History|Mizuno Corporation (original) (raw)
Our History
“EEMON TSUKUNNAHAREYA”
(Create the best products for customers)
The history of Mizuno is exactly the history of the pursuit to make something great.
The beginning was in 1906.
Mizuno started its business as “Mizuno Brothers Ltd.”
Footsteps of Mizuno
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Heritage
History
1900 - 1919
1906
Foundation
Rihachi Mizuno and his younger brother Rizo founded “Mizuno Brothers Ltd.” in Kita Ward, Osaka.
The shop sold western sundries, including baseballs. The shop’s mark when it was first founded was the “Izuhi.”
1907
Sales of order-made athletic wear begins
Manufacturing of athletic wear begins
The founder of Mizuno, Rihachi Mizuno, who was impressed by the baseball culture of the United States, began producing athletic wear in an effort to spread baseball in Japan. He aimed to produce athletic wear that was easy to move in and comfortable to wear.
1910
The shop is moved to Umeda Shinmichi in Osaka, and at the same time, its name is changed to “Mizuno Shoten (Mizuno Shop)”
Launch of baseball shoes
Initially, since they were produced using the scant technology and knowledge that Mizuno had, they did not have spikes as the current models do. Entirely covered with leather, they were heavy and shaped like boots.
1911
Production of sporting goods is planned
1912
Tokyo branch opens
1913
Manufacturing of baseballs and gloves begins
Manufacturing of baseball gloves begins
In 1913, when Mizuno first marketed its baseball gloves, they were priced at about two Japanese yen a piece. The founder, Rihachi Mizuno, worked with craftsmen to produce gloves which he designed himself.
Mizuno held the Kansai Student Association Baseball Championship
It became the foundation of the current Summer National High School Baseball Championship.
The shop moves to Shijimibashi, Kita Ward, Osaka
Dojima factory opens
Full-scale production of sporting goods began.
1916
Mizuno calls for standardization of baseballs
Mizuno standardized the baseballs and established the bound standard.
Mizuno held the Tokyo Industrial League Baseball Championship
1917
Izuhi and cup marks are registered as Mizuno’s trademark
The Kansai Student Association Baseball Championship moves to spring
The Kansai Student Association Baseball Championship moved to spring.
It became the foundation of the current Spring National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
Mizuno held the National Industrial League Baseball Championship
Umeda factory opens
1918
Launch of novelties
Mizuno began to sell a variety of novelties under distinctive names, including “over sweaters”, “cutter shirts”, “Boston bags”, “run pants” and “polo shirts.”
1918
Kobe branch opens
Mizuno held tennis and baseball tournaments
Mizuno held the Tokyo Industrial League Tennis Championship, Osaka Little League Baseball Championship and Tokyo Little League Baseball Championship.
1920 - 1939
1920
Huge hit of over sweaters
Since players of an American professional baseball team wore over sweaters when they came to Japan in 1920, they became popular among students who loved baseball. It quickly spread among the general public, and over sweaters ended up being a mega hit.
Mizuno becomes the general agent of Sandström Ski (Sweden).
1921
Planning for production of golf clubs begins
Headquarters move to Kitahama, Osaka
The factory moves to Urae
“Kyobi-kai”, a specialty store, is established, which becomes the matrix of a large specialty store later
1923
Domestic production of skis begins
Nagoya branch opens
The company is reorganized into “Mizuno Undo Yohin Kabushikigaisha (Mizuno Sporting Goods Corporation)”
Kyoto branch opens
1925
Campaign to rename waseihin (Japanese products) and hakuraihin (imported goods) to nihonhin (Japanese goods) and gaikokuhin (foreign goods) is developed
Tokyo Ginza shop opens
1927
Launch of hickory skis
When the daily wages of full-fledged craftsmen were around 1 yen, a pair of hickory skis was about 30 yen. Therefore, only wealthy people could afford them. After World War II, Mizuno contributed to increasing the skiing population by completely changing the means of production, promoting rational mechanization, and paying particular attention to research and development.
