At the ceremony. (From left:) Mr. Obara,
Mr. Honma, Mr. Sakakibara, and Mr. Ishibashi

The presentation of National Commendation for Invention** held by Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation took place on July 29 at Hotel Okura Tokyo with His Imperial Highness Prince Hitachi and Her Imperial Highness Princess Hitachi as guests of honor. Toray received the Prime Minister Prize, which is the second highest of several Institute awards, following only in prestige to the Imperial Invention Prize. It was given to Toray for the “Method for thermal welding of fiber reinforced thermosetting plastics and integrated molded object” (inventors: Mr. Masato Honma, Mr. Haruo Obara and Mr. Souichi Ishibashi).

This is the second time that Toray was presented with the Prime Minister Prize. The first time was in 1979 when the Company invented suede-like microfiber textile Ecsaine*. In addition, Mr. Sadayuki Sakakibara, President, CEO and COO, received the Distinguished Service Prize for Employment of Invention. Mr. Sakakibara, together with the three inventors, attended the ceremony and received certificates of commendation.

The Prime Minister Prize was for the development and patenting of technology to instantly integrate thermosetting compounds such as Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) by thermal welding, just like metal welding. Toray foresees the acceleration of industrial applications of CFRP.

(By Yoshio Matsuda)

* indicates a trademark of Toray Industries, Inc., its subsidiaries, and/or affiliated companies

**National Commendation for Invention was established by Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation in 1923. The Institute annually selects awardees based on recommendations and applications through its branch offices situated in all 47 of Japan's prefectures. Awardees should be exceptional in scientific technologies with progressivity along with a significant track record of implemented achievements. The selection committee finalizes the list of awardees for the year.