥  78

2017

$945
9
$954

$    0
250
$258

Besides the above, investment securities pledged to suppliers as transaction guarantees at March 31, 2017 and 2016, were ¥61 million (US$544 

thousand) and ¥54 million, respectively.

(c) Contingent liabilities
In October 2015 Asahi Kasei Corp. disclosed that Asahi Kasei Construction Materials Corp., a consolidated subsidiary of Asahi Kasei Corp., which performed 
pile installation work as a secondary subcontractor for the construction of a condominium complex in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan, submitted incorrect 
data in the pile installation report for the precast concrete piles installed for this project. There was manipulation of ammeter data and flowmeter data for 
the installation of piles. 

Asahi Kasei Corp. established a task force and an internal fact-finding committee as well as an independent commission to advance an investigation, 

and on October 22, 2015, Asahi Kasei Construction Materials Corp. reported its record of similar pile installation work over the past 10 years to Japan’s 
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). 

On November 24, 2015, Asahi Kasei Construction Materials Corp. completed all possible investigation of whether or not there was manipulation of data 
regarding the installation of precast concrete piles, and reported the results to the MLIT. Out of the 3,052 projects subject to investigation, manipulation of 
data was found for 360 projects.

Regarding projects where manipulation of data was found, Asahi Kasei Construction Materials is cooperating with the prime contractors and the owners 

of the buildings in efforts to confirm safety based on instructions from the MLIT. Regarding projects where a Specific Administrative Agency has confirmed 
safety, the Specific Administrative Agency has issued a report to the MLIT. (At a meeting of the House of Councillors Committee on Land and Transport held 
on April 5, 2016, it was reported that the safety of 357 of the 360 projects had been confirmed.)

Although there is a possibility that an effect on the consolidated results of Asahi Kasei Corp. may emerge such as the recording of an additional reserve, 
etc., no such effect is reflected in the consolidated financial statements due to the difficulty of making a rational estimate of the amount of financial impact 
from this matter as of the time of preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

Contingent liabilities at March 31, 2017 and 2016, arising in the ordinary course of business were as follows:

Loans guaranteed 
Letters of awareness
Completion guarantees
Total

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥35,774
—
10,185
¥45,959

2016
¥36,808
—
11,989
¥48,797

2017
$318,870
—
90,783
$409,653

The parent company and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates are defendants in several pending lawsuits. However, based upon the information 
currently available to both the Company and its legal counsel, management of the Company believes that any damages from such lawsuits will not have a 
material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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(d) Deferred gain on property, plant and equipment deducted for tax purposes
The accumulated reduced-value entries, which are directly deducted from property, plant and equipment, as of March 31, 2017 and 2016, were ¥9,572 
million (US$85,320 thousand) and ¥9,684 million, respectively. The breakdown of reduced-value entries as of March 31, 2017 and 2016, was as follows:

Buildings and structures
Machinery, equipment and vehicles
Land
Other
Total

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥3,394
5,865
167
146
¥9,572

2016
¥3,407
5,937
167
173
¥9,684

2017
$30,252
52,277
1,489
1,301
$85,320

5. Notes to Consolidated Statements of Income

(a) Selling, general and administrative expenses
Major components of selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

Salaries and benefits
Research and development*
Freight and storage

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥165,337
59,476
37,450

2016
¥160,091
60,990
36,794

2017
$1,473,723
530,136
333,809

*  The aggregate amounts of research and development expenses included in manufacturing costs and selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were ¥79,566 

million (US$709,208 thousand) and ¥81,118 million, respectively.

(b) Gain or loss on valuation of inventories
Inventories held for sale in the ordinary course of business are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. (Gain) loss on valuation of inventories for 
the years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥(152)

2016
¥1,427

2017
$(1,355)

(c) Gain on sales of noncurrent assets
Major components of gain on sales of noncurrent assets for the years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

Land
Machinery
Other

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥146
14
4

2016
¥777
93
47

2017
$1,301
125
36

(d) Loss on disposal of noncurrent assets
Loss on disposal of noncurrent assets for the years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, was primarily loss on abandonment and sale of buildings, machinery and 
equipment, etc. The abandonment and sale of buildings, machinery and equipment, etc. was performed under a single, all-inclusive contract for each facility.

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(e) Impairment loss
Major components of impairment losses for the years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

Millions of yen

Thousands of 
U.S. dollars

Use

Asset class

Location

2017

2016

2017

Item on the Consolidated  
Statements of Income

Joint sales rights of  
pharmaceutical products
Underground uranium storage facility
Idle assets
Production facility  
for semiconductors
Production facility  
for performance paper
Production facility  
for electronic devices
Office assets

Production facility for synthetic resin

Dormitory for employees
Others

Sales rights
Buildings, etc.
Buildings, etc.
Machinery and 
equipment, etc.
Machinery and 
equipment, etc.
Machinery and 
equipment, etc.
Buildings, etc.

Machinery and 
equipment, etc.
Buildings, etc.
Machinery and 
equipment, etc.

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hyuga, Miyazaki
Fuji, Shizuoka, etc. 

¥     —
—
—

¥3,942
1,850
817

Loss on discontinuation of  
joint sales agreement
$       —
— 
Impairment losses
— Impairment losses

Nobeoka, Miyazaki

Gobo, Wakayama

Hyuga, Miyazaki
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 
etc.

Sodegaura, Chiba
Izunokuni, Shizuoka

—

—

1,210

1,208

1,131
125

550

142

—

—

—
—

— 

—

10,785

10,767

10,081
1,114

Fuji, Shizuoka, etc. 

265

600

2,362

Impairment losses
Business structure improvement 
expenses
Business structure improvement 
expenses

Impairment losses
Business structure improvement 
expenses
Impairment losses
Impairment losses and business 
structure improvement expenses

Grouping of operating assets is based on managerial accounting categories, with consideration given to production process, geographic location, and 

domain of authority for making investment decisions. Idle assets are recorded separately in each fixed assets class.

With respect to production facility for electronic devices, production facility for synthetic resin, and part of others, the book value was reduced to the 
recoverable amount due to diminished profitability, and with respect to dormitory for employees and part of others, the book value was reduced to the 
recoverable amount due to disappearance of prospects for future use.  The recoverable amount is stated as value for future usage, which is calculated 
based on discounted future cash flows within the applicable discount rate of 6% as of March 31, 2017 and 2016.

With respect to office assets, the entire book value is eliminated due to disappearance of prospects for future use.
Among the extraordinary losses under others, ¥115 million (US$1,025 thousand) and ¥324 million were recorded under business structure improvement 

expenses for the years ended March 2017 and 2016, respectively.

(f) Business structure improvement expenses
Major components of business structure improvement expenses for the years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

Impairment of fixed assets
Additional payment of retirement benefits due to application of early retirement, etc. 
Loss on disposal and devaluation of inventory and others
Total

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥2,456
—
3,734
¥6,189

2016
¥   466
110
3,029
¥3,606

2017
$21,891
—
33,283
$55,165

(g) Loss on piling business
Asahi Kasei Construction Materials Corp., a consolidated subsidiary of Asahi Kasei Corp., submitted incorrect data within their pile installation report for 
the precast concrete piles installed as a secondary subcontractor for the construction of a condominium complex in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. There 
was manipulation of ammeter data obtained when boring holes for installation, and manipulation of flowmeter data for the injection of cement milk for 
consolidation of pile tips. As a result of this matter, Asahi Kasei Corp. has recorded an extraordinary loss in the year ended March 31, 2016, as “loss on piling 
business” for expenses related to the investigation, etc., of the manipulation of such data.

(h) Loss on discontinuation of joint sales agreement 

Impairment losses
Cancellation fee 
Other
Total

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥—
—
—
¥—

2016
¥3,942
1,303
22
¥5,266

2017
$—
—
—
$—

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6. Notes to Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Recycling adjustment and tax effects on other comprehensive income for the years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

Net unrealized gain on other securities:
Changes during the fiscal year
Recycling adjustment
Pre-tax effect
Tax effect
Net unrealized gain on other securities

Deferred gains or losses on hedges:
Changes during the fiscal year
Recycling adjustment
Adjustment on the acquisition cost of assets

Pre-tax effect
Tax effect
Deferred gains or losses on hedges

Foreign currency translation adjustment:

Changes during the fiscal year
Recycling adjustment
Pre-tax effect
Tax effect
Foreign currency translation adjustment

Remeasurements of defined benefit plans:

Changes during the fiscal year
Recycling adjustment
Pre-tax effect
Tax effect
Remeasurements of defined benefit plans

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017

2016

2017

¥ 40,337
(9,858)
30,479
(9,302)
21,177

¥  (26,559)
(7,879)
(34,438)
13,341
(21,098)

$ 359,542
(87,869)
271,673
(82,913)
188,760

380
(170)
—
210
24
234

(8,073)
—
(8,073)
53
(8,020)

(74)
10,901
10,827
(2,713)
8,114

(5,649)
1,976
5,718
2.045
(527)
1,519

(49,549)
1,028
(48,522)
(338)
(48,860)

(50,607)
3,397
(47,210)
13,880
(33,331)

3,387
(1,515)
—
1,872
214
2,086

(71,958)
—
(71,958)
472
(71,486)

(660)
97,166
96,506
(24,182)
72,324

Share of other comprehensive income of affiliates accounted for using equity method:

Changes during the fiscal year
Recycling adjustment

Share of other comprehensive income of affiliates accounted for using equity method
Total other comprehensive income

866
(55)
810
¥ 22,315

(3,363)
(204)
(3,567)
¥(105,337)

7,719
(490)
7,220
$ 198,904

7. Notes to Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

For the year ended March 31, 2017

(a) Class and total number of issued and outstanding shares and treasury stock

Issued and outstanding shares

Common stock
Total
Treasury stock

Common stock (Notes 1 & 2)
Total

Number of shares  
as of March 31, 2016

Increase in number of shares  
during the fiscal year

Decrease in number of shares  
during the fiscal year

Number of shares  
as of March 31, 2017

Thousands of shares

1,402,616
1,402,616

5,862
5,862

—
—

99
99

—
—

2
2

1,402,616
1,402,616

5,959
5,959

Notes:  1. The increase of 99 thousand shares in common stock of treasury stock was due to the purchase of shares in quantities of less than one share unit.
2. The decrease of 2 thousand shares in common stock of treasury stock was due to the sale of shares in quantities of less than one share unit.