Mizuno establishes amateur ski clubs in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe
Mizuno receives the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon
1928
Manufacturing of track and field cleats begins
When Mizuno first began producing track and field cleats, the material was leather, and long heavy pins were used as spikes. They are the item which has been supported by many top athletes since then and was the starting point of Mizuno's growth into what it is today.
1929
Rihachi Mizuno visits Europe and the United States
(He inspects 11 countries, 80 cities by the next August)
1931
Rihachi Mizuno organizes a large specialty shop at Osaka Station
Amagasaki south factory opens
1933
Launch of “Star Line”, the first Japanese made golf club
This is the first golf club which Mizuno produced in Japan. Also, this model is Mizuno’s first forged iron club, which is an important technology passed down and used even these days.
Cafeteria opens in Osaka headquarters
The cafeteria was opened on the 7th and 8th floor in Osaka headquarters located in Yodoyabashi, Osaka. Curry and rice and home run mug beer were especially popular there.
1934
Manufacturing and sales of the first catcher’s mitt begin
At that time, people used the same type of glove no matter what their position was. Paying attention to movements in baseball which require different ways of catching the ball depending on the position that they play in the field, Mizuno became the first company in the world to develop a catcher's and first baseman's mitt focusing on how players fielding these positions catch the ball.
Tokyo Itabashi factory opens
Company song and headquarters song are made
The 1st issue of Mizuno’s shop magazine is published
Mizuno quickly recognized the necessity of public relations within the company.
1936
Manufacturing of gliders begins
Mizuno started manufacturing gliders to commemorate its 30th year in business. After years of facing many challenges, a team of engineers successfully conducted a test flight over Mt. Fuji. In 1940, the “Type 301 Soarer” set a new Japanese record for altitude and flight duration.
1938
The Select Scientific Laboratory, which is today's Product (Technology) Development Department, is established
Shops are established in Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Qingdao and Dalian
1939
“上海美津濃運動用品株式会社 (Shanghai Mizuno Sporting Goods Corporation)” is established
1940 - 1959
1940
Mizuno’s Type 301 Soarer glider sets a new Japanese record for altitude and flight duration
Mizuno holds the 1st women’s ski course aiming to increase the female skiing population
“満洲運動用品株式会社 (Manchuria Sporting Goods Corporation)” is established
1941
Manufacturing and sales of backpacks made of canvas for people to go grocery shopping
1942
Company name is changed to “Mizuno Corporation”
1943
Yoro factory opens in Gifu Prefecture
1945
All of the 6 factories (Urae, Yoro, Amagasaki north and south, Itabashi and Fukaya) come under the direct control of the Ministry of Munitions
Yoro factory starts manufacturing various woodwork products
Urae factory restarts manufacturing various fabric products
1946
Cloth baseball gloves produced immediately after World War II
Right after the war, it became extremely difficult to get leather, which had been used to manufacture baseball gloves until then. Under such circumstances, baseball gloves made of cloth were manufactured out of the founder’s strong belief that “because Japan is in a dark place now, we need the power of sports more than ever.”
Mizuno donates Yoro factory site of 100,000 tsubo (approximately 330,679 ㎡) to the town of Yoro
1947
Manufacturing of tennis rackets begins
Around 1946 right after the end of the war, Mizuno started making a prototype of a tennis racket in its own factory. The following year, facilities were expanded and reinforced, and full-scale manufacture was started. Entering the 1950s, research on not only conventional material of wood but also fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) was advanced. In 1952, the production of tennis and badminton rackets grew so fast that the number of rackets produced reached around 10,000.
