Tosoh Continues to Forge Growth in Specialties Nippon Silica Industrial Becomes Wholly Owned Subsidiary

Tokyo, Japan - Tosoh Corporation announced that Nippon Silica Industrial Co., Ltd. (NSI) became a wholly owned subsidiary when the remaining 20% of shares were acquired from Mitsui & Co. Ltd. on April 30. NSI, specializing in the production and sale of silica (white carbon) and silicate compounds, will bring technological strength to Tosoh's specialties which already includes electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD), fabricated quartzware, sputtering targets and zirconia ceramics.

NSI is a top producer of wet process silica in Japan and has been a leader in the industry with the establishment of one of the first plants specializing in white carbon for fuel-efficient tires in 2001. Silica (white carbon) enhanced tires improve rolling resistance, as well as increase fuel mileage, and driving stability on wet surfaces. The company has continued to move forward expanding overall operations while incorporating additional technologies such as the precipitation and gel production methods.

Silica products are used as additives in a wide range of applications including paints and coatings, ink receptive media as well as for strengthening agents in industrial rubber products. NSI's composite silica technology provides a host of value-added properties such as; strengthening, thickening, glazing, absorption, adhesion, and heat insulation. This variety of applications is expected to open new markets and broaden product offerings to customers. Tosoh Corporation continues to strategically build a stronger business structure to supply products and a more profitable Specialty Group into the future.

Nippon Silica Industrial Co., Ltd.
A supplier of silica and silicate compounds in Japan, Nippon Silica Industrial is headquartered in Tokyo and has production facilities adjacent to Tosoh's Nanyo Complex in Yamaguchi prefecture. Incorporated in 1959, the company now has 100 employees with sales of JPY 4.3 billion as of the fiscal year ending March 2002.

Tosoh Corporation
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Tosoh Corporation is a diversified global chemical and specialty materials company. Founded in 1935, the Company has expanded its reach into high value-added businesses such as fine chemicals, scientific instrumentation, thin film materials, and quartzware. Tosoh is a multi-billion dollar corporation that employs more than 9,000 people in 19 countries. The Company is listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya Stock Exchanges.

Stock Exchange Ticker Symbol: 4042

For more information, please contact:
International Public Relations
Tosoh Corporation
Michael Hoover
m_hoover@tosoh.co.jp
Tel: +81-3-5427-5118
Fax: +81-3-5427-5198
www.tosoh.com

Disclaimer
This document contains forward-looking statements, including without limitation, statements concerning product development, objectives, goals, and commercial introduction, which involve certain risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are also identified through use of the words "anticipates," "plans," "expects," and other words of similar meaning. Actual results may differ significantly from the expectations contained in the forward-looking statements.