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(b) Dividends

i) Cash dividends paid

1) The following was resolved by the Board of Directors on May 11, 2016.
Dividends for common stock

Total dividends  
Dividend per share  
Date of record 
Payment date  

¥13,968 million (US$124,503 thousand)
¥10.00 (US$0.09)
March 31, 2016
June 6, 2016

2) The following was resolved by the Board of Directors on November 1, 2016.
Dividends for common stock

Total dividends 
Dividend per share 
Date of record 
Payment date 

¥13,967 million (US$124,494 thousand)
 ¥10.00 (US$0.09)
September 30, 2016
December 1, 2016

ii) Dividends for which the date of record falls within the fiscal year under review but the payment date occurs in the following fiscal year

The following was resolved by the Board of Directors on May 11, 2017.
Dividends for common stock

Total dividends 
Source of dividends 
Dividend per share 
Date of record 
Payment date 

¥19,553 million (US$174,285 thousand)
Retained earnings
¥14.00 (US$0.12)
March 31, 2017
June 6, 2017

For the year ended March 31, 2016

(a) Class and total number of issued and outstanding shares and treasury stock

Issued and outstanding shares

Common stock
Total
Treasury stock

Common stock (Notes 1 & 2)
Total

Number of shares  
as of March 31, 2015

Increase in number of shares  
during the fiscal year

Decrease in number of shares  
during the fiscal year

Number of shares  
as of March 31, 2016

Thousands of shares

1,402,616
1,402,616

5,743
5,743

—
—

125
125

—
—

7
7

1,402,616
1,402,616

5,862
5,862

Notes:  1. The increase of 125 thousand shares in common stock of treasury stock was due to the purchase of shares in quantities of less than one share unit.
2. The decrease of 7 thousand shares in common stock of treasury stock was due to the sale of shares in quantities of less than one share unit.

(b) Dividends

i) Cash dividends paid

1) The following was resolved by the Board of Directors on May 12, 2015.
Dividends for common stock

Total dividends  
Dividend per share  
Date of record 
Payment date  

¥13,969 million
¥10.00
March 31, 2015
June 4, 2015

2) The following was resolved by the Board of Directors on November 6, 2015.
Dividends for common stock

Total dividends  
Dividend per share 
Date of record 
Payment date 

¥13,968 million
¥10.00
September 30, 2015
December 1, 2015

ii) Dividends for which the date of record falls within the fiscal year under review but the payment date occurs in the following fiscal year

The following was resolved by the Board of Directors on May 11, 2016.
Dividends for common stock

Total dividends 
Source of dividends 
Dividend per share 
Date of record 
Payment date 

¥13,968 million
Retained earnings
¥10.00
March 31, 2016
June 6, 2016

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8. Notes to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(a) Cash and cash equivalents
Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated statements of cash flows to the amounts disclosed on the consolidated balance sheets at 
March 31, 2017 and 2016, was as follows:

Cash and deposits
Time deposits with deposit term of over 3 months
Money market funds included in short-term investment securities 
Cash and cash equivalents

9. Leases

(a) Financing lease transactions
Financing lease transactions without title transfer

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥145,289
(1,212)
—
¥144,077

2016
¥146,054
(2,281)
1,534
¥145,307

2017
$1,295,026
(10,803)
—
$1,284,223

i) Components of lease assets are as follows:
1) Property, plant and equipment: Mainly model homes (buildings and structures) for housing business.
2) Intangible fixed assets: Software

ii) Depreciation of lease assets:
As stated in Note 2 “Significant accounting policies (c) Noncurrent assets and depreciation/amortization,” the financing lease transactions without title 
transfer which occurred prior to March 31, 2008, are accounted for on a basis similar to an operating lease. For such leases, information for the cost and 
related accumulated amortization, computed using the straight-line method over the term of the lease assuming such lease transactions accounted for as 
an operating lease had been accounted for as a financing lease, is required to be disclosed. However, such disclosure is omitted due to immateriality.

(b) Operating lease transactions
Future lease payments for the non-cancelable portion of the Company’s operating leases at March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

Due within one year
Due after one year
Total

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥  5,753
33,899
¥39,652

2016
¥  5,414
5,255
¥10,668

2017
$  51,279
302,157
$353,436

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10. Financial instruments

(a) Overview of financial instruments

i) Policy related to financial instruments
The Company raises long-term funds as required mainly for its planned capital expenditures by borrowing from banks, borrowing from life insurance 
companies, issuing bonds, etc. A portion of the surplus funds is invested only in highly stable financial assets. Short-term working funds are raised by bank 
borrowings, issuance of commercial paper, etc. Derivative transactions are mainly entered into for the purpose of reducing risks related to assets and 
liabilities which are exposed to risks of fluctuations of exchange rate and interest rate. Derivatives are not traded for speculative purposes.

ii) Components of financial instruments, their risks and risk management structure
As operating receivables, notes and accounts receivable—trade are exposed to credit risk of customers. As the business of the Company spans a wide 
range of fields, operating receivables are not excessively concentrated on specific customers, but the parent company and each consolidated subsidiary 
monitor and manage the credit condition of each customer.

Investment securities are exposed to the risk of fluctuations in market price, but they are mainly equity securities of companies with which the Company 

has business relationships. These securities are held for the purpose of maintaining the business relationships. Fair value is periodically evaluated, and the 
financial condition of the issuing company is monitored.

As operating liabilities, notes and accounts payable—trade generally have a payment term of 1 year or less.
Variable interest-rate borrowings are exposed to the risk of interest-rate fluctuations, but derivatives (interest-rate and currency swaps, interest-rate 

swaps) are used as hedges to fix interest expenses for a portion of long-term variable interest-rate borrowings.

Operating receivables and operating liabilities include those denominated in currencies other than Japanese yen, and are thus exposed to the risk of 
exchange-rate fluctuations. In order to minimize the effects of short-term exchange-rate fluctuations, the Company hedges with derivative transactions 
(forward exchange contracts), in principle, within the range of the underlying receivables and liabilities amount.

Derivative transactions are exposed to the credit risk of transacting financial institutions, but the credit condition of those financial institutions is 
reviewed through periodical monitoring. Such transactions are performed and managed in accordance with the Company’s internal regulations which 
stipulate the related authority, procedures, limits, etc.

Borrowings are exposed to liquidity risk, but the parent company specifies standards for required on-hand funds based on the Company’s funding plans, 

prepares and revises plans for cash receipts and disbursements as appropriate, and enters into commitment-line agreements with transacting financial 
institutions to manage such risk.

Loan securitization in the housing business is exposed to the risk of interest-rate fluctuations between the time of origination of housing loans and the 

time of execution of their securitization, but derivative transactions (interest-rate swaps) are entered into in order to reduce such risk.

iii) Supplementary explanation of fair value of financial instruments
The fair value of financial instruments is based on their quoted market price, if available. In the case where no quoted market price is available, a reasonably 
estimated fair value is used. As variable factors are incorporated in its estimation, fair value may change due to the adoption of different assumptions, condi-
tions, etc. The stated amount of contracts regarding derivative transactions included in Note 12 “Derivative financial instruments” is not itself an indication of 
the market risk of the derivative transactions.

(b) Fair value of financial instruments
Amounts carried on the consolidated balance sheets, their fair values, and the differences between them as of March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as shown below.

Financial instruments whose fair values are deemed extremely difficult to determine are not included in this table (See Notes 2), 3) and 4) below).

Cash and deposits
Notes and accounts receivable—trade
Allowance for doubtful accounts (*1)

Short-term investment securities and investment securities:

Investments in affiliates
Other securities

Long-term loans receivable
Total assets
Notes and accounts payable—trade
Short-term loans payable
Commercial paper
Income taxes payable
Bonds payable
Long-term loans payable
Lease obligations
Long-term guarantee deposits
Total liabilities
Derivative financial instruments (*2)

Millions of yen

2017
Fair value

¥145,289

Difference

¥      —

300,672

—

9,558
211,694
19,366
686,579
147,543
88,965
56,000
16,202
40,646
216,145
765
8,344
574,610
¥      (249)

(4,971)
—
(5)
(4,976)
—
—
—
—
(646)
949
8
(45)
266
¥      —

Carrying amount

¥145,289
302,751
(2,078)
300,672

14,529
211,694
19,371
691,554
147,543
88,965
56,000
16,202
40,000
217,094
773
8,299
574,876
¥      (249)

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Cash and deposits
Notes and accounts receivable—trade
Allowance for doubtful accounts (*1)

Short-term investment securities and investment securities:

Investments in affiliates
Other securities

Long-term loans receivable
Total assets
Notes and accounts payable—trade
Short-term loans payable
Income taxes payable
Bonds payable
Long-term loans payable
Lease obligations
Long-term guarantee deposits
Total liabilities
Derivative financial instruments (*2)

Cash and deposits
Notes and accounts receivable—trade
Allowance for doubtful accounts (*1)

Short-term investment securities and investment securities:

Investment in affiliates
Other securities

Long-term loans receivable
Total assets
Notes and accounts payable—trade
Short-term loans payable
Commercial paper
Income taxes payable
Bonds payable
Long-term loans payable
Lease obligations
Long-term guarantee deposits
Total liabilities
Derivative financial instruments (*2)

Millions of yen

2016
Fair value

¥146,054

Difference

¥      —

278,396

—

5,985
183,672
16,604
630,711
126,653
273,418
32,735
40,650
137,008
1,465
8,088
620,017
¥       354

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
Fair value

$1,295,026

(4,905)
—
(3)
(4,908)
—
—
—
(650)
(2,207)
(9)
(55)
(2,921)
¥      —

Difference

$        —

2,680,025

—

85,195
1,886,924
172,618
6,119,788
1,315,117
792,985
499,153
144,416
362,296
1,926,598
6,819
74,374
5,121,758
$      (2,219)

(44,309)
—
(44)
(44,353)
—
—
—
—
(5,758)
8,459
71
(401)
2,371
$        —

Carrying amount

¥146,054
280,095
(1,699)
278,396

10,890
183,672
16,607
635,618
126,653
273,418
32,735
40,000
134,801
1,456
8,032
617,096
¥       354

Carrying amount

$1,295,026
2,698,556
(18,522)
2,680,025

129,504
1,886,924
172,662
6,164,132
1,315,117
792,985
499,153
144.416
356,538
1,935,057
6,890
73,973
5,124,129
$      (2,219)

(*1)  This reduction represents specific allowance for doubtful accounts related to notes and 

accounts receivable—trade.

