TOKYO, Mar 5, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & CEO: Koichiro Tanaka), a company engaged in the industrial precious metals business of TANAKA, today announced the successful development of “HPM-L111”, the world’s first metal^*1 palladium (Pd) hydrogen permeable membrane capable of delivering high hydrogen permeation performance at low temperature range around 100°C. The breakthrough enables high-purity and fast hydrogen purification at significantly lower temperatures than previously possible, reducing energy consumption and supporting next-generation hydrogen ecosystem development across global markets.

Sample shipments of HPM-L111 is scheduled to begin on or after March 5, 2026, with production capacity of approximately 100 samples per month.

An academic presentation regarding this product will be made at The Japan Institute of Metals and Materials’ “2026 Spring Meeting,” which will be held at Chiba Institute of Technology from March 11 to 13, 2026. The product and a panel display will also be showcased at “H2 & FC EXPO Int’l Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo” being held at Tokyo Big Sight from March 17 to 19, 2026.

A palladium hydrogen permeable membrane is a thin membrane product made from palladium alloy, which has the properties of hydrogen absorption and permeation. It is widely used for the separation and purification of high-purity hydrogen. Traditionally, metal membranes require high temperatures (at least 300°C) to achieve effective hydrogen permeation. By applying special treatment to the membrane’s surface, TANAKA succeeded in developing a metal membrane that can demonstrate high hydrogen permeation performance even at a low temperature range at or below 100°C.

Issues in hydrogen purification using metal membranes and background to the development of HPM-L111

Among PdCu alloy membranes, the existing product PdCu40 (an alloy with 60% palladium content and 40% copper content) has the highest level of hydrogen permeation performance. However, operation at a high temperature range of around 400°C is required to achieve its true performance, and higher costs from the addition of heating facilities and such were an issue for many years. Furthermore, with the advancement of hydrogen-related technologies in recent years, there are increasing need for hydrogen permeation using metal membranes in the low temperature range of 100°C or lower. Meanwhile, the speed of hydrogen penetration from the surface into metal membranes generally decreases when the temperature is 200°C or lower, significantly reducing the hydrogen permeation performance of conventional metal membranes and making practical application an issue.

To solve these issues, for HPM-L111, TANAKA adopted its proprietary surface treatment technology nurtured through many years of precious metal materials research. Minute jagged structures were formed on the membrane’s surface to increase the specific surface area, resulting in a higher hydrogen penetration speed and achieving significant improvement in hydrogen permeation performance in the low temperature range of 100°C or lower.

Features of HPM-L111

• High hydrogen permeation performance in the low temperature range around 100°C
• World’s first metal membrane allowing high-purity hydrogen purification in the low temperature range around 100°C
• Expected contributions to higher accuracy of hydrogen sensors
• Allows high-speed removal of hydrogen generated within devices

Expected applications of high-purity hydrogen permeation in the low temperature range, or 100°C or lower, include hydrogen sensors, fuel cells, and removal of hydrogen in vacuum equipment. In hydrogen sensors, it can help to improve detection accuracy by isolating interfering gases, while in vacuum equipment and such, it allows hydrogen to be removed from inside the equipment while maintaining an operating environment close to room temperature or a low temperature range. Furthermore, it can contribute toward the realization of carbon neutrality by reducing the energy for heating, as the heating process to at least 300°C—which was previously required—is no longer necessary. TANAKA will support the realization of a clean and efficient hydrogen society through the provision of this product.

^*1 As of March 5, 2026, based on internal research (according to a survey of patents and papers on hydrogen permeable membranes)

About TANAKA

Since its foundation in 1885, TANAKA has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volume of precious metals it handles. Over many years, TANAKA has manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry and provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and worldwide collaborate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,591 employees, the group’s consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended December 2024 were 846.9 billion yen.

TANAKA Industrial Precious Metal Materials Portal
https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com

Product inquiries
TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd.
https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-on-industrial-products/

Press inquiries
TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.
https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-for-media/

Press Release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/2026305_EN.pdf 

TOKYO, Mar 3, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & CEO: Koichiro Tanaka), a company engaged in the industrial precious metals business of TANAKA, today announced a gold bump^*1 transfer technology for the sintered gold (Au) bonding technology, AuRoFUSE™ Preforms. This technology allows AuRoFUSE™ Preforms (gold bumps) to be formed even on semiconductor chips and substrates^*2 with complex structures.

