KAI Corp. at TICAD Business Expo 2025
KAI Corporation, a global leader in cutlery manufacturing, is set to participate in the TICAD Business Expo & Conference, which will take place at Pacifico Yokohama from August 20 to 22, 2025. The company, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is led by President and COO Hiroaki Endo. To mark this occasion, a presentation by Rajesh Pandya, the former representative of KAI India and current advisor to the KAI Group, will occur on August 20.
Background of KAI Corporation
Founded in 1908 in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, KAI Corporation has a rich history in the cutlery industry. Their mission is centered around the motto of "Sharpness and Kindness," aiming to contribute to people’s lives through the provision of safe and high-quality cutlery. Since its entry into the American market in 1977, KAI has established a presence in 10 locations across eight countries, actively seeking to reach global consumers. Today, the brand engages in business with over 100 countries, striving to meet diverse needs around the world.
KAI Corporation is keen on reaching regions where their products have yet to make a significant impact. Africa, a region poised for extraordinary economic growth, is expected to see an increasing demand for high-quality and safe cutlery as living standards improve. The TICAD Business Expo & Conference provides a vital platform for KAI to introduce its high-quality products and deliver valuable solutions that enhance the lives of many in Africa.
Presentation by Rajesh Pandya
Speakers Profile
Rajesh Pandya brings over 30 years of experience, including crucial roles in launching Carfour in Japan and expanding KidZania into India. He became Managing Director of KAI Manufacturing India Pvt. Ltd. in 2016 and transitioned to becoming an advisor to the KAI Group in 2025. Notable for his strong connections in Gujarat, the same state as India's current Prime Minister Modi, Pandya is also passionate about design, art, and manufacturing.
Lecture Details
- - Date: August 20, 2025
- - Time: 14:00 - 14:45
- - Venue: Event Stage, Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall
Key Lecture Points
In his presentation, Pandya will discuss the growth of KAI’s operations in India, emphasizing product development tailored to meet local market needs. He will detail plans for expanding into the African market, leveraging Japan’s reputation for quality, and India’s logistics and cost-effectiveness. With a philosophy of “Japanese Quality, Indian Agility, African Growth,” KAI aims to offer sustainable products that contribute to society.
About TICAD and the TICAD Business Expo & Conference
TICAD stands for the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, an international meeting on African development led by the Japanese government in collaboration with the United Nations and other organizations. The upcoming TICAD 9 in Yokohama, 2025, will feature the TICAD Business Expo & Conference, aimed at showcasing Japanese companies’ excellent products and services to African leaders and businesses, fostering new business opportunities. This year, a record number of Japanese companies are set to exhibit, alongside investment information, thematic seminars, and displays of pop culture, creating a rich and practical business networking environment.
KAI Corporation's Legacy
KAI Corporation has become a respected name in producing a wide range of over 10,000 items, including razors, nail clippers, kitchen tools, and medical instruments. With a commitment to quality in all aspects of production from planning, development, and distribution, KAI continues to respond innovatively to consumer needs. For inquiries, please contact KAI Corporation's customer support center located at 3-9-5 Iwamoto-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8586.
For more information on KAI Corporation, visit their website at
KAI Group.