(*2)  The amounts represent net amount of assets and liabilities resulting from derivative transac-

tions. In the case of a net liability, the amount is shown in parentheses.

Note 1)  Method to determine the estimated fair value of financial instruments; securities and 

ii) Liabilities
1)  Notes and accounts payable–trade; short-term loans payable; commercial paper; income taxes 

payable
As their fair values approximate book value due to their short maturity, the corresponding book 
value amounts are used as fair value.

derivative financial instruments

i) Assets
1) Cash and deposits, notes and accounts receivable—trade

As their fair value approximates book value due to their short maturity, the corresponding book 
value amount is used as fair value.

2) Short-term investment securities and investment securities

The stock exchange prices are used to determine fair value of traded stocks, and the correspond-
ing book value amount is used as fair value of money market funds, because their fair value 
approximates book value. Refer to Note 11 “Marketable securities and investment securities” for 
information on securities classified by holding purpose.

3) Long-term loans receivable

The carrying amounts shown include long-term loans receivable scheduled for repayment 
within one year. Their fair values are determined based on the present value of principal and 
interest, discounted using current assumed rates for similar long-term loans receivable. For 
long-term loans receivable bearing variable interest rates, as they are deemed to reflect market 
interest rates within a short term, book values are used as fair value.

2) Bonds payable

Fair value of the bonds payable issued by the parent company is based on the quoted market 
price if available. For those without a quoted market price that are subject to special treatment 
for interest-rate swaps, fair value is based on the present value by totaling the amount of 
principal and interest, together with related interest-rate swaps, discounted by the interest rate 
that would apply if equivalent bonds were newly issued.

3) Long-term loans payable

The carrying amounts shown include long-term loans payable that are scheduled for repayment 
within one year of March 31, 2017 and 2016, amounting to ¥24,510 million (US$218,469 thou-
sand) and ¥40,169 million, respectively. Their fair values are based on present value of principal 
and interest discounted using the current assumed rates for similar long-term loans payable. 
For long-term loans payable bearing variable interest rates, fair value of those subject to special 
treatment of interest rate-swaps is based on present value by totaling the amount of principal 
and interest, together with related interest-rate swaps, discounted by the interest rate that would 
apply if equivalent long-term loans were newly entered. For other long-term loans payable, book 
value is used as fair value as they are deemed to reflect market interest rates within a short term.

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4) Lease obligations

The carrying amounts shown are the total amount of lease obligations under current liabilities 
and lease obligations under noncurrent liabilities. Present value, calculated by discounting the 
total amount of principal and interest using the presumed interest rate that would apply if lease 
transactions were newly made, is used as the fair value.

5) Long-term guarantee deposits

In cases where the deposit period can be estimated, the fair value of long-term guarantee 
deposits is determined using a discounted cash flow over that period.

iii) Derivative transactions
Refer to Note 12 “Derivative financial instruments.”
Note 2)  For equity investments in nonpublic companies, with a carrying amount as of March 31, 

2017 and 2016, amounting to ¥54,787 million (US$488,341 thousand) and ¥48,453 million, 
respectively, fair value is not included in short-term investment securities and investment 

securities, as no quoted market price is available and it is deemed extremely difficult to 
determine fair value due to the impossibility of estimating future cash flows.

Note 3)  For investment securities, with a carrying amount as of March 31, 2017 and 2016, amount-

ing to ¥3,127 million (US$27,872 thousand) and ¥3,117 million, respectively, fair value is 
not included in short-term investment securities and investment securities, as no quoted 
market price is available and it is deemed extremely difficult to determine fair value due to 
the impossibility of estimating future cash flows.

Note 4)  For long-term guarantee deposits, the fair value of a portion having a carrying amount as 

of March 31, 2017 and 2016, amounting to ¥12,180 million (US$108,566 thousand) and 
¥12,098 million, respectively, is not included as no quoted market price is available and it 
is deemed extremely difficult to determine fair value due to the impossibility of estimating 
future cash flows. 

Note 5) For monetary credits and securities with maturity, the amounts scheduled for redemption subsequent to the closing date are as follows:

Cash and deposits
Notes and accounts receivable—trade
Long-term loans receivable
Total

Cash and deposits
Notes and accounts receivable—trade
Long-term loans receivable
Total

Cash and deposits
Notes and accounts receivable—trade
Long-term loans receivable
Total

Millions of yen

2017

Due within one year

Due after one year, 
within five years

Due after five years, 
within ten years

Due after more than 
ten years

¥145,289
302,751
453
¥448,493

¥       —
—
18,912
¥18,912

¥—
—
5
¥  5

¥—
—
—
¥—

Millions of yen

2016

Due within one year

Due after one year, 
within five years

Due after five years, 
within ten years

Due after more than 
ten years

¥146,054
280,095
254
¥426,402

¥       —
—
16,353
¥16,353

¥—
—
—
¥—

¥—
—
—
¥—

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017

Due within one year

Due after one year, 
within five years

Due after five years, 
within ten years

Due after more than 
ten years

$1,295,026
2,698,556
4,038
$3,997,620

$         —
—
168,571
$168,571

$—
—
45
$45

$—
—
—
$—

Note 6) For bonds payable, long-term loans payable, lease obligations, and other interest-bearing debt, the amounts scheduled for repayment subsequent to the closing date are as follows:

Year ending March 31

2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023 and thereafter

Year ending March 31

2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022 and thereafter

Millions of yen

2017

Short-term loans 
payable

Commercial paper

Bonds payable

Long-term loans 
payable

Lease obligations

Total

¥88,965
—
—
—
—
—

¥56,000
—
—
—
—
—

¥20,000
—
20,000
—
—
—

¥24,510
59,796
21,279
22,900
32,790
55,819

Millions of yen

2016

¥305
186
143
112
26
—

¥189,780
59,982
41,422
23,012
32,816
55,819

Short-term loans 
payable

Commercial paper

Bonds payable

Long-term loans 
payable

Lease obligations

Total

¥273,418
—
—
—
—
—

¥—
—
—
—
—
—

¥       —
20,000
—
20,000
—
—

¥40,169
18,941
49,616
12,028
4,436
9,611

¥919
280
118
83
55
1

¥314,506
39,221
49,734
32,111
4,491
9,612

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Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017

Year ending March 31

2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023 and thereafter

Short-term loans 
payable

Commercial paper

Bonds payable

Long-term loans 
payable

Lease obligations

Total

$792,985
—
—
—
—
—

$499,153
—
—
—
—
—

$178,269
—
178,269
— 
—
—

$218,469
532,989
189,669
204,118 
292,272 
497,540

$2,719
1,658
1,275
998
232
—

$1,691,595
534,647
369,213
205,116
292,504
497,540

11. Marketable securities and investment securities

(a) Other securities with available fair value
The aggregate cost, carrying amount which was identical to fair value, and gross unrealized gains and losses of debt and equity securities classified as other 
securities for which fair values were available at March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

Securities with unrealized gains:

Equity securities
Others
Subtotal

Securities with unrealized losses:

Equity securities
Others
Subtotal

Total

Securities with unrealized gains:

Equity securities
Others
Subtotal

Securities with unrealized losses:

Equity securities
Others
Subtotal

Total

Securities with unrealized gains:

Equity securities
Others
Subtotal

Securities with unrealized losses:

Equity securities
Others
Subtotal

Total

Millions of yen

2017

Cost

¥35,723
—
35,723

12,690
—
12,690
¥48,414

Millions of yen

2016

Cost

¥36,960
—
36,960

12,439
1,534
13,973
¥50,934

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017

Cost

$318,415
—
318,415

113,112
—
113,112
$431,536

Unrealized gains 
(losses)

¥164,557
—
164,557

(1,277)
—
(1,277)
¥163,280

Unrealized gains 
(losses)

¥135,107
—
135,107

(2,369)
—
(2,369)
¥132,738

Unrealized gains 
(losses)

$1,466,771
—
1,466,771

(11,382)
—
(11,382)
$1,455,388

Carrying  
amount

¥200,280
—
200,280

11,414
—
11,414
¥211,694

Carrying  
amount

¥172,068
—
172,068

10,070
1,534
11,604
¥183,672

Carrying  
amount

$1,785,186
—
1,785,186

101,738
—
101,738
$1,886,924

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(b) Realized gains and losses on the sale of other securities
The realized gains and losses on the sale of other securities during the years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

Selling amount
Gain on sales of securities
Loss on sales of securities

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥12,087
9,918
—

2016
¥10,396
8,275
—

2017
$107,737
88,404
—

(c) Loss on other devaluation of investment securities whose fair values are readily determinable
Loss on other devaluation of investment securities whose fair values are readily determinable for the year ended March 31, 2017, was ¥101 million (US$900 
thousand), which is for other securities, and for the year ended March 31, 2016, ¥924 million, which is the sum of ¥796 million for equity securities of 
unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates, and ¥127 million for other securities. Among the loss on other devaluation of investment securities for the year 
ended March 31, 2016, ¥561 million was recorded under business structure improvement expenses.