1949
The Select Scientific Laboratory is expanded into the Technology Research Department
1950
“Mizuno-kai”, an organization of distributors, is formed
1951
New wing of the Tokyo branch is completed
1954
Rihachi Mizuno receives an official commendation from the Japan Amateur Baseball Association
1955
Rihachi Mizuno receives the Award of Merit from the All-Japan High School Baseball Federation
1956
Rihachi Mizuno is awarded “the Medal with Blue Ribbon” Rihachi Mizuno
1957
Mizuno develops and patents an injection-molded, compressed plastic bat
1960 - 1979
1962
Mizuno is listed on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange
Mizuno opens a shop in Tennoji Station Building in Osaka (the 1st company-operated shop)
1964
Rihachi Mizuno is awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays
Mizuno donates 25 stocks to all the employees for free
1965
One of the world’s largest golf factories opens in Yoro
The 1st Grand Monarch Golf Tournament is held
1967
Rihachi Mizuno receives the “Academy Award” and “Knight Medal” from the International American Institute
He is the 30th Japanese to receive this award.
1968
Launch of “Grand Monarch” golf clubs
Mizuno started selling high-end golf clubs called “Grand Monarch.” This series was inducted into the American Golf Hall of Fame later in 1977.
1969
Chairman and president are newly inaugurated
Rihachi Mizuno is appointed Chairman, and Kenjiro Mizuno President
1970
Rihachi Mizuno passes away
Rihachi Mizuno was awarded “the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette with Junior Fifth Rank.” The “Mizuno Sports Promotion Association” was established by his will.
“Taiwan Mizuno” is established
1971
Rihachi Mizuno is inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame
The 1st Mizuno Tournament of golf is held
1972
Launch of M-Line shoes
The Mizuno shoes, named “M-Line”, which covered all needs from athletic to daily-use made a big splash around the world. In 1975, Mizuno developed the new M-Line series with a more advanced M shape.
Mizuno is listed on the First Section of the Tokyo and Osaka stock exchanges
1973
Launch of “World Win” baseball glove
The World Win baseball glove became a synonym for a high-class glove in the market in those days. It was developed by giving much consideration to the opinions of contracted players. Many baseball players became familiar with the cup mark as a symbol of Mizuno at that time.
1976
Kenjiro Mizuno is awarded “the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon”
1977
Mizuno Golf Club is inducted into the American Golf Hall of Fame
The Mizuno International Sports Exchange Foundation is established
1978
Kenjiro Mizuno is awarded “the Medal with Blue Ribbon”
Mizuno starts workshops for Major Leagues
1979
The system of two headquarters in Tokyo and Osaka begins
Ayama factory dedicated only to baseball goods opens
1980 - 1999
1980
Football boots “WORLD”
They are the representative of M-Line football spikes, which consider how to respond to various movements such as momentary plunge, sudden stop and rapid turn. The use of light materials made it possible to reduce fatigue even after a series of rough plays and to assist nimble footwork.
CIS is introduced.
Kenjiro Mizuno is awarded “the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon”
Sales of shoes begins in the United States
1981
“Mizuno RunBird Co., Ltd.” is established
1982
Launch of “Vanguard” golf club
Mizuno became the 1st manufacturer in the world to develop and market a golf club which uses carbon for its head.
“Mizuno Corp. (UK) & Mizuno Golf Company” is established as a local subsidiary in the United States
1983
Launch of RunBird shoes
That is a mark of the shoes which expresses “an orbit of a planet.” It is named “RunBird” for its shape. Now it is the corporate logo of Mizuno and carries a vital role as the symbol of the company’s brand.
1984
Kenjiro Mizuno receives the “Legion of Honour” and “Olympic Order”
1985
Launch of “Morelia” football boots
This pair of boots, which weighed 245 grams each, was globally marketed as an extremely light pair of shoes in those days. Based on the concept of “light, flexible, and barefoot senses”, they were developed as boots that could be used by anyone irrespective of their skill level and the position which they play on the field in an effort to further draw out the potential of many footballers.
