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Kinjo Gomu Celebrates Significant Recognition

Kinjo Gomu Co., Ltd., renowned for its expertise in rubber component production, has recently been awarded the Minister of State for Special Missions Award for Excellence at the 7th Annual Barrier-Free Universal Design Promotion Ceremony. This prestigious event organized by the Cabinet Office took place on December 24, 2025, at the Prime Minister's Official Residence and was attended by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

The award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made notable achievements in promoting a barrier-free and universally designed society, ensuring safety and comfort for everyone, including the elderly, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and families with children. In 2025, a total of 15 individuals and organizations received this esteemed honor.


Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Minister of State Hiroshi Kawakatsu with award recipients.

Kinjo Gomu's Pioneering Work in Welfare

Founded in 1936, Kinjo Gomu has established a strong presence in various sectors, manufacturing rubber products for home appliances, automobiles, sports equipment, and medical devices. Since 2007, Kinjo Gomu has dedicated its efforts to the welfare sector, developing products that assist visually impaired individuals in safely navigating public spaces.

The company's flagship product, the rubber guide mat 'Bodokun Guideway', is designed specifically for indoor use, providing crucial wayfinding support for those with visual impairments. This innovative product, along with efforts to create barrier-free environments in public spaces, was a key factor in their recent award.


Kinjo Gomu's 'Bodokun Guideway' aiding navigation for the visually impaired.

Addressing Challenges to Indoor Mobility

The concept for the Bodokun Guideway arose from the personal experiences of its developer, who lost their sight at the age of 60. Struggling to move independently within various indoor environments, the developer identified the gap in navigation support. In response, Kinjo Gomu initially offered sales support through its network of offices, eventually enhancing the product by modifying its width, material, and color.

The 'Bodokun Guideway' has already gained traction and expectation for further societal dissemination, thereby contributing to reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Beyond this, Kinjo Gomu also manufactures other products such as the restroom guiding line 'Guidelet' and temporary walking tape 'Coco Tape', aimed at enhancing accessibility.


Diverse users navigating with the Bodokun Guideway.

The Path Ahead: Continued Innovation

Kinjo Gomu continues to leverage their extensive experience and innovative spirit to expand their contributions to society. Not only do they excel in rubber component manufacturing, but their active participation in community welfare projects and development of products like the 'Bodokun Guideway' demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all.

As they celebrate their 90th anniversary, Kinjo Gomu aims to further its global outreach with its own brand, 'KINJO JAPAN', which has made headlines with its innovative, unbreakable rubber glassware products.

Conclusion

In recognition of their significant achievements, the awards from the Cabinet Office reaffirm Kinjo Gomu Co., Ltd.'s role as a pioneer in fostering inclusive environments through innovative design and technology. Their commitment to creating seamless experiences for all remains an inspiration for businesses striving to make a difference.

For more information on these groundbreaking products and efforts in universal design, please visit Kinjo Gomu's official website.

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Company Overview

• - Company Name: Kinjo Gomu Co., Ltd.
• - CEO: Taizo Ota
• - Established: May 1936
• - Business Focus: Production and sale of industrial rubber parts, ground improvement engineering, manufacturing and installation of visual impairment guide mats, and product development under the 'KINJO JAPAN' brand.
• - Website: Kinjo Gomu Website