12. Derivative financial instruments

(a) Derivative financial instruments for which hedge accounting is not applied

i) Foreign exchange forward contracts

Classification

Items

Amount of contract

Off-market transactions

Foreign exchange forward contracts:

Millions of yen

2017

Amount of contract 
over 1 year

Fair value

Profit (loss) from 
valuation

Selling:

U.S. dollar
Euro
Thai baht
Singapore dollar
British pound

Buying:

U.S. dollar
Euro
Thai baht

Total

¥24,981
9,289
879
11
52

1,827
45,868
4
¥82,911

¥—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
¥—

¥ 100
(9)
11
(0)
0

(376)
(48)
(0)
¥(322)

¥ 100
(9)
11
(0)
0

(376)
(48)
0
¥(322)

Classification

Items

Amount of contract

Off-market transactions

Foreign exchange forward contracts:

Millions of yen

2016

Amount of contract 
over 1 year

Fair value

Profit (loss) from 
valuation

Selling:

U.S. dollar
Euro
Thai baht
Singapore dollar
British pound

Buying:

U.S. dollar
Euro
Thai baht

Total

¥21,694
6,137
1,115
396
—

2,679
0
9
¥32,030

¥  —
—
—
—
—

728
—
—
¥728

¥698
16
(0)
40
—

(148)
(0)
(0)
¥605

¥698
16
(0)
40
—

(148)
(0)
(0)
¥605

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Classification

Items

Amount of contract

Off-market transactions

Foreign exchange forward contracts:

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017

Amount of contract 
over 1 year

Fair value

Profit (loss) from 
valuation

Selling:

U.S. dollar
Euro
Thai baht
Singapore dollar
British pound

Buying:

U.S. dollar
Euro
Thai baht

Total

$222,667
82,797
7,835
98
463

16,285
408,842
36
$739,023

$—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
$—

$    891
(80)
98
(0)
0

(3,351)
(428)
0
$(2,870)

$    891
(80)
98
(0)
0

(3,351)
(428)
0
$(2,870)

(b) Derivative financial instruments for which hedge accounting is applied

i) Foreign exchange forward contracts

Classification

Items

Hedged assets/liabilities

Amount of contract

Principle-based accounting

Foreign exchange forward contracts:

Millions of yen

2017
Amount of contract 
over 1 year

Fair value

Selling:

U.S. dollar
Euro
Thai baht
Singapore dollar

Buying:

U.S. dollar
Euro
Thai baht
Singapore dollar

Total

Accounts receivable—trade
Accounts receivable—trade
Accounts receivable—trade
Accounts receivable—trade

Accounts payable—trade
Accounts payable—trade
Accounts payable—trade
Accounts payable—trade

¥   619
109
11
—

1,445
2
106
—
¥2,292

¥—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
¥—

Classification

Items

Hedged assets/liabilities

Amount of contract

Principle-based accounting

Foreign exchange forward contracts:

Millions of yen

2016
Amount of contract 
over 1 year

Selling:

U.S. dollar
Euro
Thai baht
Singapore dollar

Buying:

U.S. dollar
Euro
Thai baht
Singapore dollar

Total

Accounts receivable—trade
Accounts receivable—trade
Accounts receivable—trade
Accounts receivable—trade

Accounts payable—trade
Accounts payable—trade
Accounts payable—trade
Accounts payable—trade

¥2,953
111
—
289

2,018
21
177
29
¥5,596

¥—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
¥—

¥36
1
(0)
—

32
(0)
6
—
¥74

Fair value

¥(170)
(2)
—
(12)

(62)
(0)
(6)
1
¥(251)

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Classification

Items

Hedged assets/liabilities

Amount of contract

Principle-based accounting

Foreign exchange forward contracts:

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
Amount of contract 
over 1 year

Selling:

U.S. dollar
Euro
Thai baht
Singapore dollar

Buying:

U.S. dollar
Euro
Thai baht
Singapore dollar

Total

Accounts receivable—trade
Accounts receivable—trade
Accounts receivable—trade
Accounts receivable—trade

Accounts payable—trade
Accounts payable—trade
Accounts payable—trade
Accounts payable—trade

$  5,517
972
98
—

12,880
18
945
—
$20,430

$—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
$—

ii) Interest-rate swaps, and interest-rate and currency swaps

Classification

Items

Hedged assets/liabilities

Amount of contract

Millions of yen

2017
Amount of contract 
over 1 year

Special treatment 
  for interest-rate swaps

Special treatment 
  for interest-rate 
  and currency swaps

Interest-rate swaps

Pay fixed/receive floating
Interest-rate and currency swaps
U.S. dollar receive floating/ 
  Thai baht pay fixed

Total

Long-term loans payable

¥165,889

¥139,918

Long-term loans payable

324
¥166,213

162
¥140,080

Millions of yen

Fair value

$321
9
(0)
—

285
(0)
53
—
$660

Fair value

(*)

(*)
¥—

Classification

Items

Hedged assets/liabilities

Amount of contract

2016
Amount of contract 
over 1 year

Fair value

Special treatment 
  for interest-rate swaps

Special treatment 
  for interest-rate 
  and currency swaps

Interest-rate swaps

Pay fixed/receive floating
Interest-rate and currency swaps
U.S. dollar receive floating/ 
  Thai baht pay fixed

Total

Long-term loans payable

¥76,871

¥64,084

Long-term loans payable

477
¥77,349

318
¥64,403

(*)

(*)
¥—

Classification

Items

Hedged assets/liabilities

Amount of contract

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
Amount of contract 
over 1 year

Fair value

Special treatment 
  for interest-rate swaps

Special treatment 
  for interest-rate 
  and currency swaps

Interest-rate swaps

Pay fixed/receive floating
Interest-rate and currency swaps
U.S. dollar receive floating/ 
  Thai baht pay fixed

Total

Long-term loans payable

$1,478,643

$1,247,152

(*)

Long-term loans payable

2,888
$1,481,531

1,444
$1,248,596

(*)
$—

(*)  Fair value of interest-rate swaps and interest-rate and currency swaps, for which special treatment is applied, is included in fair value of the corresponding long-term loans payable for which hedge account-

ing is applied.

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13. Provision for retirement benefits

Upon terminating employment, employees of the parent company and its subsidiaries are entitled, under most circumstances, to lump-sum severance 
indemnities and/or pension payments determined by reference mainly to their current basic rate of pay and length of service and/or defined contribu-
tion plans. Additional benefits may be granted to employees depending on the conditions under which termination of employment occurs. Certain 
consolidated subsidiaries adopt the simplified method in calculating expected defined benefit liability. Reconciliations of beginning and ending balances of 
projected benefit obligations for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

Beginning balance of the projected benefit obligations
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial gains/losses
Payment of retirement benefits
Other (*)
Ending balance of the projected benefit obligations

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥398,588
15,581
677
2,133
(19,016)
169
¥398,132

2016
¥352,813
13,604
3,439
44,020
(18,549)
3,260
¥398,588

2017
$3,552,794
138,880
6,034
19,012
(169,498)
1,506
$3,548,730

(*) ¥3,101 million was recorded under Increase from changes in scope of consolidation for the years ended March 2016.

Reconciliations of beginning and ending balances of plan assets for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

Beginning balance of plan assets
Expected return
Actuarial gains/losses
Contributions
Payment of retirement benefits
Other
Ending balance of plan assets

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥212,288
5,265
2,056
9,799
(9,532)
(110)
¥219,765

2016
¥213,707
5,311
(6,598)
10,200
(10,146)
(186)
¥212,288

2017
$1,892,219
46,929
18,326
87,343
(84,963)
(980)
$1,958,864

Reconciliations of ending balance of projected benefit obligations and the plan assets, and of net defined benefit liability and net defined benefit asset, 

as recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

Projected benefit obligations of funded plans
Plan assets 
Subtotal
Projected benefit obligations of unfunded plans
Net of liability and asset that have been recorded in the consolidated balance sheets

Net defined benefit liability
Net of liability and asset that have been recorded in the consolidated balance sheets

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥ 256,082
(219,765)
36,318
142,050
¥ 178,368

¥ 178,368
¥ 178,368

2016
¥ 255,432
(212,288)
43,145
143,155
¥ 186,300

¥ 186,300
¥ 186,300

2017
$ 2,282,574
(1,958,864)
323,719
1,266,156
$ 1,589,874

$ 1,589,874
$ 1,589,874

Periodic retirement benefit expenses for employees and the breakdown of items for the years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

Service cost (net of employee contributions)
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of actuarial gains/losses
Amortization of prior service costs
Additional retirement benefits and other
Retirement benefit expenses of defined benefit plans

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥13,952
677
(5,265)
10,763
142
506
¥20,775

2016
¥11,967
3,439
(5,311)
3,266
142
452
¥13,956

2017
$124,360
6,034
(46,929)
95,935
1,266
4,510
$185,177

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The components of other comprehensive income on defined benefit plans for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

Prior service costs
Actuarial gains/losses 
Total

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥     142
10,685
¥10,827

2016
¥      142
(47,352)
¥(47,210)

2017
$  1,266
95,240
$96,506

Accumulated other comprehensive income on defined benefit plans at March 31, 2017 and 2016, was as follows:

Unrecognized prior service costs 
Unrecognized actuarial gains/losses 
Total

Share by major classifications for plan assets at March 31, 2017 and 2016, was as follows:

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥     219
47,783
¥48,002

2016
¥     361
58,468
¥58,829

2017
$    1,952
425,911
$427,863

Bonds
Stock
Alternative investments
Life insurance
Cash and deposits
Other
Total

2017
37%
24
16
14
8
1
100%

2016
36%
21
16
14
10
3
100%

Note: Alternative investments include mainly investments in real estate and hedge funds.