“CX603”, a regulation tennis racket used by a distinguished tennis player
This racket became widely known to the world because a well-known female professional tennis player used it in those days, which led to a huge hit in the country. This model used two kinds of special materials, which absorbed the impact and vibration that traveled to the arm, reducing the burden on it.
1986
Six-finger baseball glove
This glove was planned and produced to meet the request of an ambidextrous player of a Major League Baseball team in those days. It provided a pocket for accommodating the thumb on both of its sides so that the player could use it with their right or left hand even during a game, and the web was placed in the center of the glove. It was a product that represented the can-do spirit Mizuno had maintained since its founding.
Mizuno starts golf workshops in Europe
Kenjiro Mizuno is awarded “the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon”
1987
Manufacturing of sportswear in the United States begins
The characters for the company’s name are unified as “ミズノ”, which is “Mizuno” written in katakana
“Mizuno Germany” is established
1988
Apr.
Chairman and president are newly inaugurated
Kenjiro Mizuno is appointed Chairman, and Masato Mizuno President
1989
Launch of Mizuno’s first “Mizuno Pro” baseball glove
Mizuno Pro aimed to become number one in all aspects, including functionality, quality, and material. Since developers created the most natural shape of a hand from hand samples of many active players in those days and designed the glove using detailed calculations, Mizuno Pro was praised as a glove that was closest to the human hand and most faithful to its essential movements.
“Esport Mizuno”, a flagship shop, opens
“Esport Mizuno” opened in the Kanda-Ogawamachi area, Tokyo as a flagship shop.
1989
Mar.
“Mizuno Corporation of America” is established
“Mizuno Corporation of America” was established as a presiding company for businesses in the United States.
1989
Oct.
The factories in Iga, Ayama, Shikoku, Haga and Hikami become subsidiary companies
1990
Launch of “Mizuno Pro Ti-110 and 120”, golf clubs with a titanium head
Mizuno became the world’s first manufacturer to develop and market golf clubs with a titanium head.
1990
Sep.
“Mizuno France” is established
1991
Track and field cleats that supported an athlete establish a new world record
These cleats helped establish the then new world record of 9.86 seconds for 100m. That was the moment when not only the athlete but also all developers who had entered Mizuno wishing to “create shoes that would help produce a new world record” realized their dream.
1991
Aug.
“Mizuno Canada”, a sales company, is established
1991
Kenjiro Mizuno is awarded “the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon”
Mizuno starts a “global environmental protection activity” titled Crew21
Mizuno’s “global environmental protection activity” is named Crew21 (Conservation of Resources and Environmental Wave21) out of the wish to play a role as a crew member of “Spaceship Earth” and to carry out activities to protect resources and the environment. This is when the company’s activities to realize a sustainable world started.
1992
Apr.
Mizuno Osaka headquarters building is completed
The new Osaka headquarters building “Mizuno Crystal” was completed in Suminoe Ward, Osaka on March 19 and commenced operations on April 1.
“Notus” golf club becomes a big hit
Notus golf clubs went on sale. They became a big hit due to a new product plan and a winning marketing strategy.
1993
Jan.
“Mizuno Hong Kong”, a production management company for the Asian region, begins operations
The new factory of “Mizuno RunBird Co., Ltd.” begins operations
1993
Development of Innovative moisture-absorbing, heat-retaining material “Breath Thermo”
This is Mizuno’s key material that responds to moisture seeping out of the skin and generates heat in the clothing. At that time, it was developed for winter sports, but in recent years, it has evolved into a daily-use material.
1994
“Shanghai Mizuno Corporation Ltd.” is established after a merger with 上海文化用品総公司 (Shanghai Recreation and Miscellaneous Goods Corporation)
1995
Manufacturing of sportswear in China begins
Local subsidiaries “Mizuno United Kingdom” and “Mizuno Germany” become branch offices
Sales in Europe except France started to be managed under the direct selling system by the Japanese headquarters.
