Leveraging Enamel Technology for Entry into Space Industry Space Project Launched

OSAKA, Japan, Dec. 24, 2025

Takara Standard Inc. (Headquarters: Joto-ku, Osaka; President and CEO: Dai Komori), a manufacturer of residential equipment centered on system kitchens and baths, has launched its “Space Project.” The initiative aims to leverage enamel technology refined over more than 110 years to enter the space-related business.

The company established a new Business Development Division in January 2025 to create new businesses beyond its residential equipment operations by applying its unique technological assets. One candidate is the space-related business. The global space industry is expanding rapidly; in Japan, the Cabinet Office’s Basic Space Plan sets a goal to double the market size from ¥4 trillion in 2020 to ¥8 trillion by the early 2030s. As Japan’s space industry transitions from government-led development to increasing private-sector involvement, technological development and business expansion by private companies are expected to drive significant market growth. Takara Standard plans to apply its enamel expertise cultivated since its founding to this growing market.

Takara’s enamel—highly regarded in residential equipment for durability, corrosion resistance and cleanability—has demonstrated promising results in tests that simulate space conditions. Thermal vacuum testing (to reproduce the vacuum and extreme temperatures of space) and vibration testing (to evaluate damage, durability and reliability under rocket-launch vibrations) indicate the company’s enamel is likely usable in space environments. In addition, lunar regolith (moon soil), which is primarily composed of glassy micro-particles, could potentially be used as an alternative raw material for glass frit used in enamel. Based on these findings, Takara Standard aims to realize comfortable living environments in space by applying enamel’s heat resistance and durability to lunar base construction materials and by using its hygienic properties and ease of cleaning for interior finishes and plumbing in lunar habitats and space modules.

Moving forward, Takara Standard will pursue new possibilities for enamel through collaboration with domestic and international research institutions and related companies. The Space Project—led by the Business Development Division and the Research & Development Division—will carry out additional environmental tests, including radiation testing, to confirm whether current enamel meets performance requirements for space applications. The company will also explore new raw materials and manufacturing methods, such as producing enamel using regolith (lunar sand) and utilizing solar heat in space as an alternative to conventional high-temperature kilns for firing enamel.

Takara Standard aims to develop enamel applications for space by 2030, pursue commercialization beginning in fiscal year 2035, and target space implementation and further value enhancement for enamel beyond 2030 as the space market matures. The company says it will continue to respond to the needs of the times and contribute to building a sustainable future society.

Takara standard’s HORO material

“HORO” is a proprietary material that combines the strength of iron with the beauty of glass. Developed over many years to overcome the breakage of glass, Takara standard’s High-Quality HORO delivers the robustness of iron with a glass layer that acts as a barrier against dirt and moisture. The enamel surface provides durability distinct from ordinary enamel pots or other materials. Recent products combine enamel with a matt finish, expanding available surface designs.

10 points that demonstrate the strength of Takara standard’s HORO

• Can quickly wipe up water; easy to clean
• Resistant to moisture and mold
• Conveniently magnetic and can be used as a family message board
• Very shock- and crack-resistant
• Available in a wide range of colors and designs thanks to ink-jet printing technology
• Permanent marker can be wiped off with water, allowing temporary family messages
• Scratch resistant
• Heat resistant
• Environmentally friendly (easily recyclable; no adhesive used in assembly)
• Odor resistant

About Takara Standard

Founded in 1912 and operating under the brand message “Because water spaces matter,” Takara Standard manufactures and sells residential equipment centered on system kitchens and baths, leveraging its unique high-grade enamel technology. As a leading company in enamel technology and a top manufacturer of residential equipment, Takara Standard pursues new possibilities for enamel to support the next generation and create comfortable living.

Source: Takara standard Co., Ltd.