Advantages of being able to transfer gold bumps

In this technology, at first, gold bumps are formed on a substrate (transfer substrate). Then, the gold bumps are transferred to the target semiconductor chip or substrate. Openings are created on the silicon substrate used as the transfer substrate, and gold bumps are formed in them. By filling the entire opening, the gold bump is held by the substrate, eliminating the risk of dropping during the process. Meanwhile, during transfer, the gold bump shrinks under heat-treatment, forming a tiny gap between the opening and the gold bump. This allows easy extraction of gold bumps by the application of a force in the vertical direction.

As the traditional gold bump formation process is a method that directly forms bumps on the target semiconductor chip or substrate, it is difficult to handle target chips and substrates with complex shapes, such as protrusions, dents, or open holes due to issues such as inconsistent resist heights.

In this current transfer technology, gold bumps are manufactured separately and can be transferred only to the target locations. This allows the technology to also be applied to complex shapes. It can also be used with semiconductor chips and substrates that are difficult to process using photolithography^*3 due to concerns about damage from stripping solutions and others.

Manufacturing of transfer substrate and transfer and bonding process

(1) Preparation of silicon substrate as transfer substrate
(2) Application of photoresist to silicon substrate
(3) Exposure and development of target pattern
(4) Etching of silicon substrate to create holes
(5) Application of AuRoFUSE™ using a squeegee, etc.
(6) Vacuum drying of AuRoFUSE™ at room temperature and scraping off excess gold particles on the resist
(7) Removal of resist to complete transfer substrate
(8) Placement of transfer substrate on target (semiconductor chip or substrate) for gold bump formation, thermocompression at 10 MPa and 150℃ for one minute, followed by vertical lifting of substrate to transfer gold bumps
(9) Bonding of post-transfer target through thermocompression at 20 MPa and 200℃ for 10 seconds

An illustration of the traditional gold bump formation process is available in the “Manufacturing of AuRoFUSE™ Preforms” section for reference on TANAKA’s website.

About the sintered gold bonding technology “AuRoFUSE™ Preforms”

Developed by TANAKA, “AuRoFUSE™ Preforms” is a bonding technology that forms bumps of all kinds of shapes using a paste comprising gold particles and an organic solvent. Through a thermocompression bonding process (20 MPa at 200℃ for 10 seconds), AuRoFUSE™ Preforms exhibits compression of approximately 10% in the compressive direction while showing minimal deformation in the horizontal direction. This gives them sufficient bonding strength^*4 for practical applications. With the main component being gold, which has a high level of chemical stability, AuRoFUSE™ Preforms also provides excellent reliability after mounting.

This technology enables miniaturization of semiconductor wiring and greater integration (higher density) for various types of chips. It is expected to contribute to the needs for miniaturization and better performance of semiconductors, which have been rising in recent years, including optical devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and semiconductor lasers (LDs), use in digital devices such as personal computers, smartphones, as well as in-vehicle components, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), and such.

Traditionally, the main methods used in bump formation technology are soldering and plating. However, as solder tends to spread outward in molten state, there was the risk of short-circuiting through contact between electrodes as the bump pitch becomes finer. Meanwhile, plating can achieve a fine pitch, but because comparatively higher pressures are required during bonding, there is the possibility of causing chip damage. For reference, an illustration outlining the advantages of this technology compared with soldering and plating materials is provided in the “Comparison of AuRoFUSE™ Preforms with Other Materials” section on TANAKA’s website. This technology was developed to address these issues for use in next-generation high-density mounting and photonics-electronics integration devices.

AuRoFUSE™ and TANAKA’s gold materials

AuRoFUSE™ is a paste-type bonding material containing a mixture of gold particles, with the particle diameter controlled to be submicron sized, and an organic solvent. Compared to the melting point of gold (approximately 1,064℃), bonding is possible at a low temperature of approximately 200℃.

Gold is a material with low electrical resistance and extremely high thermal conductivity. Therefore, in power semiconductors that handle large currents and high-density chips that dissipate a lot of heat, it can efficiently dissipate heat and limit energy loss. Among precious metals, it is also particularly resistant to oxidation and has stable properties, making it less susceptible to corrosion after mounting and ion migration (a phenomenon in which metals move and cause short circuits). This allows it to maintain high reliability over long periods of time.