1996
Mizuno’s official website opens
Development of 9-point baseball cleats
Based on biomechanics, Mizuno came up with the concept of “9-point baseball cleats”, which was beyond conventional wisdom, and garnered public attention. Mizuno is the pioneer of 9-point baseball spikes, which are considered to be standard throughout the world today.
1996
Sep.
Mizuno enters the market of mainland China by establishing 2 company-operated shops in Shanghai
1996
Dec.
Launch of “Cat Plus” running shoes
Mizuno develops “Cat Plus”, running shoes with enhanced forefoot functionality
1997
Jan.
“Mizuno USA” is established
Mizuno dissolved “Mizuno Corporation of America” as a part of business restructuring in the United States and established a new subsidiary, “Mizuno USA, Inc.”
1997
Dec.
Launch of Mizuno’s first “Wave Rider”
Mizuno developed a corrugated plate called “Mizuno Wave”, which overcame two contradictory requirements: cushioning and stability. Today, the “Wave Rider” running shoes, which use this plate, are one of Mizuno’s signature series of shoes.
1998
Nov.
Nobuyoshi Tsubota becomes a “Contemporary Master Craftsman”
Nobuyoshi Tsubota, an employee of Mizuno who has made baseball gloves for 50 years, received the “Contemporary Master Craftsman” award from the Ministry of Labor.
1999
Apr.
Kenjiro Mizuno passes away.
1999
The “Mizuno Environmental Policy” is set to promote environmental protection activity
Under the slogan of “providing healthy scenes of sports to people and the Earth”, Mizuno decided the policy to actively contribute to global environmental protection activity with all business activities and each person’s actions.
2000 - 2019
2000
Mar.
Products incorporating “Ice Touch” cooling fabric become a big hit
2000
Nov.
Nobuyoshi Tsubota, a glove craftsman receives “the Medal with Yellow Ribbon”
2001
Jun.
Masato Mizuno receives the “Olympic Order”
2002
Launch of “Beyond Max”, a urethane-based baseball bat for Japanese-style baseball played with hard rubber balls
This revolutionary bat completely overturned the accepted idea that “hard rubber balls do not fly far because they are soft and bats are hard”. Use of a special soft resin for the portion of the bat that hits the ball achieved flying distance that was supposed to be impossible in the Japanese-style baseball which uses hard rubber balls.
2002
Feb.
All the offices in Japan obtain “ISO14001 certification”
2003
Launch of Mizuno’s first generation of volleyball shoes, “Wave Lightning”
This is the first model of the Wave Lightning series of Mizuno volleyball shoes which have been highly rated by many users from top athletes to casual players.
2003
Nov.
Isokazu Kubota becomes a “Contemporary Master Craftsman”
Isokazu Kubota, who is an employee of Mizuno and a master of bat making, received the Ministry of Labor’s “Contemporary Master Craftsman” award.
2004
Masato Mizuno receives the “Medal with Blue Ribbon”
The flagship shop is established in Shenyang, China
Masato Mizuno receives an award from the “World Olympians Association”
2005
Jan.
Development of a new baseball for official professional baseball games
2005
The “Team Mizuno Athletics”, an athletics club team, is established
Isokazu Kubota, who is an employee of Mizuno and a master of bat making, receives “the Medal with Yellow Ribbon.”
2006
Apr.
On the 100th anniversary of the founding, a new brand slogan is established
As Mizuno celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding, a new brand slogan for the next 100 years “tomorrow, sure, we can” was established.
2006
Chairman and president are newly inaugurated
Masato Mizuno is appointed Chairman, and Akito Mizuno President
2006
May.
The sales company in China starts operations
“美津濃(中国)体育用品有限公司 [Mizuno (China) Sports Goods Company Limited]” is spun off into a separate company from Shanghai Mizuno and starts operations as a sales company.
2006
Oct.
Declaration of the use of “Mizuno RunBird”
Mizuno announces that it will use “Mizuno RunBird” as a brand mark for baseball and golf goods.
