Rasa Shoji

Basic Information

Stock Code
3023
Industry
Wholesale
Category Detail
Building Materials, Electrical Equipment & Metal Wholesalers
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
January 1939
Listing Year
February 2006
Official Website
https://www.rasaco.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Alconix, Felt, Falco HD, Kaneso, Hatsuhoshi Shoji, Suzuden, Okaya Koki, Hakudo, Sato Shoji, Shinkō Shōji, Kanox, Hanwa Kogyo, UEX

Overview

Rasa Shoji is a wholesale specialist trading company founded in 1939, specializing in mineral resources and industrial machinery, and is a leading industry player with proprietary technology and strong networks both at home and abroad.

Current Situation

Rasa Shoji recorded consolidated sales of approximately ¥29.3 billion and operating profit of approximately ¥2 billion in FY2020, holding top-class share in the domestic market for mineral resources and high-performance industrial pumps. It occupies over 50% of the domestic market for zircon sand, securing a stable supply network through an exclusive general agency contract with Australia's Iluka Resources. High-performance industrial pumps and construction machinery are also key businesses, with superiority established in niche markets. In the environmental conservation plant field, it leverages proprietary technology to design and sell water granulation plants for steel manufacturers. To strengthen its revenue base, it is promoting M&A while emphasizing synergy creation with existing businesses. Its governance structure has been enhanced as a company with an Audit and Supervisory Committee, appointing Yaesu Audit Corporation as its accounting auditor in 2020. Moving forward, it aims to accelerate growth by leveraging its domestic and international network of bases, targeting reduced environmental impact and sustainable resource use. Backed by solid performance, its financial position is stable, and it has outlined a strategy for developing new markets through aggressive capital investment and R&D as dual pillars.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Name derives from Rasa Island, a phosphate ore mining site
  • Maintains top domestic share in zircon sand
  • Dominates niche markets with high-performance industrial pumps
  • Independently spun off from Rasa Kogyo sales division in 1939
  • Specialist trading company independent from Taiheiyo Metal
  • Positions M&A as a key growth strategy
  • Head office located in RASA Building, Nihonbashi Kakiokacho
  • Strengthened governance as a company with Audit and Supervisory Committee

Hidden Connections

  • Secures supply chain through exclusive agency contract with Australia's Iluka Resources
  • Rare leading company in the domestic market for special industrial machinery
  • Also engages in equipment construction and real estate through affiliates
  • Strong transactions with major domestic steel manufacturers despite being an independent specialist trader
  • Mid-sized trading company with ¥2 billion capital but stable finances
  • Major shareholders include trust banks and life insurance companies as institutional investors
  • Head office located in the central Nihonbashi business district of Chuo Ward, Tokyo
  • Possesses specialized technology for environmental conservation plants targeted at the steel industry

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Stable domestic demand for mineral resources
  • Growing needs for environmental-related plants
  • Energy-saving and high-functionality in industrial machinery
  • Business area expansion through M&A
  • Strengthened sales capabilities in overseas markets

Strategic Goals

  • Maintain and expand over 60% domestic share in mineral resources
  • Enhance presence in steel-related markets using environmental plant technology
  • Increase export value of industrial machinery by 30%
  • Promote sustainable resource use and minimize environmental impact
  • Build stable revenue base through diversified business development

Business Segments

Mineral Resources Wholesaling

Overview
Wholesales high-quality mineral resources to refractory material companies and others domestically and internationally.
Competitiveness
Differentiation through stable supply capabilities and overseas agency contracts
Customers
  • Refractory Material Manufacturers
  • Ceramics Manufacturers
  • Steel Manufacturers
  • Chemical Manufacturers
  • Industrial Materials Manufacturers
Products
  • Zircon Sand
  • Magnesium Oxide
  • Aluminum Oxide
  • Silicon Carbide
  • Various Mineral Raw Materials

Industrial Machinery Wholesaling

Overview
Wholesales machinery for industrial and construction plants along with technical support services.
Competitiveness
Top share in niche fields through import/export of advanced machinery
Customers
  • Construction Companies
  • Plant Equipment Companies
  • Public Entities
  • Manufacturing Plants
  • Sewage Treatment Operators
Products
  • High-Performance Pumps
  • Valves
  • Shield Excavators
  • Mixers
  • Construction Machinery

Environmental Conservation Plant Sales

Overview
Promotes design and sales of environmental plant equipment for the steel industry.
Competitiveness
Proprietary design technology and high reliability
Customers
  • Steel Manufacturers
  • Environmental Equipment Companies
  • Plant Engineering Companies
Products
  • Water Granulation Plants
  • Environmental Conservation Equipment
  • Related Equipment

Industrial Materials Wholesaling

Overview
Handles sales, import, and export of industrial materials for various industries.
Competitiveness
Extensive trading company network and high-quality products
Customers
  • Industrial Product Manufacturers
  • Chemical Industry
  • Materials Manufacturers
Products
  • Diatomaceous Earth
  • Activated Carbon
  • Industrial Insulation Materials
  • Filter Bags

Real Estate Leasing Business

Overview
Secures stable revenue by utilizing owned real estate.
Competitiveness
Effective use of well-located Nihonbashi buildings
Customers
  • Domestic Companies
  • Overseas Corporations
  • Individual Investors
Products
  • Office Building Leasing
  • Store Leasing

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Top domestic share in mineral resources
  • Strong ties with overseas agents
  • Technological strength in high-performance industrial pumps
  • Proprietary design technology in environmental plants
  • Stable financial base and governance

Competitive Advantages

  • Superiority with over 50% domestic market share in zircon sand
  • Niche top share in special industrial machinery
  • Stable raw material procurement from overseas
  • Flexible management strategy as an independent trading company
  • Promotion of business expansion through M&A

Threats

  • Price fluctuation risk in mineral resources
  • Exchange rate fluctuation risk due to overseas dependence
  • Intensifying price competition from competitors
  • Increased business costs from stricter environmental regulations
  • Risk of slowing domestic market growth

Innovations

2023: Enhanced Functionality of High-Performance Industrial Pumps

Overview
Introduced the latest technology to improve durability and energy efficiency.
Impact
Contributes to reduced maintenance costs and lower environmental impact

2022: Business Expansion through New M&A

Overview
Advanced acquisitions targeting related industry companies for expected synergies.
Impact
Achieved sales growth and entry into new markets

2021: Strengthened Design Technology for Environmental Conservation Plants

Overview
Expanded design expertise for environmental plants targeted at the steel industry.
Impact
Improved customer satisfaction and increased orders

2020: Strengthened Zircon Sand Supply Network

Overview
Renewed contract with Australia's Iluka Resources and improved logistics efficiency.
Impact
Maintained stable supply system and market share

Sustainability

  • Expansion of high-efficiency industrial machinery offerings
  • Enhanced proposals to customers for low-environmental-impact technology
  • Promotion of sustainable mineral resource utilization
  • Expansion of energy-saving product imports
  • In-house eco-activities and resource-saving initiatives