Haruo Shibo, Pioneering Japanese Pest Professional, Passes Away

Haruo Shibo

TOKYO — Haruo Shibo, a pioneer in professional pest control in Japan, passed away in July. He was 82. Shibo lived in Tokyo and remained active until recently.

Born, raised and educated in Tokyo, Shibo began to work and spend his career in post-war Japan. His first job at Heisen Yoko Co. gave him a managerial background in global business, and also developed his business and management skills. He left Heisen Yoko Co. as president in 1962. A year later he established Hohto Shoji Co., and within a short time it became the major pest control distributor in Japan. He remained active in the operation and development of Hohto Shoji throughout his life; in 1993 he passed his post of presidency in favor of his son Mr. Yukio Shibo and became Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Shibo’s spirit and work ethic built Hohto Shoji from the ground up. He recognized the need for public health pest control as Japan was rebuilding, and set out to get the necessary equipment. He brought in foggers (Swingfog) from Germany, and later tank sprayers (B&G) from the United States. Shibo also recognized the need for information and training to help the emerging pest control industry in Japan. He joined and supported NPMA (then NPCA) and gathered the available books and best people to train Japanese owners, operators and technicians. As a result, Hohto Shoji’s technical library is one of the best in the industry, and has one of the most complete collections of pest control magazine anywhere.

Shibo built more than a major pest control distribution company, along the way he helped to build the Japanese Pest Control Association. His international travel and contacts with many other associations provided the organization and training model for the JPCA. Hohto Shoji led the way by establishing a tradition of education seminars and overseas (working) tours for Japanese pest management professionals. His dedication to this association was key to making it the strongest pest control association in Asia. To this day, Japan is one of the best represented foreign countries at the NPMA Convention.

The accomplishments of Shibo can be easily seen in the development of Hohto Shoji and the JPCA. He participated in the beginning of these two organizations, and was genuinely proud of their success. But his close friends around the world may be his greatest legacy. It was with the trust of his friends and leadership that helped him achieve what he did. In Hohto Shoji, some of the staff worked with him for decades in support of achievement of his lifetime goals. Haruo’s son, Yukio Shibo, carries the same pioneer spirit and dedication as his father. Yukio is working to bring training and modern concepts to the Japanese pest control operators. He has increased the commitment of Hohto Shoji to the industry in Japan, in Asia and around the world.