TANAKA is highly skilled in precious metal material development technologies, developed since its establishment. It has used these technologies to undertake development of precious metal materials, such as gold, which plays a key role in the semiconductor field. With a system that integrates the entire chain of processes, from raw material procurement to material development, manufacturing, and recycling, TANAKA will contribute to the development of semiconductor technologies and the realization of a sustainable society while effectively using limited precious metal resources.

^*1 Bumps: Protruding electrodes
^*2 Substrate: Board that electrically and mechanically supports semiconductor chips mounted on it
^*3 Photolithography: Technology for forming fine circuit patterns on substrates
^*4 Bonding: Refers to shear strength (strength determined through application of a lateral load during testing)

About TANAKA

Since its foundation in 1885, TANAKA has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volume of precious metals it handles. Over many years, TANAKA has manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry and provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and worldwide collaborate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,591 employees, the group’s consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended December 2024 were 846.9 billion yen.

TANAKA Industrial Precious Metal Materials Portal
https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com

Product inquiries
TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd.
https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-on-industrial-products/

Press inquiries
TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.
https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-for-media/

Press Release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20260303_EN.pdf 

TOKYO, Feb 26, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitomo Semicon Engineering Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of EEJA Ltd. (Head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Akihiko Domae), which operates TANAKA’s plating business, announces that it will change its company name effective April 1, 2026, as outlined below.

Details of the company name change
Current name: Mitomo Semicon Engineering Co., Ltd.
New name: EEJA Technologies Ltd.

Mitomo Semicon Engineering is engaged in the design, manufacture, and sale of plating equipment for semiconductors and electronic components. With this company name change, the company will further strengthen collaboration with EEJA, which provides plating chemicals and processes, and will offer enhanced value to customers through total solutions that integrate plating chemicals, equipment, and process design.

Company name: Mitomo Semicon Engineering Co., Ltd.
(New company name: EEJA Technologies Ltd.)

Company name: EEJA Ltd.

Company name: TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.

About TANAKA

Since its foundation in 1885, TANAKA has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volume of precious metals it handles. Over many years, TANAKA has manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry and provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and worldwide collaborate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,591 employees, the group’s consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended December 2024 were 846.9 billion yen.

TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.
TANAKA Corporate Website
https://www.tanaka.co.jp/english/

Press inquiries
TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.
https://www.tanaka.co.jp/support/req/other_contact_e/index.html

Press Release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20260226_EN.pdf 

TOKYO, Feb 24, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Group CEO: Koichiro Tanaka) will provide and donate gold, silver, and bronze medals to the top three men and women finishers of the marathon and wheelchair marathon events at the Tokyo Marathon 2026. The Tokyo Marathon 2026 is organized by the Tokyo Marathon Foundation and will be held on March 1, 2026.

Design Representing All the Participants in the Event with Woven Lines

The medals were designed based on the concept of the Tokyo Marathon: The Day We Unite. On the front of the medal, the logo type is placed horizontally above the event logo pattern, which represents “runners, supporters, and cheerers,” to express the image of the Tokyo Marathon, which is held based on the involvement of many people, including runners, as well as volunteer staff and cheerers.

On the back of the medal, the name of the event, Tokyo Marathon 2026, is written in Braille, and the words “FINISHER” and the event date are engraved, along with TANAKA’s logo. The medal’s ribbon design continues the 2016 design and is based on the event logo, which resembles a tapestry of lines woven together to represent all the runners, volunteers, and spectators.

Sustainability Initiatives

The Tokyo Marathon 2026 is advancing sustainability initiatives centered on “waste reduction,” “environmental conservation,” and “DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion).” In support of this initiative, the medal ribbons are made using recycled polyester. In addition, for the gold medals, the gold plating solution used is from TANAKA’s “RE Series” regenerated precious metals made using only 100% recycled materials. Through these initiatives, TANAKA is helping to make the event more sustainable.

About the Tokyo Marathon 2026

The Tokyo Marathon 2026 is the 19th edition of one of the largest public participation marathons in Japan. As it will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027, the event has evolved further to help all the participants play active roles so that the metropolis of Tokyo unite as one, based on three pillars: “The safest and most secure race in the world,” “The most exciting race in the world,” and “The warmest and most friendly race in the world.” This year, the event has adopted “Run. Tokyo. Own.” as the keyword to express how, on the grand stage of Tokyo, each runner lives their own run and their own story—and how countless individuals coming together create “one Tokyo” for that day and that moment alone.