2006
“ISO9001” certification is obtained
All the manufacturing factories obtained “ISO9001” certification.
2007
Feb.
Launch of “WAVE CREATION” in the world, which uses a new structure called “Infinity Wave”
“Infinity Wave” exhibits the functionality of Mizuno Wave to the maximum extent by reducing the mid-sole sponge. It substantially improved the cushioning, stability, and resilience of Mizuno shoes and prevented them from easily running out of elasticity.
2007
The Mizuno China Headquarters is established in the suburbs of Shanghai
The “Mizuno Swim Team”, a swimming club team, is established
2008
Aug.
The 1st local company in Oceania “Mizuno Corporation Australia Pty Ltd.” starts operations
2009
Launch of “WAVE IGNITUS MD”, football shoes that make it easy to perform no-spin kicks
In order to support the feet of the world’s top athletes, Mizuno worked together closely with players to develop the WAVE IGNITUS shoes. In developing this model, the developers paid particular attention to a unique panel which made it easy to perform special no-spin kicks.
2010
Mar.
The “Mizuno Sports Promotion Association” and the “Mizuno International Sports Exchange Foundation” are merged, and the “Mizuno Sports Promotion Foundation” is established
2010
Apr.
The “Mizuno Wellness” and the “Mizuno Alfa Service” are merged, and the “Mizuno Sports Service Co., Ltd.” is established
2010
Oct.
The “Mizuno Industry Hikami” and the “Mizuno Industry Shikoku, Kochi” are integrated into the “Mizuno Apparel Technics Co., Ltd.” “Mizuno Apparel Technics Co., Ltd.”
2011
Jan.
Launch of “Mizuno GX” competition swimsuit
Mizuno launched the “Mizuno GX” competition swimsuit, which is certified by the International Swimming Federation (FINA). The concept of this competition swimsuit is “flat swim”, which has become the fundamental concept for all competition swimsuits for more than ten years since.
2011
Apr.
The beginning of the Japanese name of Mizuno Sports Promotion Foundation is changed to “公益財団法人 (public interest incorporated foundation)”
The beginning of the Japanese name of Mizuno Sports Promotion Foundation was changed from “財団法人 (incorporated foundation)” to “公益財団法人 (public interest incorporated foundation).”
2012
Jun.
“SENOH” becomes a subsidiary company
“SENOH”, which is a top brand of the indoor sports goods industry, became a new member of the Mizuno group.
2012
“Netherlands branch” opens
2013
Jan.
“Mizuno Italy” is established by finalizing a contract to take over its Italian distributor, Alto
2013
Mar.
“Mizuno Running Station Shanghai Pudong” is established
“Mizuno Running Station Shanghai Pudong”, which was integrated with the first facility for running in Shanghai, was established.
2013
Jul.
“Mizuno Spain”, an overseas subsidiary, starts operations
2013
“Mizuno Korea Ltd.” is established
2013
Nov.
“Mizuno Singapore Pte. Ltd.”, an overseas subsidiary, is established
2013
Mizuno receives the “Medal for Distinguished Services of the Sports Group” from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
2014
Launch of the new football spikes “BASARA”
This pair of football spikes does not only support players’ linear acceleration but also are designed to allow them to make high-speed turns easily while maintaining their speed.
2014
May.
「“Thai Mizuno Co., Ltd.” is established
2014
Jul.
Masato Mizuno is inaugurated as the Senior Corporate Adoviser
2014
Full-scale process to be a designated manager of sports facilities all over Japan starts
2014
Oct.
The first “Mizuno Running Store” in Taiwan opens
2014
Nov.
Masato Mizuno receives “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon”
2014
“Design Center” is established in Portland, Oregon, USA
2015
“MS Craft Baseball Turf” is adopted in a professional baseball stadium for the first time
“MS Craft Baseball Turf”, artificial turf for baseball, was adopted in a professional baseball stadium for the first time. By October 2021, it gained the biggest market share of artificial turf in the national baseball stadiums.