The current and future allocation of plan assets, and the current and future long-term rate of expected return from the variety of assets that make up the 

plan assets, are considered in determining the long-term rate of expected return on plan assets.

Major actuarial assumptions at March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

Discount rate
The long-term rate of expected return on plan assets
Expected rate of increase in salary

2017
Mainly 0.1%
Mainly 2.5%
2.3–7.1%

2016
Mainly 0.1%
Mainly 2.5%
2.3–7.1%

Required payments to defined contribution plans at March 31, 2017, amounted to ¥1,874 million (US$16,704 thousand), and at March 31, 2016, 

amounted to ¥1,416 million.

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14. Taxes

Income taxes applicable to the parent company and subsidiaries in Japan include (1) corporation tax, (2) enterprise tax, and (3) inhabitants tax.

Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017

2016

2017

Deferred tax assets:

Net defined benefit liability
Accrued bonuses
Tax loss carry forwards
Foreign tax credit carry forwards
Unrealized gain on noncurrent assets and others
Impairment losses
Loss on disposal of noncurrent assets
Depreciation
Unrealized loss on investment securities
Provision for periodic repairs
Provision for product warranties
Accrued enterprise tax
Devaluation of inventories
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Asset retirement obligations
Other

Subtotal deferred tax assets
Less: Valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities: 

Unrealized gain on other securities
Identified intangible assets during business combination
Depreciation—overseas subsidiaries
Deferred gain on property, plant and equipment
Other

Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)

¥   55,324
7,687
6,870
5,560
3,843
3,397
3,383
2,781
1,765
1,456
1,338
1,247
1,092
979
610
11,251
108,583
(10,054)
98,528

(51,508)
(50,049)
(13,405)
(8,388)
(5,388)
(128,738)
¥  (30,210)

¥   57,150
7,682
8,105
5,319
4,004
4,332
4,198
2,696
2,073
1,283
1,168
2,074
1,057
821
813
10,197
112,969
(16,294)
96,676

(42,075)
(53,707)
(13,158)
(9,037)
(5,519)
(123,496)
¥  (26,820)

$    493,128
68,518
61,235
49,559
34,254
30,279
30,154
24,788
15,732
12,978
11,926
11,115
9,733
8,726
5,437
100,285
967,849
(89,616)
878,224

(459,114)
(446,109)
(119,485)
(74,766)
(48,026)
(1,147,500)
$   (269,275)

Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) at March 31, 2017 and 2016, were included in the following line items on the consolidated balance sheets.

Current assets—deferred tax assets
Noncurrent assets—deferred tax assets
Current liabilities—other
Noncurrent liabilities—deferred tax liabilities

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥ 20,279
9,309
(39)
(59,759)

2016
¥ 18,133
20,098
(120)
(64,930)

2017
$ 180,756
82,975
(348)
(532,659)

In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, environmental expenses, experiment and research expenses, deferred gains or losses on hedges, and acceler-
ated depreciation, which had previously been reported separately, are included in other due to immateriality. Accordingly, the figures for other for the fiscal 
year ended March 31, 2016, includes ¥238 million in environmental expenses, ¥198 million in experiment and research expenses, ¥19 in deferred gains or 
losses on hedges, and ¥(137) million in accelerated depreciation.

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Reconciliation of the differences between the statutory tax rate and the effective income tax rate for the years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, was as follows:

Statutory tax rate

Increase (reduction) in taxes resulting from:

Non-deductible expenses and non-taxable income
Equalization of inhabitants taxes
R&D expenses deductible from income taxes
Amortization of goodwill and negative goodwill
Equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates
Undistributed earnings (losses) of foreign subsidiaries
Difference of tax rates for foreign subsidiaries
Valuation allowance 
Decrease in deferred tax assets due to the change in statutory tax rate 
Other

Effective income tax rate

2017
30.9%

1.1
0.3
(3.7)
3.5
(1.0)
0.2
(1.2)
(3.9)
—
(0.2)
25.9%

2016
33.1%

1.1
0.3
(4.6)
3.5
0.2
(0.1)
(1.0)
0.7
1.9
1.1
36.2%

Revision of deferred tax assets and liabilities due to change in corporate tax rate, etc.
The “Act for Partial Revision of the Act for Partial Revision of the Act for Consumption Tax for Drastic Reform of the Taxation System to Ensure Stable 
Financial Resources for Social Security” (Act No. 85 of 2016) and the “Act for Partial Revision of the Act for Partial Revision of the Act for Local Tax and Local 
Allocation Tax for Drastic Reform of the Taxation System to Ensure Stable Financial Resources for Social Security” (Act No. 86 of 2016) were issued on 
November 18, 2016. Accordingly, the statutory effective tax rate applied to the calculation of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities for the fiscal year 
ended March 31, 2017, was changed from that applied to said calculation for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. The impact of this change is immaterial.

15. Business combinations

Transactions under common control, etc.

Merger by absorption of consolidated subsidiaries

(a) Outline of the transaction

i) Name and nature of business of merged companies
Surviving company

Name
Nature of business

Absorbed companies

Name
Nature of business

ii) Date of merger
April 1, 2016

Asahi Kasei Corp.
Diversified chemicals operations

Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corp.
Manufacture and  
sale of chemical products

Asahi Kasei Fibers Corp.
Manufacture and  
sale of fiber products

Asahi Kasei E-materials Corp.
Manufacture and 
sale of electronic materials

iii) Statutory form of merger
Absorption-type merger with Asahi Kasei Corp. as the surviving company

iv) Name of surviving company
Asahi Kasei Corp.

v) Other items related to outline of the transaction
With the start of the Asahi Kasei Group’s new medium-term management initiative in fiscal 2016, the operating portfolio was realigned into three busi-
ness sectors of Material (currently the Chemicals & Fibers segment and the Electronics segment), Homes (currently the Homes & Construction Materials 
segment), and Health Care. Within each business sector, portfolio-based management will be thoroughly implemented with optimum allocation of 
management resources, and further growth will be pursued by creating synergy among the sectors. Together with this change, in order to obtain efficient 
management and mutual coordination within the Material business sector and achieve greater corporate value, the decision was made to merge Asahi 
Kasei Chemicals Corp., Asahi Kasei Fibers Corp., and Asahi Kasei E-materials Corp. with the Company.

(b) Outline of the accounting treatment implemented
The transaction was treated as a transaction under common control in accordance with the Accounting Standards Board of Japan (ASBJ) Statement 
No. 21 “Accounting Standard for Business Combinations” and ASBJ Guidance No. 10 “Guidance on Accounting Standard for Business Combinations and 
Accounting Standard for Business Divestitures.”

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16. Asset retirement obligations

(a) Outline of asset retirement obligations
Due to commitments pertaining to restoration to original state before vacating in accordance with land lease agreements such as for offices, and due to 
commitments to dismantle leased buildings upon termination of lease period, etc., in accordance with lease agreements for model home parks, relevant 
asset retirement obligations are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets.

In accordance with building lease agreements such as for the head offices, commitments pertaining to restoration to original state before vacating 
are recognized as asset retirement obligations. However, instead of recording them as aforementioned asset retirement obligations under liabilities, the 
amount of lease deposit that cannot ultimately be expected to be collected was estimated in a reasonable manner, and of that, the amount corresponding 
to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, was recorded under operating expenses.

(b) Method of calculating the amount of relevant asset retirement obligations
The calculation of asset retirement obligations is based on the following: expected term of use of 4 to 55 years, inflation rate of 0.0% to 4.1%, and discount 
rate of 0.0% to 5.4%.

(c) (Decrease) increase in the total amount of asset retirement obligations in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

Balance at beginning of year
Increase due to asset retirement obligations accrued
Adjustment due to passage of time
Decrease due to fulfillment of asset retirement obligations
Decrease due to foreign exchange fluctuation
Balance at end of year

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥4,047
37
136
(125)
(88)
¥4,007

2016
¥4,039
200
133
(193)
(131)
¥4,047

2017
$36,073
330
1,212
(1,114)
(784)
$35,716

The amount of lease deposit which will be written off for a certain percentage at the end of the lease period is charged to expense rather than recorded 

under asset retirement obligations. Increase (decrease) in those expensed amounts for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥1,733
79
(46)
¥1,766

2016
¥1,650
126
(43)
¥1,733

2017
$15,447
704
(410)
$15,741

Electronics business
The Company manufactures, processes, and sells battery separator prod-
ucts (such as lithium-ion battery separator and lead-acid battery separator) 
and electronic devices (such as mixed-signal LSIs and Hall elements).

Homes segment
Homes business
The Company constructs unit homes and apartment buildings, and 
operates real estate businesses, remodeling businesses, and financial and 
other services.
Construction Materials business
The Company manufactures and sells autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) 
panels, insulation panels, foundation systems, and structural components.

Health Care segment
Pharmaceuticals business
The Company manufactures and sells pharmaceuticals and diagnostic 
reagents.
Medical Care business
The Company manufactures and sells artificial kidneys, therapeutic 
apheresis devices, and virus removal filters.
Critical Care business
The Company manufactures and sells defibrillators and temperature 
management systems.

Balance at beginning of year
Increase due to new lease agreements
Decrease due to the cancelation of existing lease agreements
Balance at end of year

17. Business segment information

(a) Overview of reportable segments
The Company’s business segments are based on organizational units 
for which separate financial information is available, and the Board of 
Directors carries out periodic review to allocate management resources 
and evaluate business performance.

The Company is organized under an operating holding company 
configuration with the operating holding company and core operating 
companies performing operations in three business sectors. The operating 
holding company and each core operating company lays out strategy and 
develops business activities in Japan and abroad.

With the start of a new medium-term management initiative in April 
2016, the Company realigned its business portfolio. As a result, beginning 
with the first quarter of the year ended March 31, 2017, the Company’s 
operations were reclassified from the four reportable segments “Chemicals 
& Fibers,” “Homes & Construction Materials,” “Electronics,” and “Health Care,” 
together with an “Others” category, to the three reportable segments of 
“Material,” “Homes,” and “Health Care,” together with an “Others” category.

