In the late Meiji period in Kyoto, Tatsujiro Nakanishi, a highly skilled decorative metal craftsman, began producing bearing retainers after an opportunity to repair bearings. In 1924, he founded Nakanishi Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in Osaka, where he manufactured metal toys as well as retainers for foot-operated threshing machines. After experiencing the Great Depression, the company operated as a munitions factory under the wartime system. Following the end of the war, it was designated for reparations and subsequently shifted to peaceful industries, namely bicycle manufacturing. By launching hit products such as the Alps model, Deluxe model, and NKK model, the company helped pave the way for postwar reconstruction.

With the special procurement demand generated by the Korean War and the lifting of reparation designations, the Japanese economy began to recover and entered a period of high economic growth. The bearing industry experienced strong growth during this time. However, at Nakanishi Metal Works, bicycle manufacturing remained the core pillar of management, and the full-scale resumption of retainer production was delayed.

As the period of high economic growth came to an end and the oil shock caused an economic downturn, Japan sought opportunities through exports, while trade friction intensified. During this turbulent period, Nakanishi Metal Works established the Nakanishi Scholarship Foundation in 1971 using the founder’s personal assets. By providing tuition assistance free of charge to economically disadvantaged young people, the Company contributed to the development of children who would shape the future. Even amid adversity, it succeeded in balancing business growth with social contribution.

In the wake of economic friction following the second oil shock and the appreciation of the yen triggered by the Plaza Accord, the automotive and bearing industries accelerated the shift toward local production overseas. Nakanishi Metal Works likewise expanded into the United States, marking the start of its full-scale global expansion. Subsequently, during the bubble economy fueled by government monetary policy, demand surged and the Company’s business scale grew to its largest level ever.

Following the collapse of the economic bubble, Japan entered what became known as the “Lost Decade.” Amid further blows from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the financial crisis, Nakanishi Metal Works faced mounting financial strain as a result of its proactive overseas expansion, making the reconstruction of its management foundation a critical challenge. During this period, the Company undertook reforms to its earnings structure and worked to build a more resilient corporate framework capable of supporting stable, long-term growth.

Amid a succession of global economic downturns, including the collapse of the IT bubble, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the 2008 Financial Crisis, Nakanishi Metal Works implemented decisive management reforms and strengthened its financial foundation. Even under severe economic conditions, the Company advanced organizational streamlining and reinforced its business base, laying the groundwork for renewed growth. The resilience cultivated through overcoming adversity became a cornerstone for subsequent business development.

The 2010s were marked by major societal upheaval, including the Great East Japan Earthquake and the emergence of COVID-19. During this period of volatility, NKC worked to sustain and grow its existing businesses while actively promoting new company formations and mergers and acquisitions. By establishing multiple pillars to support growth across its divisions, NKC continued to respond flexibly to a changing market environment. Anchored in stability and propelled by continuous evolution, NKC shaped its future identity and built a robust platform for the next 100 years.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, NKC ensured business continuity through its BCP framework and accelerated its performance recovery. In 2022, the Company entered into a comprehensive partnership agreement with Osaka Prefecture and opened the Nakaniwa Café in the Tenjimbashi-suji shopping street near its headquarters, a community space combining a welfare café with a children’s cafeteria. In 2024, NKC formulated the NKC Sustainability Vision 2024, aiming to achieve both the resolution of social issues and sustainable business growth, while continuing to pursue progress without fear of change.