2015
Apr.
“Mizuno Norge AS.” is established
2015
The 30th anniversary of the football shoes “Morelia”
Regarding “Morelia”, Mizuno put its maximum effort into making the shoes including the choice of materials and the quality of the manufacturing process. 2015 marked this model’s 30th anniversary, but its design and shape have not undergone any major changes, and it continues to carry on its tradition.
All the factories in Japan become “Mizuno Technics Corp.”
As “Mizuno Apparel Technics Co., Ltd.” became “Mizuno Technics Corp.”, all the factories in Japan have become “Mizuno Technics Corp.” “Mizuno Technics Corp.”
2016
New category is developed for the sports casual wear market
Development of “Sports Style” started as a new lifestyle category for the sports casual wear market. It was launched as fashion sneakers with functions, quality and stories nurtured in the history of Mizuno. It started as 2 collections: “RB Collection”, which used RB mark and “M-Line”, which used shoe line from the 1970’s. “M-Line” changed its name to “MLC” in 2021 and continued its sales.
2016
Jan.
“Mizuno Vietnam Company Limited” is established as a subsidiary of “Mizuno Hong Kong”
2016
Launch of “Almighty” working shoes
It is a pair of working shoes whose features are soft feeling and mobility. These are the result of using all the knowledge gained from the development of sports shoes.
Starting with the launch of the shoes, Mizuno entered the market of working goods on a full scale.
2016
Mar.
Launch of Mizuno’s sports insurance
2016
Apr.
The 110th anniversary of the foundation
2017
Jul.
Launch of “REBULA”, a series of soccer spikes
With the concept of “shoes that create critical plays”, Mizuno launched a soccer shoes series called “REBULA”, which can control both speed and touch of the ball. This model is worn by numerous professional players.
2018
Feb.
Full-fledged entry into the work apparel market
Mizuno set up a department dedicated to planning and sales of custom order corporate uniforms using technologies and knowledge nurtured in the development of sports goods in 1997 and has delivered to more than 500 companies. Mizuno also launched working shoes in March 2016 and entered the work apparel market at full scale in February 2018.
2018
Apr.
“MIZUNO OSAKA CHAYAMACHI” opens
“MIZUNO OSAKA CHAYAMACHI”, a global flagship store, opened in Chayamachi, Kita Ward, Osaka.
2018
Jun.
Launch of “Mizuno Healthy Interior” series
“Squat Sourire” and “Abs Pulule” are the first-generation products of “Mizuno Healthy Interior”, which was born as a “health appliance” that can fit into living areas as interior goods.
2018
“Hexathlon” is introduced into Vietnam’s primary compulsory education
Conclusion of a memorandum on cooperation concerning the introduction and establishment of “Hexathlon”, an exercise program for children, in Vietnam’s primary compulsory education
2018
Aug.
“World Masters Games 2021 Kansai” sponsorship
Mizuno concluded a major partnership contract for the “World Masters Games 2021 Kansai.” It was the only major partner contract as a sports goods manufacturer.
2018
Oct.
“Mizuno APAC (Thailand)”, a sales company in Thailand, opens
2018
Nov.
Renewal of the brand slogan
The brand slogan was renewed to “REACH BEYOND.” The slogan expresses the attitude of the company to “always try to reach beyond now.”
2018
Work style reforms by introducing new systems
Office365 of Microsoft was introduced as an in-house tool. The trial run of a telework system was carried out in 2018, and it started to be promoted in full scale in 2019.
2019
Feb.
Development of “DRY AEROFLOW”, Mizuno’s unique material to process sweat which shows excellent breathability during drenching sweat
In the development of “DRY AEROFLOW”, Mizuno paid special attention to films of sweat which lower breathability of cloth and cause discomfort. Even during drenching sweat, the level of performance and comfort is kept by preventing films of sweat to maintain breathability. This is adopted as material for sportswear that a number of top athletes put on.
