Gunze Co., Ltd.

In 1896 (Meiji 29), founder Terukichi Hatano established Kogyo Seisyo Co., Ltd. in Nakanoshima District, Kyoto Prefecture (now Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture), aiming to promote regional industry (first president Hamuji Kazuemon).

1896 　　Hatano Tsuruyoshi was a primary school teacher, but after visiting the local industry of sericulture, he decided to improve the quality of the silk industry.

Received a gold medal at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle

In 1901 (Meiji 34), director Terukichi Hatano (founder) became the second president

In 1901 (Meiji 34), it was recognized by the American textile company Skinner & Co.

In 1902 (Meiji 35), began exclusive sales of exported raw silk to the Skinner Trading Company in the United States

From the summer of 1902, the company exclusively purchased our raw yarn.

In 1903, to obtain better cocoons, the company established the Daiseikan, the predecessor of the research institute, and conducted research aimed at unifying silkworm varieties and producing superior strains.

At that time, raw silk was Japan's largest export. To obtain better cocoons, the company established the Daiseikan, the predecessor of the research institute, in 1903, and conducted research aimed at unifying silkworm varieties and producing superior strains.

In 1904 (Meiji 37), received the highest award at the St. Louis Exposition in the United States

In 1909 (Meiji 42), began fair trade (evaluating cocoon quality and paying prices commensurate with quality), invited Kawai Nobusui, and established an education department

In 1909 (Meiji 42), the company began a trading method called "exact quantity trading."

1915 (Taisho 4) Established the "Corporate Motto" as a creed to be upheld by executives and employees

1917 (Taisho 6) Established the Gunjyo Women's School. Offered five courses including training and tailoring, and taught etiquette and manners under the guidance of Empress Kōmei

1926 (Taisho 15) Registered the company emblem as a trademark. The central circle represents the company, while the outer ring symbolizes sericulture, depicting a vision of coexistence and mutual prosperity

1927 (Showa 2) Opened Gunjyo Hospital (operated until 1990)

1933 (Showa 8) Established Gunjyo Silk Corporation in New York

1934 (Showa 9) Began full‑fashion sock production at Tsukaguchi Silk Products Factory (now Gunjyo Town Center Tsukashin)

1943 (Showa 18) Changed company name to Gunjyo Industrial Co., Ltd.

1946 (Showa 21) Restored company name to Gunjyo Silk Co., Ltd. and started producing merino underwear at Miyatsu Factory (merino underwear business began). In 1959, the Ryose Factory and in 1961, the Kuse Factory were converted to underwear production, strengthening the business

1946 　　Shortly after the war, in Showa 21 (1946), the Miyatsu factory (Kyoto Prefecture) began producing merino underwear.

1949 (Showa 24) Listed shares on the Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya stock exchanges

1952 (Showa 27) Began production of nylon full‑fashion socks (main factory and Tsukaguchi factory)

1952 　　In Showa 27 (1952), the company introduced the "1 Season 1 Price" pricing system (by dozen, later by ten-piece units) for the first time in the industry.

1952 　　During the early Showa period, rayon production expanded in the United States, severely impacting raw yarn exports. In that context, the company aimed to stimulate demand through productizing raw yarn and began manufacturing full-fashion socks.

In Showa 27 (1952), the company successfully produced nylon full-fashion socks in Japan for the first time through a three-year joint development with Toray (Inc.). The high-quality nylon distribution led to rapid widespread adoption.

1953 (Showa 28) Established the Gunjyo Merino Agent Association in Hiroshima and Kyushu (gradually expanding nationwide). Started using the catchphrase "Gold quality, silver price" for merino

1954 (Showa 29) Started the sewing thread business (Tsuyama factory)

In Showa 29 (1954), the Tsuyama factory began producing nylon sewing thread. The era of synthetic fibers from natural fibers arrived, and the company launched a new fiber material business.

1955 (Showa 30) Published the company newsletter "Gunjyo"

1957 (Showa 32) Established Kameoka Factory and started embroidery lace business

1958 (Showa 33) Established Kōnan Factory and started synthetic fiber spinning business (in 1990, the Empra Business Center—now Empra Business Division—was moved to this factory)

1959 　　In Showa 34 (1959), the Ryose factory was converted to merino, and in Showa 36 (1961), the Kuse factory was converted to merino, expanding the production facilities to six locations.

The company’s self-developed high-speed combustion "Fall Super" was completed in Showa 34 (1959).

1960 (Showa 35) Introduced a division system to strengthen management and corporate structure

1961 　　In Showa 36 (1961), the Kuse factory was converted to merino, expanding the production facilities to six locations.

Around Showa 36 (1961), seamless socks became explosively popular.

1962 (Showa 37) Started plastic business (opened Moriyama Factory in 1968)

Starting with polo shirts in Showa 37 (1962), the company expanded into pajamas and other nightwear.

In the relatively early Showa 37 (1962), the company successfully developed PVC tube shrink film. Its packaging characteristics significantly increased demand.

1963 (Showa 38) Registered the Gunjyo round coin as a trademark

1965 (Showa 40) Started foundation business (Kurayoshi Factory). Established Gunjyo Polymer Industry Co., Ltd. (now Gunjyo Polymer Co., Ltd.)

In Showa 40 (1965), the company began producing women's innerwear.

1966 (Showa 41) Established the plastic division

1967 (Showa 42) Company name changed to Gunze Co., Ltd. (current name)

1968 (Showa 43) Began production of pantyhose

In Showa 43 (1968), pantyhose appeared in the women's sock industry. The company released hit products such as "Shiapé".