TANAKA has produced the winner and finisher medals for every Tokyo Marathon since the first held in 2007, with this year marking the 19th year. The Tokyo Marathon joined the World Marathon Majors (currently the Abbott World Marathon Majors) in 2013, attracting global attention as one of the world’s seven premier marathons. Other than the Tokyo Marathon, TANAKA has also produced medals for the winners of the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon, supported the promotion of para sports as an official partner of the Japanese Para Sports Association (JPSA), and produced and sold official commemorative medals for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. As part of its contribution to the realization of an inclusive society and the creation of a healthier society, TANAKA will continue to support the promotion of sports going forward.

Overview of the Tokyo Marathon 2026 Medals

Weight, size and material

• Gold Medal: approx. 100g 65mm in diameter and approx. 3mm: pure silver with gold plating
• Silver Medal: approx. 100g 65mm in diameter and approx. 3mm: pure silver
• Bronze Medal: approx. 85g 65mm in diameter and approx. 3mm: pure copper plating

Race Information of the Tokyo Marathon 2026

*The race information is current as of the time this press release was published. For the latest information, please check the Tokyo Marathon official website.

About TANAKA

Since its foundation in 1885, TANAKA has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volume of precious metals it handles. Over many years, TANAKA has manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry and provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and worldwide collaborate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,591 employees, the group’s consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended December 2024 were 846.9 billion yen.

TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.
TANAKA Corporate Website
https://www.tanaka.co.jp/english/

Press inquiries
TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.
https://www.tanaka.co.jp/support/req/other_contact_e/index.html

Press Release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20260224_EN.pdf 

TOKYO, Feb 5, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & CEO: Koichiro Tanaka), a company engaged in the industrial precious metals business of TANAKA, announced today that it has established a total solution system capable of supporting all processes in the contract manufacturing business for various test kits including in vitro diagnostics.

Until now, TANAKA has been responsible primarily for processes from developing and manufacturing test kits to bulk production of extraction buffer. At this time, TANAKA established dedicated production lines for the dispensing and packaging of extraction buffer, creating a system that enables it to complete all processes in-house from development to manufacture of final products. This enables TANAKA to reduce costs and the time for external outsourcing and transportation, making it possible to deliver high-quality products in shorter times.

In addition, TANAKA will seek to expand production capacity and shorten lead times even further by introducing additional state-of-the-art automatic assembly lines and extract dispensing equipment with a target of March 2026.

Flexible responses achieved through reinforced integrated production system

By establishing this total solution system, TANAKA will be able to provide comprehensive contract services covering all processes from test kit development and manufacturing to bulk production, dispensing, and packaging of extraction buffer. This will enable TANAKA to continuously support customers from the development stage through mass production while also accommodating request for individual processes such as extraction buffer dispensing only.

By bringing production processes entirely in-house, TANAKA will further reinforce stable supply and quality control.

A track record in the development of diagnostic test kits across a wide range of disease areas and examples of deployment

TANAKA offers in vitro diagnostics for a wide range of infectious diseases including respiratory tract infections, such as influenza and COVID-19, as well as dengue and ZIKA viruses. These test kits are compatible with various sample types such as saliva, blood, and urine, and support rapid and accurate testing in clinical settings.

Examples of Disease Areas That TANAKA Deploys Tests For

Technical foundations and future outlook

TANAKA started research and development of in vitro diagnostics around 2006 and has accumulated technologies centered on nano-colloidal gold (Au). It possesses a diverse range of technologies that support the enhancement of reagent performance using immunochromatographic assay, including protein immobilization technology, non-specific absorption expression technology, and antigen-antibody reaction enhancement technology, TANAKA provides contract manufacturing of high-quality test kits that leverage these technologies in accordance with the ISO 13485 system.

Going forward, TANAKA will leverage this total solution system to develop new diagnostics in collaboration with partner companies, while contributing to solutions to social issues and advancement of the field of medicine.

About TANAKA

Since its foundation in 1885, TANAKA has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volume of precious metals it handles. Over many years, TANAKA has manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry and provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and worldwide collaborate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,591 employees, the group’s consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended December 2024 were 846.9 billion yen.

