Oil Crisis and Low-Growth Period

When the 4th Middle East war broke out in October 1973, the oil-producing countries in Arab reduced the oil supplies to unfriendly nations including Japan. The price skyrocketing that followed this settled down later, but the depression of economy continued and affected the electric wire industry critically. The drastic changes in the production environment including the scarcity of raw materials, drop in prices and limitation of power consumption also lead to sudden fall in the demand for electric wires. President Kino at that time declared a state of emergency in 1974 and indicated measures such as reduction of expenses. In parallel with enhanced efforts for expanding exports, the company established two divisions, the Automotive Products Division and Overseas Divisions, to expand the electric wire-related businesses.

Fujikura Bldg. in Gotanda

Fujikura Bldg. in Gotanda

In October 1977, the Head Office was moved from the Kasumigaseki Building to Fujikura Bldg. in Gotanda (9F over the ground, 1F underground). This building was originally built for rental, but the expected tenants were not found due to the economy depression so we decided to use it to accommodate our own head office.

Development of Optical Fiber Cable

We began study into the optical fiber in 1970 and succeeded in developing the VAD process in March 1977. This process features the capability of continuous production of optical fibers. With high manufacturing speed and high yield, it was an excellent optical material manufacturing process.

Fabrication of soot
preform by VAD method.

Spectral loss curve of
ultimately low OH content
(less them 1ppb)
optical fiber made
by VAD method.
(less them 1dB/km
in the range of 1.0~1.8μm)

Electronics Letters Premium
from the IEE of
the United Kingdom

Establishment of Fujikura (Thailand) Ltd.

Fujikura (Thailand) Ltd.

Fujikura (Thailand) Ltd. was founded in August 1984, as the first of the Fujikura affiliates in Thailand. This project was very successful thanks to the benefits from the rise of yen resulting from the Plaza Accord in next year 1985 and the boom of investment mainly by foreign capitals. It also grew very rapidly as a result of production shifting to electronic materials and optical components, and stays the primary Fujikura affiliate in Thailand even at present.

100th Anniversary Operations

On the occasion of the 100th Anniversary, we adopted the new company name of "Fujikura Ltd." to free our corporate image from electric wires, and also defined a new corporate emblem. In addition, we also published the Centennial History book and established a new basic policy.