Our History
The Origin of Weathernews!
“I want to protect the lives of mariners.”
“I want to help in time of crisis.”
January, 1970. Fukushima, Japan.
An explosive low-pressure system hits the local port of Onahama, Japan.
The cargo vessel sinks, and the lives of 15 crew are lost.
Forecasting weather risks using the forecasting techniques of the day was difficult if not impossible.
If only better information were available, this accident could have been avoided.
“If there had been really useful weather information, maybe this accident could have been prevented.”
Feeling a sense of responsibility for this incident,company founder Hiro Ishibashi advanced the private weather forecasting industry by establishing Weathernews Inc. in 1986.
Since then, our forecasting and weather-based risk communication services have expanded to cover all types of business and our daily lives. However, Weathernews’ mission still protects the lives of sailors.
Now, Weathernews is a company dedicated to helping in any kind of natural disaster, and all our staff keep this mission in their heart.
Evolution to a Full Service Weather Company
1970s
As a company specializing in marine weather, WNI (formerly Oceanroutes) provided weather routing services recommending the safest and most economical route to vessels.
1980s
Began providing pinpoint weather service to catering companies in order to eliminate the losses from unsold box lunches on rainy days.
1983
Started providing realtime satellite images for TV stations.
1985
Began aviation weather services, supporting safe flights for Honda Airlines.
1986
Jun.
WEATHERNEWS INC. was founded in Minato-ku, Tokyo, as a weather content maker for the purpose of serving all the weather markets.
1988
Mar.
WEATHERNEWS AMERICA INC established.
1993
Oct.
Acquired Oceanroutes.
1994
Jan.
Established Weathernews Korea Inc.
1999
Feb.
Started delivering weather information to NTT DoCoMo i-mode users (Japan).
2000
Dec.
Made an initial public offering to NASDAQ Japan.
Started delivering “Weathernews” to the BS digital data weather channel.
2003
Mar.
Established Weathernews Shanghai Co,Ltd. in China.
Nov.
Listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
2004
Oct.
Opened U.S. Operations Center in Norman, Oklahoma, Mecca for meteorological research and development in the world.
Established WEATHERNEWS U.K. LTD. in London.
2006
Established Global Ice Center for monitoring and forecasting polar ice to support the Arctic Ocean routing.
2008
Oct.
The Chairman Hiroyoshi Ishibashi was chosen as one of the "Entrepreneurs of the Year Japan 2008".
2009
Jan.
Released a smartphone application "Weathernews Touch" via iPhone.
Oct.
Started expanding its proprietary WITH Rader Network across Japan.
2010
Sep.
Installed meteorological observation system in base stations in collaboration with KDDI CORPORATION, and announced a new sense of content "Sora-tenna" （WITH Sensor） to share collected weather data with WNI supporters.
2011
Mar.
Following the Great East Japan Earthquake, Weathernews began initiating its efforts for developing 'TSUNAMI Radarcast' to transmit information on tsunami onset earlier and help mitigate damages as part of WNI's recovery and rehabilitation support.
2013
Mar.
Supported the team of Yuichiro Miura (aged 80), a world's oldest mountaineer, for their climbing of Mt. Everest.
Nov.
Succeeded in launching a ultra-compact proprietary satellite "WNISAT-1"
2014
Strengthened support system for shipping companies and opened Manila Operation Center.
2015
Opened Voyage Planning Service Center in Copenhagen.
Supported the Japan National Rugby union team in the international game in UK.
Oct.
Weathernews and PAGASA sign memorandum of understanding for mutual cooperation against weather disasters in the Philippines.
Opened the Weathernews' day care center, WNI RAIN KIDS HOUSE.
Nov.
Started Drone Project for providing weather support for safe drone operation.
2016
Apr.
Weathernews Inc. and Indonesia’s BMKG Sign memorandum of understanding for Reducing Victims and Damage from Natural Disasters.
Aug.
Supported 16 Japanese teams in 7 International Sporting Events in Rio de Janeiro.
Opened Yangon Operation Center and established WEATHERNEWS RUS LLC.
2017
Jan.
Acquired Metnext SA and opened Paris Service Center to expand services to worldwide energy, retail and agriculture markets.
Jul.
Launched our second proprietary satellite, WNISAT-1R to monitor oceans and atmosphere.
2018
Mar.
Signed MoU with the Laos Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology regarding the sharing of weather data.
May
Position Monitoring system adopted by paramedic helicopters in Japan.
2019
Jun.
Established "AI Disaster Prevention Council" with the aim of social implementation of the "Disaster Prevention Chatbot" which utilizes SNS to disseminate disaster prevention information.
2022
Jun.
Launched Climate Tech Planning to support corporate sustainability management
Weathernews won 1st place in accuracy of weather forecast services in Japan
Signed an agreement to promote climate change adaptation with the Japanese Ministry of the Environment
Our Dream
Saving the lives of sailors.
Saving the future of our planet too.