2019
Expansion of business to run sports facilities
The number of sports facilities run by Mizuno reached 170 in properties and more than 1,000 in facilities.
2019
Dec.
Mizuno receives a letter of gratitude from the Commissioner of Japan Sports Agency
The Commissioner of Japan Sports Agency gave the letter of gratitude for “the project to introduce and promote Mizuno Hexathlon exercise program in Vietnam’s primary compulsory education”, which Mizuno participated in as one of the certified programs of Sports for Tomorrow.
2020 -
2020
Mar.
「“MIZUNO TOKYO” opens after its renewal
“Esport Mizuno” in Kanda-Ogawamachi area, Tokyo was changed its name to “MIZUNO TOKYO” and reopened.
2020
President Akito Mizuno receives “the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon”
2020
May.
Launch of “Mouth Cover”
Mizuno sold 20,000 mouth covers made with swimsuit fabric on the official online shop. They were sold out on that day as it was a popular topic. In July 2021, the sum total of mouth covers sold reached 10 million.
2020
Jul.
Development of “MIZUNO ENERZY”, a high resilience material
“MIZUNO ENERZY” was developed, which is a high resilience material for shoes that achieved the highest resilience in Mizuno’s history. As a key material of Mizuno, it is used for various types of shoes including running shoes and indoor shoes.
2021
Jan.
“Mizuno Europe B.V.” (subsidiary owned 100% by Mizuno), a local company presiding businesses in Europe, is established in Rotterdam, Netherlands
2021
May.
Acceleration of sustainability activities
Since the fiscal year of 2021, Mizuno has accelerated sustainability activities globally and aimed to improve its business through solving social issues to achieve a sustainable world.
2021
Jun.
Closing of Yodoyabashi shop of Mizuno
The Yodoyabashi shop of Mizuno, located in Chuo Ward, Osaka, was built as a headquarters building in 1927 and closed on June 30, 2021. It was the symbol of Rihachi Mizuno’s management ideology for nearly 100 years as sports culture has been developing.
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“Sharp Sangyo Co., Ltd.” becomes a subsidiary, which plans, manufactures and sells commemorative gifts and souvenirs for all kinds of sports competitions
2021
Aug.
Launch of “WAVE RIDER 25” running shoes
“Wave Rider” celebrated its 25th anniversary and has improved to be the most popular Mizuno shoes in the world with high resilience material “MIZUNO ENERZY” being newly installed in the whole sole.
2021
Sep.
Launch of “Katanaα”, a leaf springs for prosthetic legs
“Katanaα” was launched, which is a leaf spring for prosthetic legs aimed at people who enter competitions. This is a product to realize a dream of people with disabilities to “run.”
2021
Nov.
Adoption of recycled paper for shoe boxes
As a part of sustainability activities, every category of shoe boxes in the world were changed to the ones using 100% recycled paper.
2022
Jan.
With the expansion of Australia Mizuno’s business,
“Australia Mizuno” is changed to “Mizuno Oceania”
2022
Feb.
Development of “Pure Hyper”, a new stain-resistant, antibacterial and deodorizing material
The new material called “Pure Hyper” was developed, which has stain-resistant, antibacterial and deodorizing functions. It is easy to remove stains from it, and it suppresses the increase of bacteria on fiber, which is the cause of odor.
2022
Nov.
Innovation Center "MIZUNO ENGINE" begins operations.
Mizuno has established a new Innovation Center "MIZUNO ENGINE" on the premises of its Osaka Head Quarters to strengthen its research and development capabilities and accelerate the creation of social innovation through sports. The Innovation Center is a facility that brings special equipments together in one place for "measuring," "creating," and "testing," which are the basis of research and development.
2022
Dec.
”Mizuno New Zealand Corporation Pty Ltd." is established.