Main products of the three reportable segments are as follows:

Material segment
Fibers business
The Company manufactures, processes, and sells elastic polyurethane 
filament, cupro fiber, nonwoven fabrics, and nylon 66 filament.
Chemicals business
The Company manufactures, processes, and sells petrochemical products 
(such as acrylonitrile, styrene, polyethylene, and polystyrene), performance 
polymer products (such as engineering plastics and synthetic rubber), and 
performance material and consumable products (such as coating materi-
als, microcrystalline cellulose, explosives, explosion-bonded metal clad, 
hollow-fiber filtration membranes, ion-exchange membranes, electronic 
materials, food wrapping film, and plastic films, sheets, and foams).

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(b) Methods to determine net sales, income or loss, assets, and other items by reportable business segment
Profit by reportable business segment is stated on an operating income basis. Intersegment net sales and transfers are based on the values of transactions 
undertaken between third parties.

(c) Information concerning net sales, income or loss, assets, and other items for each reportable segment

Sales:

External customers
Intersegment
Total

Operating income 
Assets
Other items:

Depreciation and amortization (Note 2)
Amortization of goodwill
Investments in affiliates accounted 
  for using equity method
Increase in property, plant and equipment, 
  and intangible assets

Millions of yen

2017

Material

Homes

Health Care

Subtotal

Others (Note 1)

Total

¥   973,169
4,174
977,342
84,472
1,231,592

¥618,964
1,761
620,725
64,100
455,242

50,836
8,766

35,055

9,411
—

4,796

¥270,120
34
270,154
31,921
459,251

18,187
8,780

¥1,862,252
5,969
1,868,221
180,493
2,146,086

¥  20,738
30,384
51,122
6,041
109,178

¥1,882,991
36,352
1,919,343
186,534
2,255,264

78,435
17,546

4,637
260

83,072
17,806

111

39,962

17,873

57,835

47,205

12,139

15,604

74,947

6,836

81,783

Notes:  1. The “Others” category includes electricity supply, plant engineering and environmental engineering, research and analysis, and employment agency/staffing operations.

2. Amortization of goodwill is not included.

Sales:

External customers
Intersegment
Total

Operating income 
Assets
Other items:

Depreciation and amortization (Note 2)
Amortization of goodwill
Investments in affiliates accounted 
  for using equity method
Increase in property, plant and equipment, 
  and intangible assets

Millions of yen

2016

Material

Homes

Health Care

Subtotal

Others (Note 1)

Total

¥1,004,438
3,761
1,008,198
79,209
1,224,287

51,337
5,887

31,993

¥632,418
53
632,472
71,000
449,289

9,529
—

—

¥285,404
48
285,452
36,235
474,265

21,539
9,646

¥1,922,261
3,862
1,926,123
186,444
2,147,842

¥  18,653
41,854
60,508
3,781
101,418

¥1,940,914
45,716
1,986,630
190,225
2,249,260

82,406
15,533

4,624
288

87,030
15,821

—

31,993

17,541

49,534

57,185

11,947

19,382

88,514

4,706

93,220

Notes:  1. The “Others” category includes electricity supply, plant engineering and environmental engineering, research and analysis, and employment agency/staffing operations.

2. Amortization of goodwill is not included.

Sales:

External customers
Intersegment
Total

Operating income 
Assets
Other items:

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017

Material

Homes

Health Care

Subtotal

Others (Note 1)

Total

$  8,674,294
37,205
8,711,489
752,937
10,977,734

$5,517,105
15,697
5,532,801
571,352
4,057,777

$2,407,701
303
2,408,004
284,526
4,093,511

$16,599,091
53,204
16,652,295
1,608,815
19,129,031

$184,847
270,826
455,673
53,846
973,153

$16,783,947
324,022
17,107,969
1,662,662
20,102,184

Depreciation and amortization (Note 2)
Amortization of goodwill
Investments in affiliates accounted 
  for using equity method
Increase in property, plant and equipment, 
  and intangible assets

453,124
78,135

83,884
—

162,109
78,260

699,126
156,395

41,332
2,317

740,458
158,713

312,461

42,749

989

356,199

159,310

515,509

420,759

108,200

139,085

668,036

60,932

728,969

Notes:  1. The “Others” category includes electricity supply, plant engineering and environmental engineering, research and analysis, and employment agency/staffing operations.

2. Amortization of goodwill is not included.

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(d)  Reconciliation of differences between total amounts of reportable segments and amounts appearing in the consolidated financial 

statements (adjustment of difference)

Sales

Total of reporting segments
Net sales in “Others” category
Elimination of intersegment transactions
Net sales on consolidated statements of income

Operating income

Total of reporting segments
Operating income in “Others” category
Elimination of intersegment transactions
Corporate expenses, etc.*
Operating income on consolidated statements of income

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥1,868,221
51,122
(36,352)
¥1,882,991

2016
¥1,926,123
60,508
(45,716)
¥1,940,914

2017
$16,652,295
455,673 
(324,022)
$16,783,947

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥180,493
6,041
220
(27,525)
¥159,229 

2016
¥186,444
3,781
149
(25,171)
¥165,203

2017
$1,608,815
53,846
1,961
(245,343)
$1,419,280

* Corporate expenses, etc. include corporate revenue, basic research expense, and group management expense, etc. which are not allocated to reporting segments.

Assets

Total of reporting segments
Assets in “Others” category
Elimination of intersegment transactions
Corporate assets*
Total assets on consolidated balance sheets

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥2,146,086
109,178
(304,452)
303,688
¥2,254,500

2016
¥2,147,842
101,418
(318,969)
281,439
¥2,211,729

2017
$19,129,031
973,153 
(2,713,718)
2,706,908
$20,095,374

* Corporate assets include assets of the parent company—surplus operating funds (cash and deposits), long-term investment capital (investment securities, etc.), and land, etc. 

Total of reportable segments

Others

Adjustments (Note 1)

Amounts from consolidated  
financial statements

Millions of yen

Thousands of 
U.S. dollars

Millions of yen

Thousands of 
U.S. dollars

Millions of yen

Thousands of 
U.S. dollars

Millions of yen

Thousands of 
U.S. dollars

Other items

2017

2016

2017

2017

2016

2017

2017

2016

2017

2017

2016

2017

Depreciation and amortization 
(Note 2)
Amortization of goodwill
Investments in affiliates accounted 
  for using equity method
Increase in property, plant and 
  equipment, and intangible assets

¥78,435
17,546

¥82,406
15,533

$699,126 
156,395 

¥  4,637
260

¥  4,624
288

$  41,332 
2,317 

¥8,315
—

¥6,782
—

$74,115 
—

¥91,387
17,806

¥93,811
15,821

$814,573
158,713 

39,962

31,993

356,199 

17,873

17,541

159,310

—

—

—

57,835

49,534

515,509

74,947 

88,514 

668,036

6,836

4,706

60,932

8,790

5,780

78,349 

90,573

99,000

807,318 

Notes:  1. Adjustments include elimination of intersegment transactions and corporate expenses, etc.

2. Amortization of goodwill is not included.

(e) Related information

i) Information on products and services
Please refer to (c) Information concerning net sales, income or loss, assets, and other items for each reportable segment.

ii) Geographic information

1) Net sales

Millions of yen

2017

2016

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017

Japan

China

Other regions

Total

Japan

China

Other regions

Total

Japan

China

Other regions

Total

¥1,226,633 

¥165,481

¥490,877

¥1,882,991 

¥1,261,203

¥185,241

¥494,470

¥1,940,914 

$10,933,532 $1,475,007

$4,375,408 $16,783,947 

2) Property, plant and equipment.

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
United States Other regions

Japan

Total

Japan

2016
United States Other regions

Total

Japan

2017
United States Other regions

Total

¥371,654 

¥86,780

¥98,447 

¥556,881 

¥361,825 

¥91,425

¥102,739 

¥555,989

$3,312,719 

$773,509 

$877,502

$4,963,731 

3) Information by major customer
Information by major customer is not shown because no customer accounts for 10% or more of net sales on the consolidated statements of income.

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18. Information on related parties

Related party transactions

(a) Transactions between the company submitting the consolidated financial statements and related parties

i) Unconsolidated subsidiaries, affiliates, etc. of the company submitting the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended March 31, 2017:

Type of related party
Name of company
Location
Paid-in capital 
Business line
Share of voting rights held by the company (of which, indirectly held)
Relationship with the related party
Nature of transaction
Transaction amount
Amount name
Balance at end of year

An affiliated company
PTT Asahi Chemical Co., Ltd.
Rayong, Thailand
13,819 million Thai baht
Chemicals
50.0% (50.0%)
Debt guarantee and seconded executive
Guarantee for completion of manufacturing facilities
¥10,185 million (US$90,783 thousand)
—
—

For the year ended March 31, 2016: None

(b) Transactions between consolidated subsidiaries of the company submitting the consolidated financial statements and related parties

i) Unconsolidated subsidiaries, affiliates, etc. of the company submitting the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended March 31, 2017: None

For the year ended March 31, 2016:

Type of related party
Name of company
Location
Paid-in capital 
Business line
Share of voting rights held by the company (of which, indirectly held)
Relationship with the related party
Nature of transaction
Transaction amount
Amount name
Balance at end of year

An affiliated company
PTT Asahi Chemical Co., Ltd.
Rayong, Thailand
14,246 million Thai baht in the year ended March 31, 2016
Chemicals
48.5% (48.5%) in the year ended March 31, 2016
Debt guarantee
Guarantee for completion of manufacturing facilities
¥11,989 million
—
—

ii) Directors, Corporate Auditors, major shareholders, etc. of the company submitting the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended March 31, 2017: None

For the year ended March 31, 2016:

Type of related party

A company in which close relative(s) of a Director or 
Corporate Auditor of the Company hold(s) a majority 
of voting rights
Miwa-Syouji Co., Ltd.
Nobeoka, Miyazaki, Japan
¥65 million
Wholesale trade

Name of company
Location
Paid-in capital 
Business line
Share of voting rights held by the company 0.0%
Relationship with the related party
Nature of transaction
Transaction amount
Account recorded

Purchasing consumable goods
Purchasing consumable goods
¥225 million
Accrued expenses

Balance at end of year

¥23 million

A company in which close relative(s) of a Director or 
Corporate Auditor of the Company hold(s) a majority 
of voting rights
Miwa Vinyl Co., Ltd.
Nobeoka, Miyazaki, Japan
¥10 million
Manufacture and sale of plastic packaging material
0.0%
Purchasing consumable goods and raw materials
Purchasing consumable goods and raw materials
¥45 million
Accrued expenses and notes and accounts 
payable—trade
¥3 million

Notes:  1. Transaction amounts are shown net of consumption taxes, while balances at end of year include consumption taxes.

