The Precious Metal Business Division now manages stores in major cities throughout Japan. It operates a metal recycling (refining) business, including the procurement of precious metals such as gold and platinum, conducts the refinement, processing, and sale of rare metals, and manages the Jewelry Department, which includes the purchase and sale of diamonds and jewelry goods. And in 2011, we obtained a pawnbroker license from the Tokyo Metropolitan Public Safety Commission and commenced a Chugai pawnshop.

Our mainstay precious metal recycling business began with the management of gold mines in 1932. Based on our highly advanced gold and silver refining technologies and a confidence nurtured over many years, we take pride in the quality of our gold bullion, which is traded as a Good Delivery Material at the Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM).

We are also focusing on research on rare earths and rare metals. One research theme is ways to upgrade our refining technologies for the platinum group of metals, such as platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd). We cover the whole process from the procurement of raw materials to refining and processing, and sales of rare metals.

In the course of trading a large number of precious metals, we have acquired a great amount of technical knowledge and expanded our trade. In 2009, we opened shops in Ginza and Okachimachi, the two districts of Tokyo with a strong reputation for jewelry sales. We have now established a firm position in the trade.

With an eye on expanding into the global market, we are looking into doing business in Hong Kong, as well as moving proactively into China, India, and countries in Southeast Asia.