TANAKA Industrial Precious Metal Materials Portal
https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com

Product inquiries
TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd.
https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-on-industrial-products/

Press inquiries
TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.
https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-for-media/

Press release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20260205_EN.pdf 

Disclaimer:

ANY EXPRESS WRITTEN WARRANTY THAT TANAKA MAY ISSUE, IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY AS TO TANAKA’S MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS, EXTENDS ONLY TO THE INITIAL PURCHASER FROM TANAKA OR ITS AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR, IS NOT TRANSFERABLE OR ASSIGNABLE, AND IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF AND TANAKA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS TO THE EXTENT PERMISSIBLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW ANY OTHER WARRANTY, ORAL OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY ORAL OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

TANAKA SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS, DAMAGE, OR EXPENSE (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS) DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING FROM THE SALE, INABILITY TO SELL, USE, OR LOSS OF USE OF ANY PRODUCT. NO ORAL OR WRITTEN INFORMATION OR ADVICE GIVEN BY TANAKA, ITS EMPLOYEES, DISTRIBUTORS, DEALERS, OR AGENTS SHALL INCREASE THE SCOPE OF ANY WARRANTY OR CREATE ANY NEW WARRANTIES.

THE LIMITATIONS AS STATED HEREIN SHALL NOT PRECLUDE ANY LIABILITY WHICH UNDER APPLICABLE PRODUCTS LIABILITY LAW CANNOT LEGALLY BE PRECLUDED BY CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE.

NEVER USE THIS TEST KIT AS THE ONLY GUIDE TO MANAGE YOUR CONDITION OR ILLNESS. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF YOUR SYMPTOMS PERSIST OR BECOME MORE SEVERE, OR IF YOU ARE CONCERNED AT ANY TIME.

TOKYO, Jan 28, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Group CEO: Koichiro Tanaka) announces that it has been recognized as a Tokyo Sports Promotion Company for fiscal 2025 under the certification program administered by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. This marks the 11th consecutive year of recognition for the Group, following its initial certification in fiscal 2015.

The Tokyo Sports Promotion Company Certification System was established by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in fiscal 2015, under which companies and organizations that actively promote employees’ participation in sports and engage in social contribution activities related to sports are certified as Tokyo Sports Promotion Companies. In fiscal 2025, 427 companies in Japan received certification, bringing the total number of certified companies to 656.

At TANAKA, in addition to initiatives aimed at promoting employee health and enhancing internal communication, the Group is engaged in supporting the promotion of sports as part of its commitment to contributing to the realization of an inclusive society and the creation of a healthy society.

Externally, TANAKA continues its sponsorship activities as an official partner of the Japan Blind Football Association (JBFA). The Group also served as a category sponsor for awards and ceremonies at the LIGA.i Blind Soccer Top League 2025. Through these initiatives, TANAKA supports the wider adoption and development of sports while working to deepen understanding of parasports and to promote a society that respects diversity.

In addition, as part of health promotion measures for employees and their families, TANAKA implemented the “TANAKA Health Challenge 2025.” This employee participatory initiative allows participants to select from multiple health and exercise-related challenge items that can be incorporated into daily life according to individual lifestyles, and to work on them over a designated period. The program focuses primarily on activities such as walking and stretching, which help address a lack of physical activity and improve lifestyle habits, thereby encouraging greater health awareness and positive behavioral change. Through these efforts, TANAKA contributes to the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases and the maintenance of both physical and mental health.

These ongoing initiatives have been recognized, leading to the Group’s certification for the 11th consecutive year.

TANAKA will continue its efforts to promote health through sports and to engage in social contribution activities on an ongoing basis.

About TANAKA

Since its foundation in 1885, TANAKA has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volume of precious metals it handles. Over many years, TANAKA has manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry and provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and worldwide collaborate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,591 employees, the group’s consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended December 2024 were 846.9 billion yen.

TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.
TANAKA Corporate Website
https://www.tanaka.co.jp/english/

Press inquiries
TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.
https://www.tanaka.co.jp/support/req/other_contact_e/index.html

Press release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/doc/20260128.pdf 

TOKYO, Jan 21, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd., a leading global manufacturer of precious metal materials, will exhibit its Visi Fine® Series, a lineup of highly radiopaque precious metal materials and other precious metal-based materials for medical device components, at MD&M West 2026, to be held February 3–5, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

First unveiled at the 2025 event, the Visi Fine® portfolio harnesses TANAKA’s deep expertise in materials development and advanced processing technologies—including diverse melting methods, ultra-fine wire manufacturing, and laser processing—to transform precious metals into highly reliable materials for medical device components. The Visi Fine® brand name is a coined term combining “Visi” (visibility) and “Fine” (ultra-fine, refined materials). It embodies the concept of delivering materials with excellent radiopacity, engineered through advanced processing technologies for use in highly reliable medical device components. By leveraging the high density, superior radiopacity, and strong resistance to oxidation and corrosion of precious metals such as gold and platinum, Visi Fine® materials are particularly well suited for high-precision, minimally invasive medical devices.

“Minimally invasive surgeries and treatments have become a cornerstone of modern clinical practice,” said Yasutaka IHARA, Director & Corporate Officer, TANAKA. “Smaller devices such as catheters, implantable products, and diagnostic and therapeutic systems require meticulous precision while remaining clearly visible under X-ray imaging to ensure effective care. Already utilized globally, the Visi Fine® series delivers exceptional reliability, customization, biocompatibility, radiopacity, and corrosion resistance, supporting the development of next-generation, high-precision medical devices.”

To achieve these high standards, medical device manufacturers rely on premium materials from trusted suppliers. As the largest precious metals manufacturer in Asia, TANAKA combines regional leadership with a robust global presence, ensuring rapid support both domestically and internationally. With a 140-year history, TANAKA offers a comprehensive, end-to-end service model encompassing bullion procurement, materials processing and manufacturing, product sales, and recycling. This integrated approach enables medical device manufacturers to streamline supply chains, ensure material quality and traceability, and support sustainability initiatives through precious metal recovery and reuse.

Through its participation in MD&M West 2026, TANAKA reaffirms its commitment to supporting innovation in the medical and healthcare industries by supplying advanced precious metal materials backed by technical expertise, manufacturing excellence, and a resilient global supply network.

Main Exhibited Products

The main products on display at MD&M West will include precious metal materials and precision-processed components used in a wide range of medical device applications, particularly catheter-based and implantable devices that require high reliability, biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and radiopacity.

- Precious Metal Fine Wire

TANAKA offers the Visi Fine® series, a lineup of highly reliable platinum-based fine wire materials that deliver excellent radiopacity, corrosion resistance, and mechanical stability, making them well suited for medical device components such as marker bands, electrodes, and implantable parts. By leveraging advanced wire drawing and processing technologies, TANAKA provides fine wires with tight dimensional control and consistent quality, supporting demanding medical applications.

- Marker Bands and EP Bands

Marker bands are essential components for enhancing visibility under X-ray imaging in catheter-based medical devices, supporting accurate device positioning during medical procedures. TANAKA manufactures marker bands from smooth-surface tubing, produced through the careful selection of high-purity materials and optimized manufacturing processes to ensure excellent uniformity, durability, and radiopacity.

Solid marker bands are available in a range of materials, including Pt (99.95%), PtIr10, and other precious metal alloys, designed to meet stringent medical device performance requirements. In addition, split marker bands are offered to provide greater design flexibility, enabling customized configurations tailored to specific device architectures and functional needs. All marker bands are manufactured under an ISO 13485–certified quality management system, ensuring consistent quality, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

- Micromachining components

TANAKA offers precious metal micromachined components for medical device applications, including cardiovascular and peripheral vascular treatments. By leveraging advanced processing technologies, such as precision machining, femtosecond laser processing, stamping, and welding, TANAKA produces complex-shaped components with excellent burr control and clean surface finishes. A broad range of precious metal materials—including Pt, Pt-Ir, Pt-Ni, and Pt-W alloys—supports high-precision designs that meet the stringent performance and reliability requirements of medical devices.

- Rhodium (Rh) Sheet

Rhodium sheets are specifically designed for mammography filter applications. With a controlled thickness of 0.05 mm, these rhodium sheets feature a smooth, crack-free surface and excellent thickness uniformity. By leveraging its expertise in high-purity precious metal refining and advanced materials processing, TANAKA delivers rhodium sheets with the quality and consistency required for reliable performance in mammography imaging systems.

