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 domestically produced armor brand "Mine - Kinsei-" and renewal of Kendo equipment brand "Ten"Efforts to

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?

Toshi Kimura"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?

Toshi Kimura"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?

Toshi Kimura""We want to provide protective gear at an affordable price.""With this in mind, we started manufacturing Mine Kote. The concept was "light and thin" Kote. At the time, most kendo equipment was thick and hand-stitched, so it was expensive. In order to popularize kendo, we needed more affordable armor."

- "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"I agree.It can be said to be a pioneer of domestically produced machine-stitched protective gear.I think that's why we developed a technique called pitch stitching to create the texture of hand stitching."

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

Toshi Kimura"At that time, there were only manufacturers that functioned as OEMs for martial arts equipment stores.No other manufacturer had created and sold their own brand.

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"?

Toshi Kimura"Since Mine was able to brand itself as a luxury brand,"Ten" is the second line of kendo equipment developed. "Ten" is packed with Mitsuboshi's attention to detail, just like Mine.It is positioned as a more affordable product."

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

Toshi Kimura"Rather than pursuing winning or losing, such as practicalHow to improve the performance of armorWe place great importance on safety, quality, and the beauty of wearing the armor. Mitsuboshi's stance on making armor is consistent."

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

Toshi Kimura"We are particular about the shape of the armor when worn. The Ten armor is soft, but uses a firm core material, so it has a brave shape."

-That's true.surface・The shape of the hanging part is particularly beautiful!

Advantages of domestic manufacturing

Toshi Kimura"All Mine products are manufactured at the 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 things. First,Abundance of core materialsThat's right. Core materials that cannot be procured overseas can be obtained domestically.Speed ​​of informationis"

-What do you mean by the speed of information?

Toshi Kimura"Our main customers are retailers in Japan.Our sales staff will collect customer feedback and relay it directly to the factory. Based on that feedback, we can immediately reflect it in the manufacturing process.'

-So that means the upgrades are fast!

Toshi Kimura"We have produced a new armor called "Mine Kinsei," which is a significant upgrade over previous "Mine" products.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 changes as well. We are making such upgrades to all martial arts equipment, not just kendo, but 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 rare 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 also learn a lot from the craftsmen."

[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"The Tozando Group has a strong retail function, so we have many opportunities to hear directly from our users.I also think that their product development capabilities are unparalleled in terms of speed and planning ability.User feedback and Tozando's planning and development environmentWe are able to utilize this knowledge in Mitsuboshi's manufacturing.'

- Mitsuboshi has strengths as a manufacturer,Product development capabilitiesBy joining forces with Tozando, which is an expert in these fields, there was a synergistic effect.

Toshi Kimura"From Tozando's perspective, Mitsuboshi was a very good brand. However,Mitsuboshi hadn't realized the greatness of its own brand.I think it was extremely good that we were able to exchange opinions on this matter, leading to new developments."

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

Toshi Kimura"In my image,I think it's a relationship similar to that between Disney and Pixar.By teaming up with Disney (Mitsuboshi), a brand with a long history, and Pixar (Tozando), we 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?

Toshi Kimura"To become a comprehensive manufacturer of martial arts equipment in the truest sense. For kendo, we have the "Mine" and "Ten" brands, 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 of the word.'

BUSHIZO's thoughts

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

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

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