2. Transaction terms and the policy of deciding transaction terms: Ordinary transaction terms are applied to the purchase of products.

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19. Per share information

Basic and diluted net assets per share and net income per share for the years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

Basic net assets per share
Basic net income per share

(a) Basis for calculation of net assets per share

Total net assets
Amount deducted from total net assets
of which, non-controlling interests
Net assets allocated to capital stock 
Number of shares of capital stock outstanding at fiscal year end used in calculation of 
  net assets per share (thousand) 

(b) Basis for calculation of net income per share

Net income attributable to owners of the parent
Amount not attributable to common stock shareholders
Net income attributable to common stock owners of the parent
Weighted-average number of shares of capital stock (thousand)

Yen

2017
¥824.36
82.34

2016
¥745.94
65.69

U.S. dollars

2017
$7.35
0.73 

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥1,168,115
16,771
(16,771)
¥1,151,344

2016
¥1,057,399
15,498
(15,498)
¥1,041,901

2017
$10,411,935 
149,487 
(149,487)
$10,262,448 

1,396,657

1,396,755

1,396,657

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥   115,000
—
¥   115,000
1,396,715

2016
¥     91,754
—
¥     91,754
1,396,812

2017
$1,025,047
—
$1,025,047
1,396,715

Note: As the Company had no dilutive securities at March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company does not disclose diluted net income per share for the years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

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20. Borrowings

(a) Bonds payable at March 31, 2017 and 2016, comprised the following:

Unsecured 1.46% yen bonds due in 2019
Unsecured 0.30% yen bonds due in 2017
Total

Notes:  1. The current portion of bonds payable is recorded under current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

2. The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt after March 31, 2017, are as follows:

Year ending March 31

2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023 and thereafter
Total

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥20,000
20,000
¥40,000

2016
¥20,000
20,000
¥40,000

2017
$178,269
178,269
$356,538

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

¥20,000
—
20,000
—
—
—
¥40,000

$178,269
—
178,269
—
—
—
$356,538

(b) Loans payable at March 31, 2017 and 2016, comprised the following:

Short-term loans payable with an interest rate of 0.90%
Current portion of long-term loans payable with an interest rate of 1.56%
Current portion of lease obligations with an interest rate of 1.44%
Long-term loans payable (except portion due within one year) with an interest rate of 1.06%
Lease obligations (except portion due within one year) with an interest rate of 1.48%
Commercial papers (portion due within one year) with an interest rate of (0.02)%
Total

Notes:  1. Interest rates shown are weighted average interest rates for the balance outstanding at March 31, 2017.

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

2017
¥  88,965
24,510
305
192,584
467
56,000
¥362,832

2016
¥273,418
40,169
919
94,632
537
—
¥409,675

2017
$   792,985
218,469
2,718
1,716,588
4,163
499,153
$3,234,085 

2. The aggregate annual maturities of long-term loans payable and lease obligations (except portion due within one year) after March 31, 2017, are as follows:

Year ending March 31

2018
2019
2020
2021
2022 and thereafter

21. Others

Long-term loans payable

Lease obligations

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

Millions of yen

Thousands of U.S. dollars

¥59,796
21,279
22,900
32,790
55,819

$532,989 
189,670 
204,118
292,272 
497,540 

¥186
143
112
26
—

$1,658
1,275
998
232
—

Litigation
On June 18, 2010, Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. and Philips Electronics North America Corporation (hereinafter collectively “Philips”) sued our subsidiary, 
ZOLL Medical Corporation (hereinafter “ZOLL”), in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, alleging that several patents owned 
by Philips are infringed by certain ZOLL defibrillator products. On July 12, 2010, ZOLL sued Philips in the same court alleging that several ZOLL patents are 
infringed by certain Philips defibrillator products. The two cases were consolidated and bifurcated into an initial liability portion and a later damages por-
tion. The liability portion was tried to a jury in December 2013, and the court entered an interlocutory judgment that ZOLL and Philips each infringe certain 
of the other’s patent rights. On August 18, 2016, following the conclusion of the appeal process relating to the interlocutory judgment, the United States 
District Court for the District of Massachusetts began a jury trial for the damages portion on July 24, 2017. The Company and ZOLL consider the allegations 
of Philips to be baseless, and will vigorously contest this litigation.

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Major Subsidiaries and Affiliates

(As of April 1, 2017)

Company
Material Segment
Asahi Kasei Fibers Nobeoka Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei Leona Filament Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Cord Co., Ltd.*
Kyokujitsu Textile Mills Co., Ltd.*
Asahiozu Corp.
Kyuasa Co., Ltd.*
Fuji Seisen Co., Ltd.*
Merci Co., Ltd.*
Hangzhou Asahikasei Textiles Co., Ltd.*
Hangzhou Asahikasei Spandex Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei Advance (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
Formosa Asahi Spandex Co., Ltd.
Thai Asahi Kasei Spandex Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei Spunbond (Thailand) Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei Spandex Europe GmbH*
Asahi Kasei Mitsubishi Chemical Ethylene Corp.
PS Japan Corp.*
Okayama Butadiene Co., Ltd.
Tongsuh Petrochemical Corp., Ltd.*
PTT Asahi Chemical Co., Ltd.
Asahikasei Color Tech Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei Technoplus Co., Ltd.*
Wacker Asahikasei Silicone Co., Ltd.
Kakuichi Rubber Industry Co., Ltd.
Japan Elastomer Co., Ltd.*
Nobeoka Plastic Processing Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei Plastics (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd.*
Asahikasei (Suzhou) Plastics Compound Co., Ltd.
Asahikasei Plastics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei POM (Zhangjiagang) Co., Ltd.*
Asahikasei Plastics (Thailand) Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei Plastics Singapore Pte. Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei Synthetic Rubber Singapore Pte. Ltd.*
Asahikasei Plastics (America) Inc.*
Asahi Kasei Plastics North America, Inc.*
Asahi Kasei Plastics Mexico S.A. de C.V.*
Asahi Kasei Epoxy Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei Finechem Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei Metals Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei EMS Co., Ltd.*
Asahi SKB Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Chemitech Co., Ltd.*
Asahi-Schwebel Co., Ltd.*
Kayaku Japan Co., Ltd.
Asahi Kasei Performance Chemicals Corp.*
Asahi Kasei Microza (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd.*

* Consolidated subsidiary

Major products/business line

Paid-in capital 
(million)

Equity 
interest (%)

Processing of fibers
Packaging, packing, and storage of fiber products
Processing of tire cord, etc.
Woven fabrics
Processing of nonwovens
Stockings and innerwear
Dyeing and finishing of yarns and fabrics
Sale of linings and interlinings
Warp-knit spandex textiles
Spandex
Processing and sale of fibers and textiles
Spandex
Spandex
Spunbond nonwovens
Spandex
Basic petrochemicals
Polystyrene
Butadiene
Acrylonitrile, sodium cyanide, acrylamide, EDTA
Acrylonitrile, methyl methacrylate
Plastic coloring & compounding
Processed plastic products
Silicone
Manufacturing
Synthetic rubber
Plastic compounding
Sale of performance resin
Coloring and compounding of performance resin
Sale of performance resin
Polyacetal
Coloring and compounding of performance resin
Performance resin
Synthetic rubber
Compounded performance resin operations
Coloring and compounding of performance resin
Sale of performance plastic compounds
Epoxy resin
Specialty chemicals
Aluminum paste
Electronic materials and devices
Defense explosives
Resin anchors, detonator housings/leads
Glass fabric
Industrial explosives
High-performance HDI-based polyisocyanate
Industrial filtration membranes and systems

50
¥
11
¥
50
¥
99
¥
20
¥
90
¥
50
¥
10
¥
78
CNY
154
CNY
11
CNY
1,003
NT$
1,350
THB
1,835
THB
28.4
€
2,000
¥
5,000
¥
490
¥
KRW 237,642
THB 13,818
110
¥
160
¥
1,050
¥
10
¥
1,000
¥
10
¥
10
CNY
50
CNY
18
CNY
265
CNY
140
THB
46.0
US$
160
US$
32
US$
22
US$
2
US$
300
¥
325
¥
250
¥
10
¥
100
¥
10
¥
50
¥
60
¥
285
CNY
70
CNY

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
50.0
94.0
78.7
100.0
93.0
100.0
100.0
50.0
60.0
84.3
100.0
50.0
62.1
50.0
100.0
50.0
100.0
99.0
50.0
50.0
75.0
100.0
100.0
51.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
50.0
100.0
100.0

