Furthermore, with the rapid progress in electronics, biotechnology, and advanced materials, there is an increasing demand for higher-purity reagents. We take pride in introducing the Japan Reagent Association, an organization composed of reagent manufacturers and distributors dedicated to this critical mission.
The Japan Reagent Association was established as a nationwide organization on March 24, 2000, through an equal merger of the Eastern Reagent Association and the Western Reagent Association—two public interest corporations, each with a history of over 50 years.
Both the Eastern and Western associations were founded during the turbulent post-war period with similar objectives. Since then, they have navigated various challenges alongside the growth of the Japanese economy, working in close cooperation to contribute to the promotion and advancement of science and technology.
In recent years, the environment surrounding reagents has undergone significant changes alongside the internationalization of the Japanese economy, deregulation, and economic structural reforms. With the legalization of SDS and PRTR, regulations regarding the handling of chemical substances have become increasingly stringent.
In order to respond swiftly and appropriately to these environmental changes and the increasing number of issues requiring a nationwide approach, the two associations unified to form the Japan Reagent Association as a single nationwide organization.
The Japan Reagent Association is dedicated to fostering the sound development of the reagent business and contributing to society through the reagent industry.
Through our consolidation into a single nationwide organization with a stronger foundation, we aim to expand our activities and strive for the following:
• Appropriate and prompt responses to internationalization and deregulation
• Operational efficiency through the expansion of the association's scale
• Strengthening of information systems, including the Internet
• Human resource development for the next generation
• Strengthening of collaboration with relevant organizations
The Japan Reagent Association has more than 100 member companies.
In addition to the General Meeting held for all members, officers (President, Vice Presidents, Directors, and Auditors) are elected from among the members to deliberate and consider important issues through the Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings.
Furthermore, the association has various committees dedicated to critical activities related to safety measures, quality standards, distribution, and environmental issues.
The Public Relations Committee is responsible for publishing the "Shiyaku" (Reagent) journal three times a year to report on the association's activities.