Kuraray was founded in 1926 for the purpose of commercializing rayon, in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, as Kurashiki Kenshoku Co.

In the 1950s, Kuraray became the first firm in the world to commercialize vinylon fibers and textiles, and synthetic fibers and textiles replaced arboreous cotton in student uniforms within a generation.

In the 1960s Kuraray used outside technology to commercialize polyester staple fiber, and independently developed and marketed the synthetic leather CLARINO. In addition, Kuraray was the first Japanese company to commence full-scale exports of plant to China, before the normalization of diplomatic ties.

Kuraray established a series of new businesses in the 1970s. These included contact lens, artificial organ, dental materials, and other medical businesses, the gas barrier resin EVAL, and a non-woven fabric business (through a joint venture with an overseas concern).

In the 1980s, Kuraray established a joint venture in the U.S. to manufacture and market EVAL. This represented a foothold in overseas business development.

In the 1990s, Kuraray established EVAL and poval resin manufacturing facilities in Belgium and Singapore, respectively. The Company recently acquired a poval-related business portfolio in Germany, and commenced the production of SEPTON in the U.S. The development of important businesses overseas is accelerating.