Japan should experience steady growth through 2025, supported by accommodative monetary policy from the central bank, the Economist Intelligence Unit has said. An expected boost in public spending should also support an economy seeing an uptick in consumption.

Domestic demand, the strong Japanese automotive sector, and a growing international trend towards greater sustainability are expected to boost the synthetic leather industry in the coming years. Japan's domestic synthetic leather market will grow by a CAGR of 8.15% between 2022 and 2032, according to SPER Market Research.

Established in 1935, Kyowa Leather Cloth Co. celebrates its 90th year in business in 2025. The company produces synthetic leather and decorative films for a range of industries, including fashion, housing and construction, and automotive. The company became a member of Toyota Group in 1973, when the carmaker took a stake in the business; the automotive giant remains a leading customer. In recent years, Toyota encouraged Kyowa to reinforce its core competences and establish an individual identity and vision.

“We have been committed to quality and technology for nine decades, and our products are always improving,” says Mikio Hanai, president of Kyowa Leather Cloth. “We have defined our framework of values and our purpose in society. We make materials for cars, for the interior of buildings, and we want to create materials that are kind to the environment. It's a transformational time for us. We want to be a leader in the circular economy, and grow in and promote the circular economy internationally. We are on the way to becoming a company which contributes to a sustainable society.”