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Company
Major products/business line
Asahi Kasei Electronics Materials (Changshu) Co., Ltd.* Photosensitive dry film
Photosensitive dry film
Asahi Kasei Electronics Materials (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.*
Photosensitive dry film
Asahi Kasei Wah Lee Hi-Tech Corp.*
Glass fabric
Asahi-Schwebel (Taiwan) Co., Ltd.*
Sale of photopolymer, printing-plate making systems
Asahi Photoproducts (UK) Ltd.*
Sale of photopolymer, printing-plate making systems
Asahi Photoproducts (Europe) SA/NV*
Packaging products and solutions
Asahi Kasei Pax Corp.*
Cling film, other household products
Asahi Kasei Home Products Corp.*
Sale of purging compound
Sun Plastech Inc.*
Biaxially oriented polystyrene sheet
Sundic Inc.
Energy and electronic materials
Asahi Kasei E-materials Korea Inc.*
Lithium-ion battery separator
Celgard Korea, Ltd.*
Battery separators
Polypore International, LP*
Lithium-ion battery separator
Celgard, LLC*
Lead-acid battery separator
Daramic, LLC*
Lead-acid battery separator
Daramic Battery Separator India Pvt. Ltd.*
Lead-acid battery separator
Daramic S.A.S.*
Lead-acid battery separator
Daramic (Thailand) Ltd.*
Lithium-ion battery separator
Polypore (Shanghai) Membrane Products Co., Ltd.*
Lead-acid battery separator
Daramic Tianjin PE Separator Co., Ltd.*
Lithium-ion and lead-acid battery separator
Polypore K.K.*
Lead-acid battery separator
Daramic Separadores de Baterias Ltda.*
Lead-acid battery separator
Daramic Xiangyang Battery Separator Co., Ltd.*
Hall elements
Asahi Kasei Electronics Co., Ltd.*
LSIs
Asahi Kasei Microsystems Co., Ltd.*
Electronic devices marketing and technical support
Asahi Kasei Microdevices Korea Corp.
Sale of LSIs
AKM Semiconductor, Inc.*

Paid-in capital 
(million)
305
CNY
181
CNY
49
NT$
326
NT$
0.3
£
3
€
490
¥
250
¥
1.0
US$
¥
1,500
KRW 1,890
KRW 25,920
2,233
US$
22
US$
12
US$
0.3
INR
€
73
2,317
THB
7
CNY
149
CNY
16
¥
BRL
0.3
194
CNY
50
¥
¥
50
820
KRW
2.9
US$

Equity 
interest (%)
100.0
100.0
80.6
51.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
50.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
65.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

Homes Segment
Asahi Kasei Jyuko Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei Home Construction Corp.*
Asahi Kasei Chintai Support Corp.*
Asahi Kasei Fudousan Community Corp.*
Asahi Kasei Realty & Residence Corp.*
Asahi Kasei Reform Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei Mortgage Corp.*
Asahi Kasei Lifeline Corp.*
Asahi Kasei Sekkei Corp.*
AJEX Corp.*
Asahi Kasei Jyuko Vietnam Corp.*
Asahi Kasei Foundation Systems Corp.*
Asahi Kasei Extech Corp.*
Iwakuni Sun Products Co., Ltd.*
Sakai Kako Co., Ltd.*
Hozumi Kako Co., Ltd.*

* Consolidated subsidiary

¥
Steel frames
¥
Construction of homes
¥
Rental home agency
Condominium management
¥
Real estate development, brokerage, and related business ¥
¥
Home maintenance and remodeling
¥
Financial services
¥
Plumbing and wiring work
¥
Building design and supervision
¥
External work
US$
Steel-frame members
¥
Installation of piles
¥
Exterior wall panel installation
¥
Construction materials processing
¥
Construction materials processing
¥
Construction materials processing

2,820
100
50
200
3,200
250
1,000
100
30
100.0
13.9
200
50
30
10
10.0

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
80.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

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Major Subsidiaries and Affiliates

Company
Health Care Segment
Asahi Kasei Medical MT Corp.*
Med-Tech Inc.*
Asahi Kasei Medical (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd.*
GLT Medical Co., Ltd.
Asahi Kasei Medical Trading (Korea) Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei Medical America Inc.*
Asahi Kasei Bioprocess America, Inc.*
Asahi Kasei Medical Europe GmbH*
Asahi Kasei Bioprocess Europe SA/NV*
Asahi Kasei Pharma America Corp.*
ZOLL Medical Corporation*
ZOLL LifeVest Holdings LLC*
ZOLL Data Systems, Inc.*
ZOLL Circulation, Inc.*

Others
Asahi Kasei Advance Corp.*
Asahi Kasei Amidas Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei NS Energy Corp.*
Asahi Kasei Engineering Corp.*
Asahi Kasei Office One Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei New Port Terminal Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei Networks Corp.
Asahi Kasei Benefits Management Corp.*
Asahi Kasei AS Tech Co., Ltd.
Asahi Kasei EIC Solutions Corp.
Asahi Yukizai Corp.
Asahi Kasei Ability Corp.
New Asahi Services Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Research Center Co., Ltd.*
Cable Media Waiwai Co., Ltd.*
ELORTO Corp.
AJS Inc.
Koyo Machinery Works Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei (China) Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei Advance (Thailand) Co., Ltd.*
Asahi Kasei India Pvt. Ltd.
 Crystal IS, Inc.*
Asahi Kasei America, Inc.*
Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH*

* Consolidated subsidiary

Major products/business line

Paid-in capital 
(million)

Equity 
interest (%)

Medical devices, bioprocess products
Medical devices
Hemodialyzers; sale of medical devices
Medical devices
Sale of medical devices, medical systems
Sale of medical devices, medical systems
Bioprocess equipment and systems
Sale of medical devices, medical systems
Sale of virus removal filters
Clinical trials for new drugs
Acute critical care devices and systems
Holding company for wearable defibrillator business
IT solutions for acute critical care
Intravascular temperature management systems

10
¥
140
¥
165
CNY
CNY
24.7
KRW 1,000
0.5
US$
30
US$
18
€
0.5
€
49
US$
1,723
US$
10
US$
1
US$
23
US$

Sale of Asahi Kasei products
Employment agency, consulting
Electricity and steam
Plant, equipment, process engineering
Real estate rental
Receiving and storage of fuel and feedstocks
IT-related business
Company housing, recreational facilities
Processing of polyethylene pipe
Electrical, IT, and control engineering
Synthetic resin, fabricated plastic products
Printing, bookbinding, and office work
Insurance agency, cellular phone sales, bowling alley
Information and analysis
Cable TV
Travel agency
Computer software, IT systems
Machinery installation
Investment and business support services
Processed yarn
Business support services
Development of aluminum nitride substrates and UV LEDs US$
US$
Business support services
€
Business support services, sale of performance resin

¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
CNY
THB
Rs

500
80
10
400
160
100
400
20
10
100
5,000
40
30
1,000
414
30
800
100
2,214
134
45
40
0.1
1

100.0
100.0
100.0
81.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0
61.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
29.5
100.0
100.0
100.0
50.0
34.0
49.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

106

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PB

Company Information/Investors Information

(as of March 31, 2017)

■ Corporate Profile

Asahi Kasei IR Website

Company Name 

Asahi Kasei Corporation

Date of Establishment 

 May 21, 1931

Paid-in Capital 

¥103,389 million

Employees 

33,720 (consolidated)

7,356 (non-consolidated)

Asahi Kasei’s financial results and other materials 
for investors are available in our IR website.
http://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/asahi/en/ir

■ Asahi Kasei Group Offices

Asahi Kasei Corporation

Core Operating Companies

Tokyo Head Office
1-105 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8101 Japan
Phone: +81-3-3296-3000    Fax: +81-3-3296-3161

Asahi Kasei Microdevices
1-105 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8101 Japan
Phone: +81-3-3296-3911

Asahi Kasei (China) Co., Ltd.
8/F, One ICC, Shanghai International Commerce Centre
No. 999 Huai Hai Zhong Road, Shanghai 200031 China
Phone: +86-21-6391-6111    Fax: +86-21-6391-6686

Beijing Office
Room 1407 New China Insurance Tower
No. 12 Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue 
Chao Yang District, Beijing 100022 China 
Phone: +86-10-6569-3939    Fax: +86-10-6569-3938

Asahi Kasei America, Inc.
800 Third Avenue, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10022 USA
Phone: +1-212-371-9900    Fax: +1-212-371-9050

Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH
Am Seestern 4, 40547 Düsseldorf, Germany
Phone: +49-211-8822-030    Fax: +49-211-8822-0333

Asahi Kasei India Pvt. Ltd.
The Capital 801C, Plot No. C70, G Block,
Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai 400051 India
Phone: +91-22-6710-3962 

■ Investors Information 

Stock Listing 
Stock Code 
Authorized Shares 
Outstanding Shares 
Transfer Agent 
Independent Auditors 
Number of Shareholders 

Tokyo
3407
4,000,000,000
1,402,616,332
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Ltd.
PricewaterhouseCoopers Aarata LLC
76,784

Asahi Kasei Homes
1-24-1 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8345 Japan
Phone: +81-3-3344-7111

Asahi Kasei Construction Materials
1-105 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8101 Japan
Phone: +81-3-3296-3500

Asahi Kasei Pharma
1-105 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8101 Japan
Phone: +81-3-3296-3600

Asahi Kasei Medical
1-105 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8101 Japan
Phone: +81-3-3296-3750

ZOLL Medical Corporation
269 Mill Rd., Chelmsford, MA 01824-4105 USA
Phone: +1-978-421-9655

Largest Shareholders
JP Morgan Chase Bank 380055

The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. (trust account)

Nippon Life Insurance Co.

Japan Trustee Services Bank, Ltd. (trust account)

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp.

Asahi Kasei Group Employee Stockholding Assn.

Japan Trustee Services Bank, Ltd. (trust account 9)

Japan Trustee Services Bank, Ltd. (trust account 5)

Mizuho Bank, Ltd.

Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.

* Percentage of equity ownership after exclusion of treasury stock.

% of equity*

6.28

5.19

4.68

3.68

2.52

2.44

2.03

1.71

1.45

1.43

Asahi Kasei Report 2017

107

 
1-105 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, 
Tokyo 101-8101 Japan
www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/asahi/en

Corporate Communications
Tel: +81-3-3296-3008, Fax: +81-3-3296-3162

Printed in Japan 
2017.12