YKK AP Technology Museum Celebrates Visitor Milestone
On June 28, 2025, YKK AP Inc. proudly announced that its Technology Museum, located in Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture, reached a remarkable milestone of 10,000 visitors. This museum, which opened on November 14, 2024, serves as a platform to communicate the company's technological advancements and its dedication to craftsmanship. To commemorate this achievement, a special ceremony was held on the day, where Hiroyuki Yamahata, the museum director, presented a commemorative gift and bouquet to the lucky 10,000th visitor, Ms. Yoko Kasahara, and her family.
Ms. Kasahara, who traveled from Kurobe City, shared her thoughts on her visit, saying, "I came here with my grandchild, who is currently a university junior looking for job opportunities, considering YKK Group as a potential employer. I thought this visit would provide useful insights about the company. I probably wouldn’t have come otherwise, but I was very surprised to be chosen as the 10,000th visitor." This heartfelt sentiment encapsulates the museum’s mission to engage with the local community and foster connections through education.
The YKK AP Technology Museum showcases the history of manufacturing and the spirit of technical innovation, focusing on the journey of the company since it began its construction material business in 1959 with the installation of an aluminum extrusion machine. The exhibitions trace how YKK AP has evolved and developed its manufacturing technologies, highlighting both the historical achievements and the vision for future growth. It aims to convey not only the progress of building materials technologies but also the aspirations of engineers behind them, portraying the company as one that is committed to creating value backed by technology.
Since its opening, the museum has actively worked on enhancing visitor engagement through guided tours and the provision of tablets for Chinese translations, which are part of its efforts to improve information dissemination. Additionally, the museum has registered with the Toyama Prefecture tourism official site, "Toyama Tourism Navi," to broaden its outreach. Looking ahead, in late July, the museum plans to host workshops and performance shows aimed at children during the summer break, further solidifying its role as a community-friendly venue.
Director Hiroyuki Yamahata expressed his gratitude, stating, "Achieving 10,000 visitors is a significant encouragement for us, and we sincerely thank everyone for their support and interest in our museum. This milestone inspires us to enrich our exhibits, making them more informative and enjoyable for our guests. We aim to create a space where YKK AP's technological journey is conveyed effectively to both industry professionals and the public, enhancing the museum's value for everyone." The dedication to preserving this legacy ensures that employees and visitors alike can appreciate the historical significance of YKK AP and the innovation it continues to foster.
To visit the YKK AP Technology Museum, the following details are essential:
Visiting Information
- - Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)
- - Closed: Every Monday, national holidays (excluding weekends), New Year holidays, Golden Week, and Obon
- - Admission: Free (no reservation needed for individual visits)
- - Group Reservations: For groups of 10 or more, reservations can be made via email or phone, accepted 2 months to 3 days prior to the visit.
- - Guided Tours: Led by museum staff, available on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM (approximately 60 minutes each, limited to 15 participants per tour); reservations required in advance.
For more information, the museum can be accessed at the following link:
YKK AP Technology Museum Website.
As it moves forward, the YKK AP Technology Museum remains committed to engaging with the public, illustrating the significance of its technological innovations, and honoring the rich history of YKK AP, and embracing future endeavors.