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Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd., one of the key players in the Japanese automotive industry, was founded in 1929 by Sanji Osame. In its more than nine decades of history, Akebono has cemented its place as a major manufacturer of braking systems for various vehicles, including automobiles and motorcycles. Since its inception, the company has maintained its headquarters in Hanyu City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan, and has consistently prioritized innovation and excellence.

Akebono’s pioneering journey began in 1937 when it became Japan’s first disc brake manufacturer. The quality and innovative design of disc brakes were recognized after they were installed on the Japanese National Railways’ Kodama high-speed trains. However, Akebono’s first success was on a smaller scale – brake pads for bicycles – which laid the foundation for the company’s further development.

In the 1960s, Akebono became the first Japanese firm to export its products to the United States, a significant achievement in the company’s history. American automakers quickly adopted the company’s disc brakes, making Akebono a significant supplier of brake systems to the American market.

Akebono has cemented its position as a global leader in the brake industry with manufacturing facilities in five countries, including Japan, the United States, Mexico, China, and Thailand. The company’s products have earned the trust of leading manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, General Motors, and Ford.

The company’s unwavering commitment to research and development has resulted in numerous innovations since its inception. In 1999, Akebono introduced the world’s first piston-type disc brake to the automotive industry, providing improved braking performance and quickly becoming an integral part of many major automakers’ manufacturing processes.

Akebono also pioneered the development of brake control technology by introducing a unique brake-by-wire system that uses electronic signals to replace traditional mechanical brakes, providing a myriad of benefits to drivers around the world.

Akebono’s reputation for high-quality, innovative, and highly efficient brake systems makes it a leading supplier to the automotive industry. The company’s commitment to safety ensures that its braking systems provide the highest level of protection for drivers and passengers.

In 1929, Sanji Osame laid the groundwork for the creation of the industry-leading Akebono Company.

In 1937, Akebono revolutionized the Japanese automotive industry by introducing the first disc brakes.

In the 1960s, Akebono made a strategic move into the U.S. market by exporting its products there.

In 1999, Akebono introduced a new innovation in the automotive industry: the world’s first opposing piston disc brake.

In 2000, Akebono set another industry milestone by becoming the first Japanese company to go public.

In 2010, Akebono introduced the world’s first brake-by-wire system, which was a major technological advancement in brake systems.

By 2023, Akebono had become a recognized global leader in the braking industry, changing the way braking systems work.