MD&M West 2026 Outline
- Title: MD&M West 2026
- Dates and Times: February 3–5, 2026 (local time, Pacific Standard Time)
- Location: Anaheim Convention Center (Anaheim, California, USA)
- Website: https://www.mdmwest.com
- Exhibitor: TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd.
- Booth No.: 2185
- TANAKA will exhibit a range of precious metal materials and components for medical device applications, including Platinum (Pt) wire, Gold (Au) wire, Platinum marker bands, Platinum–Iridium (PtIr) marker bands, Split marker bands, Micromachining components, and Rhodium (Rh) sheet (Product images and detailed technical information will be available at the booth.)

About TANAKA

Since its foundation in 1885, TANAKA has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volume of precious metals it handles. Over many years, TANAKA has manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry and provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and worldwide collaborate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,591 employees, the group’s consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended December 2024 were 846.9 billion yen.

TANAKA Industrial Precious Metal Materials Portal
https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com

Product inquiries
TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd.
https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-on-industrial-products/

Press inquiries
TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.
https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-for-media/

Press release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20260121.pdf 

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Kawasaki, Japan, Jan 14, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu today announced that it has commanced a demonstration experiment into the value flow of green steel [1] in the steel industry starting in December 2025. This project was previously selected by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) as part of its FY2025 Industrial Research Project under the theme Survey Project on the Transmission of Green Steel Information Linked to Steel Materials Across Supply Chains in November 2025.

This demonstration experiment will leverage Fujitsu's expertise in CO2 emission reduction materials, blockchain technology, and data distribution platforms to ensure that data can be distributed safely and that the environmental value of green steel and transaction confidentiality can be secured. The experiment will be carried out from December 2025 to February 2026. Through this initiative, Fujitsu seeks to accelerate decarbonization across the manufacturing sector, beginning with the steel industry, and contribute to the establishment of a sustainable supply chain.

Through this project, Fujitsu will contribute to environmental initiatives and digital transformation (DX) promotion in the steel industry. Furthermore, based on the knowledge gained from this project, Fujitsu will explore the development of mechanisms for green steel information distribution and the potential for expansion into the steel industry data space from 2026 onwards. Under Uvance, Fujitsu’s business model to solve societal issues, the company will also realize a mechanism that enables the secure and flexible sharing and utilization of reliable environmental value data across national and industry boundaries, thereby advancing corporate competitiveness and the realization of a sustainable society.

Background

Reducing CO2 emissions related to the steel industry is an urgent challenge for society. While industry organizations produce and supply green steel using GX Mass Balance [2] and GX Allocation [3] methods in accordance with established guidelines, there is a challenge in adequately distributing its environmental value throughout the downstream supply chain.

Project Overview

This initiative aims to examine mechanisms for ensuring that environmental value, such as emissions reduction steel certificates issued by steel manufacturers through green steel production, flows through the supply chain from upstream to downstream without being duplicated or compromised. It also seeks to identify challenges in current business practices and operational issues for each business operator when such mechanisms are applied.

In this demonstration experiment, Fujitsu will build a data distribution platform environment to ensure traceability of company/industry data and leverage Fujitsu Sustainable Value Accelerator, an offering under Uvance that supports green transformation (GX). With the cooperation of various steel businesses, the experiment will involve distributing third-party certified green steel certificates to verify the uniqueness of environmental value, prevent double-counting, and maintain value when passing through intermediate processors or different distribution channels.

[1] Green steel:
Steel with significantly reduced CO2 emissions during manufacturing compared to conventional steel (METI Journal ONLINE, Metal Industries Division, April 17, 2025).
[2] GX Mass Balance Method:
A method that utilizes the "mass balance model" defined in ISO 22095:2020 to pool greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions from additional projects undertaken by a company within its organization, and then allocates these to specific products, supplying them along with reduction certificates (from The Japan Iron and Steel Federation GX Steel Guidelines).
[3] GX Allocation Method:
An approach based on "allocation" in ISO 14067:2018 and ISO 14044:2006, where GHG total emissions (emission intensity × production volume) are kept constant, and emission reductions are allocated to products (GX steel/non-GX steel) to reflect the relationship between high and low GX value, within the scope of GHG emission reductions (from The Japan Iron and Steel Federation GX Steel Guidelines).

Fujitsu’s Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 represent a set of common goals to be achieved worldwide by 2030.
Fujitsu’s purpose — “to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation” — is a promise to contribute to the vision of a better future empowered by the SDGs.

About Fujitsu

Fujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsu

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