Do we usually live our lives being aware of "vibration"?
Whether we are in a car, inside a building, or at a park where children are playing, we rarely feel a significant sense of discomfort. This means that "vibration is being well controlled."
If vibrations were not controlled, cars would shake violently, buildings would feel unstable, and the noise from machines would be unpleasant.
The technology for vibration control using rubber is what enables us to achieve a "daily life without discomfort."
This technology has supported people's lives for many years, and the company behind it is Kurashiki Kako Co., Ltd..
However, because it is an invisible aspect, they have struggled with the challenge of not being well-known. Therefore, starting in 2025, Kurashiki Kako Co., Ltd. has launched a brand called KURATECA to promote technology originating from Kurashiki.
What exactly is "KURATECA," which is deeply integrated into our lives? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Kurashiki Kako Co., Ltd.
Kurashiki Kako Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Kurashiki Kako") is a manufacturer established in 1964, specializing in vibration-damping rubber and vibration-damping devices.
In addition to automotive parts, they also expand their business into industrial machinery, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, railway vehicles, and aerospace-related fields.
With vibration control technologies that leverage the elasticity of rubber and apply the principles of noise-canceling, they address everything from fine vibrations at the nanometer level to large tremors like earthquakes.
They continue to support people's safe and comfortable lives in ways that are not visible.
Not noticing it is proof that it is functioning properly
What Kurashiki Kako is working on are products for "suppressing vibrations," such as vibration-damping rubber and vibration-damping devices.
Suppressing vibrations is not a prominent role. Rather, the role is to "not make it noticeable."
For example, not feeling unpleasant vibrations or sounds while driving a car is because various parts are suppressing them. Kurashiki Kako handles almost all rubber parts except for tires, and their technology is used in about 38% of domestically sold passenger cars (2024 fiscal year results).
However, we do not consciously think about it. This is because it functions without issues. The fact that we "do not feel discomfort" is actually a testament to advanced technology.
Present in parks and buildings, blending into our lives
Kurashiki Kako's vibration control technology is present not only in automobiles but also in our everyday surroundings.
For example, in playground equipment at parks.
The small rubber parts used where metal parts collide help to cushion the impact when children play.
Additionally, vibration-damping rubber products from the company are used under the air conditioning equipment on the rooftops of large commercial facilities. Without these, vibrations and noise would be transmitted throughout the building, making it difficult to enjoy a comfortable environment.
Both are hardly visible. Yet they certainly support "safety" and "comfort."
Unobtrusive yet essential
That is the role of rubber products.
From fine vibrations to earthquake tremors. Continuing to face vibrations
What Kurashiki Kako is facing is not just "shaking."
From fields where fine vibrations at the nanometer level affect quality, such as semiconductor manufacturing, to areas that protect buildings from earthquakes of seismic intensity 7, the scope is very broad.
Rather than "eliminating vibrations," it is about "arranging conditions that are not unpleasant for people."
It is this perspective that allows Kurashiki Kako's products to naturally blend into our lives and become unnoticed.
New brand "KURATECA" promoting technology from Kurashiki
The products and technologies introduced so far blend into our lives, making it particularly difficult for the general public to be aware of them.
For this reason, starting in 2025, Kurashiki Kako is promoting a corporate brand called KURATECA to communicate technology originating from Kurashiki to the world. This is a new brand name aimed at making it known to more people and delivering it globally.
However, the underlying principles have not changed.
They are products and technologies aimed at removing and supporting the "discomfort" and "anxiety" present in people's lives.
We heard about Kurashiki Kako's commitment to their products and technologies, and the thoughts behind them.
Data on Kurashiki Kako Co., Ltd.
| Organization Name | Kurashiki Kako Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing and sales of rubber parts for automobiles, industrial vibration-damping, soundproofing, and cushioning equipment, consulting, engineering, and other technology development and trading |
| Representative Name | Nishii Ikuya |
| Year Established | March 25, 1964 |
| Address | 4630 Yahara, Tsurajima-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-465-1111 |
| Website | KURATECA | Kurashiki Kako Co., Ltd. |
