The Katayama family had produced and sold tabi socks since the Edo era. Tamezo Katayama, the third generation to continue in the family business, visited a mechanized factory that produced Fukusuke tabi socks and became convinced by the potential of the emerging industrial age. He then laid the foundations for KANA by establishing the Katayama Tamé Company, which was primarily involved in the sale of imported roller chains.

1919 Katayama Tamé Company is founded in Shinmachi,
Nishi-ku, Osaka.

Nagaaki Katayama focused on sprockets, which were all made to order at the time. He then developed a standard for sprockets and started to sell standardized products under the KANA brand name. At the same time, he established several offices throughout Japan, laying the foundation for a domestic sales network.

1960 Nagoya Office is established.

1969 Fukuoka Office is established.

We established the Higashi-Osaka Center (now our headquarters) and initiated business improvements through the introduction of computers. At the same time, we strengthened our sales network by opening the Sapporo Sales Office and a distribution center. Furthermore, with the establishment of the International Division and the start of export operations, we took our first step toward global expansion.

1970Higashi-Osaka Distribution Center is established (current headquarters).

1973Sapporo Office is established.

1974International Division is established.

With eyes on the U.S. market, the company establishes an export business for KANA products. To supply KANA products to countries in Asia, our first overseas corporation is established in Singapore. Over the next 30 years, the corporation will establish the KANA brand in Asia until its rebirth in 2019 as a Thailand-based corporation.

1983 Shaft-hole-finished sprocket (Finished Bore) products launched. Tokyo Office is established.

1986 Nagaaki Katayama is appointed president.

1989 Singapore subsidiary is established. (liquidated in 2019 following the establishment of the Thailand subsidiary)

In a strategic expansion, we form one domestic corporation and two overseas corporations, marking a milestone in our journey. In parallel, we successfully cultivated suppliers in Taiwan, China, and Vietnam, culminating in the establishment of a cross-border supply chain management system. Moreover, domestic sales structures were put in place for China and Thailand to solidify KANA's emergence as a global enterprise.

2007Katayama Chain is established (Changzhou) Co., Ltd. in China
As chairman, Nagaaki Katayama is recognized with a Medal with Yellow Ribbon.

2009Kanapresto Co., Ltd. is established.

2019Katayama Chain is established (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Established a new factory dedicated to additional processing services to "explore new possibilities for KANA. Strengthened the system for providing added value. Furthermore, the establishment of a Taiwanese subsidiary further accelerates global expansion.

2022Kei Katayama has been appointed president.

2024A dedicated factory for additional custom machining has been established in East Osaka.

2025KATAYAMA CHAIN (TAIWAN) Co., Ltd is established.
Yasuhiko Matsui has been appointed president.