Eiichi Hosokawa
Eiichi Hosokawa was a Japanese industrialist and a pioneering inventor in the field of fine grinding mill technology. He is credited for inventing the "Micron mill" and is also known for founding Hosokawa Micron Corporation.[1]
Biography
Hosokawa was born in 1889, a time of Japan's rapid industrialization, in Tsuna-gun (now Sumoto-shi), Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. He was educated under Japan's old system of education until he graduated from high school. He then completed a degree from the Nagoya Technical School.[2] Hosokawa married Hatsu Osame, a sister of Gohei Osame, a specialist in the development of sulphuric acid manufacturing equipment.[2]
Hosokawa Micron
In 1914, Hosokawa founded Hosokawa Turbine Water Mill Company, which manufactured water mills and pumps.[3] Another source cited that the founding was April 18, 1916,[4] and the company was headquartered in Osaka. He then invented the Hosokawa Micron mill in 1930 and founded the Hosokawa Ironworks. This machine was a type of air classifying mill (ACM) noted for its efficiency.[5]
Since Eiichi was an engineer, he had little interest in business. It was only after his son Masuo joined the company that the business began to prosper.[3]
Today, Hosokawa Micron is considered a world leader in fine powder processing equipment with an estimated 30 percent share in the global fine powder market.[6] Eiichi Hosokawa's descendant, Kohei Hosokawa is currently the president and CEO of Hosokawa Micron Corporation.[3]
References
- ↑ History of Publication of KONA Powder and Particle Journal: From Japanese Innovation to Global Recognition—A 43-Year Journey (1983–2026); KONA Powder and Particle Journal; Vol. 43; p. 327–331; 2026 doi:10.14356/kona.2026023
- 1 2 Episode of Eiichi Hosokawa, the founder; Hosokawa Micron Corporation;
- 1 2 3 Suzuoki, Takabumi (1985); Case Studies: Hosokawa Micron Corporation; Journal of Japanese Trade & Industry, 1985, vol 4; p. 17-18
- ↑ Hosokawa Micron Corp. Company Profile & Executives; WSJ;
- ↑ Kogel, Jessica Elzea (2006); Industrial Minerals & Rocks: Commodities, Markets, and Uses; SME; ISBN 978-0-87335-233-8; p. 979
- ↑ "Hosokawa Micron Corporation” (2026); Shared Research;