Mitsuboshi was founded in 1953. There is probably no one who practices kendo who doesn't know about it. In particular, the "Mine" and "Ten" blades have been loved by kendo practitioners for a long time.

Mitsuboshi, a company that combines tradition and innovation, became part of the Kyoto Tozando Group in 2015. We spoke to President Kimura about his vision for the future.

profile

Toshihide Kimura

Born in 1984

2008 After graduating from graduate school, joined a major display company
Joined Tozando Co., Ltd. in 2015
2016: Appointed Representative Director and President of Mitsuboshi Co., Ltd.
2017: Launch of the judo uniform brand "REIGEAR"

Announcement of the domestically produced armor brand "Mine - Kinsei-" and the renewal of the Kendo equipment brand "Ten"

History of Mitsuboshi

Toshi Kimura: " Mitsuboshi was founded in 1953. This year marks our 66th anniversary. We joined the Tozando Group in 2015."

-Your company is a long-established manufacturer and is known by anyone who practices kendo!

Toshi Kimura : "Mitsuboshi's main business was the manufacture of judo uniforms. After the war, they sold judo uniforms from a handcart. About 10 years after opening a store in Tokyo, they built a factory in Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture, which is still their main factory today."

-When you built the factory in Kuji, was judo uniform production your main business?

Kimura Toshi: "That's right. It was a time when overseas manufacturing was not available, so we manufactured everything domestically. Our company has grown in line with the increase in the number of judo practitioners."

The story behind the creation of "Mine" and "Ten"

-When did you start manufacturing kendo equipment?

Kimura Toshi: "It must have been about 40 years ago. I made 'Mine' about 30 years ago."

- "Mine" has a history of 30 years! What was the inspiration behind the creation of "Mine", which still has many fans today?

Kimura Toshi: " I started manufacturing Mine Kote with the desire to provide armor at an affordable price . The concept was to make light and thin Kote. At the time, most armor was thick and hand-stitched, so it was expensive. To popularize Kendo, there was a need for armor that was a little more affordable."

- "Mine" has an image of being a luxury brand.

Toshi Kimura: "We have evolved with the times, and as a result, I think people have an image of us as a luxury brand."

-When it was first released, was it machine-sewn?

Toshi Kimura: "That's right. I think it can be said to be a pioneer of Japanese-made machine-stitched armor . We developed a technique called pitch stitching to create the texture of hand-stitched armor."

-Could you tell us about the situation of armor manufacturers at that time?

Kimura Toshi: "At the time, there were only a few manufacturers that functioned as OEMs for martial arts equipment stores. No one was creating their own brand and selling it.

I believe that our previous founder placed great importance on the importance of having a manufacturer brand. That feeling and approach still lives on today.

-I see! Now you have built a solid brand.

Toshi Kimura : "It seems that employees who have been with Mitsuboshi for a long time feel a deep sense of nostalgia. There are people who say they want something just because it has the Mitsuboshi tag on it."

- As users, it's only natural that we want Mitsuboshi products, but it seems to be a very sentimental item for your company! What was the background behind the start of production of your other hugely popular brand, "Ten"?

Kimura Toshi: "Since 'Mine' was able to establish itself as a high-end brand, 'Ten' was developed as a second line of kendo equipment. 'Ten' is packed with the same attention to detail as Mine, but is positioned as a more affordable product."

-Could you tell us about the concept behind the creation?

Kimura Toshi : "Rather than pursuing winning or losing in practical situations, we focus on how to improve the performance of the armor . We place importance on safety, quality, and how beautiful it looks when worn. Mitsuboshi's approach to armor making is consistent."

-Mitsuboshi's image is simple and sturdy, without too many flashy decorations.

Kimura Toshi: "We are particular about the shape of the armor when worn. The armor for 'Ten' is soft, but uses a firm core material, which gives it a brave shape."

-Indeed, the shapes of the men and tare come out particularly beautifully!

Advantages of domestic manufacturing

Toshiki Kimura : " All Mine products are manufactured at our Kuji factory in Iwate Prefecture. We are probably the only comprehensive manufacturer of martial arts equipment. We manufacture a variety of martial arts products, including judo uniforms, aikido uniforms, and karate uniforms, at our Kuji factory."

-So everything is manufactured in one factory. What are the benefits of manufacturing domestically?

Toshi Kimura : "There are two reasons. First, there is the abundance of core materials . Core materials that cannot be procured overseas can be obtained domestically. Second, there is the speed of information ."

-What do you mean by the speed of information?

Toshi Kimura : "Our main customers are retailers in Japan. Our sales staff listen to customer feedback and relay it directly to the factory. We can immediately reflect that feedback in our manufacturing process ."

-So that means the upgrades are fast!

Kimura Toshi: " We have produced a new piece of armor called 'Mine Kinsei', and it is a significant upgrade from the previous 'Mine'. An easy example to understand is the kote kata. In the past, people tended to have short, thick fingers, but nowadays, most people have long, thin fingers. Naturally, the kote kata has changed. We are making such upgrades to all martial arts equipment, not just for kendo, but also for aikido, judo, etc."

-I now understand the benefits of domestic manufacturing. How often do you visit the Kuji factory?

Toshi Kimura : "I go there once a month. It's quite far away, though (laughs). It's hard to hear from customers in Kuji, so I try to spread the word about them myself as much as possible. I think that makes it more rewarding for them. And I learn a lot from the craftsmen there."

[Mitsuboshi] "Mine" Series "Tenmine" Woven Embroidery 6mm Machine-Stitched Eyelet Armor Set

We want to create products that meet customer needs.

-Has there been any positive changes since Mitsuboshi became part of the Tozando Group?

Toshi Kimura : "Because the Tozando Group has strong retail store functions, we have many opportunities to hear directly from our users. I also believe that their product development capabilities are unparalleled in terms of speed and planning ability. We are able to utilize this user feedback and Tozando's planning and development environment in Mitsuboshi's manufacturing ."

-The combination of Mitsuboshi, which has strengths as a manufacturer, and Tozando, which excels in product development, has created a synergistic effect.

Kimura Toshi : "From Tozando's perspective, Mitsuboshi was seen as a very good brand. However, Mitsuboshi had not realized the greatness of its own brand. I think it was extremely good that we were able to exchange opinions on this matter, which led to new initiatives."

-You two have a great relationship and can learn from each other!

Toshi Kimura: "The way I imagine it, it's like the relationship between Disney and Pixar. Disney (Mitsuboshi), a brand with a long history, teaming up with Pixar (Tozando) can add a touch of innovation."

-I see! That's easy to understand. Could you tell us about your company's vision for the future?

Kimura Toshi: "To become a comprehensive manufacturer of martial arts equipment in the truest sense. For kendo, we have brands such as "Mine" and "Ten," but we would like to create brands that are loved by customers for other martial arts such as judo, aikido, and karate. When we reach that state, I believe we will be able to become a comprehensive manufacturer of martial arts equipment in the truest sense ."

BUSHIZO's thoughts

After speaking with Mitsuboshi President Kimura, I learned that there is a good chemistry between the two companies.

Personally, I was impressed by President Kimura's comment that "Mine and Ten will continue to evolve."

I can't wait to see how Mitsuboshi will evolve in the future!