Lessons from the Life of Kiichi Katsumoto, Chairman of Acro Nainen Co., Ltd.

Acro Nainen Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “Acro Nainen”), headquartered in Wakayama City, is a company with world-class technical and development capabilities in the manufacture of clutches, pistons and brakes for use in automobiles and industrial machinery. Mr. Kiichi Katsumoto (hereinafter “Mr. Katsumoto”), is chairman of the company, which was established in 1968. His background includes managing group companies in various business fields, ranging from precision mechanical parts through high-grade umeboshi for gifts, and he was responsible for expanding the scale and performance of those businesses. He has also been called upon to play various key roles as one of Wakayama Prefecture’s most successful business leaders. Both Acro Nainen, the company, and Mr. Katsumoto, the executive, are unique entities that are bound to attract attention from researchers who have been closely observing the economy of Wakayama Prefecture. However, there are few records or discussions concerning the company’s foundation and business operations, or his entrepreneurial experience. Now that Mr. Katsumoto has provided us with a variety of information about the company and himself, and given us consent to write a research article, we will publish and release the results.