1969 (Showa 44) Established Machinery Division; started women's apparel business

1970 (Showa 45) Established Kyushu Gunze Co., Ltd. (sock manufacturing) and Tohoku Gunze Co., Ltd. (merino underwear manufacturing)

1971 (Showa 46) Established joint venture company Kankoku Seibu Co., Ltd. (now & formerly Seibu Gunze Co., Ltd.) (merino underwear manufacturing & sales); discontinued sales offices to strengthen apparel sales and started regional sales companies

In Showa 47 (1972), the company released "Tetrospun Sewing Thread," made from polyester spun yarn.

1973 (Showa 48) Started greening business (now Gunze Green Co., Ltd.); established Gunze Logistics Co., Ltd.

The green business division (now Green Flower) founded in Showa 48 (1973) has expanded production sites nationwide through close collaboration with silkworm farmers who were bonded with the company since its founding.

1974 (Showa 49) Established Gunze Packaging System Co., Ltd. (printing, processing & selling plastic film); held first Gunze World Tennis (held 20 times until 1993)

In Showa 49 (1974), the company entered the baby underwear market.

Silk research that has continued since the founding could not resist the flow of time and ended its long history in 1975.

Ended its long history in 1975.

Meanwhile, silk research that has continued since the founding could not resist the flow of time and ended its long history in 1975.

1976 (Showa 51) Adopted company motto

1977 (Showa 52) Established Pajama Center (now House Casual Center)

1981 (Showa 56) Started joint production of underwear with China Zainan Zhen Textile Factory

1982 (Showa 57) Established Gunze Tsukaguchi Development Co., Ltd. (merged with Gunze Real Estate Co., Ltd. in 1990 to become current Gunze Development Co., Ltd.)

In Showa 57 (1982), the company began processing fluororesin with excellent heat and chemical resistance and non-adhesive properties at the Moriyama factory.

1983 (Showa 58) Started engineering & plastics business

1984 (Showa 59) Established health food center; held first Gunze Music Special (held 12 times until 1996); established Gunze Sports Co., Ltd. (started sports club business)

In 1984 (Showa 59), our research institute participated in a project centered on the Kyoto University Medical Polymer Research Center as a member, conducting research and development of medical devices using biodegradable polymers. We successfully commercialized absorbable surgical sutures for the first time in Japan.

1985 (Showa 60) Established medical development office (now Medical Division); started electronic component business; established apparel business headquarters (merged Merino and Foundation divisions); opened shopping center "Tsukashin" on former Tsukaguchi factory site

In 1985 (Showa 60), we established a test plant at the Moriyama factory, and began full-scale production the following year.

In 1985 (Showa 60), we opened the "Living Amusement Park Tsukashin."

In 1986 (Showa 61), we started sales.

1987 (Showa 62) Dissolved Gunze Silk Co., Ltd.; fully withdrew from silk industry since founding

1989 (Heisei 1) Established Hyogo Gunze Co., Ltd. (sock manufacturing); merged with Shin Osaka Zoki Co., Ltd., established SOZ business headquarters (now Mechatro Division) (entered printing & food-related machinery business)

1990 (Heisei 2) Established Fukushima Plastics Co., Ltd. (plastic film manufacturing); established Thai Gunze Co., Ltd. (underwear manufacturing & sales)

In 1990 (Heisei 2), we released the comfortable support "Ifee" in conjunction with the widespread use of support stockings.

In 1990 (Heisei 2), we established the Kōnan factory, focusing on roll covers and belts for copiers and printers, and expanded our business by riding the wave of OA adoption.

1991 (Heisei 3) Established Gunze Plastics & Engineering Corporation of Europe N.V. (plastic film manufacturing & sales)

Established Gunze Sales Co., Ltd. (integrated nationwide regional sales companies)

Opened shopping center "Ririka" on premises of Maebashi factory

Establishment of Zednan Crown World Fashion Co., Ltd. (Meriyasu underwear, stocking manufacturing and sales)

In 1994 (Heisei 6), we established P.T. Gunze Indonesia, setting up a production and sales base for synthetic yarn sewing thread overseas.

Establishment of PT. Gunze Socks Indonesia (sock manufacturing and sales)

Establishment of Gunze (Vietnam) Co., Ltd. (underwear manufacturing and sales)

Opening of Gunze Museum (100th anniversary commemorative project)

100th anniversary company ceremony held

Adoption of Gunze Environmental Charter

Establishment of Shanghai Gunze Hong Fiber Co., Ltd. (manufacturing and sales of sewing thread and sewing auxiliary materials) (now Shanghai Gunze Hong Fiber Co., Ltd.)

Establishment of Shanghai Gunze New Packaging Co., Ltd. (processing and sales of OPP laminate products and shrink products)

Adoption of Gunze Code of Conduct

Establishment of Electronics Components Division

Establishment of Empra Division

Establishment of GGI Technology Limited (manufacturing and sales of touch panels)

Establishment of Elma Co., Ltd. (manufacturing of electronic components)

Establishment of Ayabe Empra Co., Ltd. (manufacturing of engineering plastics)

Establishment of Zhongsen (Shanghai) International Trade Co., Ltd. (now Gunze (Shanghai) International Trade Co., Ltd.) (import and export of textile materials)

Expansion of sports business (acquisition of sports club "Comus")

Introduction of chief officer system

Establishment of Shanghai Gunze New Plastic Materials Co., Ltd. (manufacturing and sales of plastic film)

Establishment of Dongguan Crown Intelligence Electronics Co., Ltd. (manufacturing and sales of electronic functional materials)

Awarded by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry for consumer-oriented excellence

Established Tsukashin Town Create Co., Ltd. (operation and management of shopping centers)

Established Beijing Beiren Group Machinery Co., Ltd. (production and sale of printing peripheral equipment and stacker binders)

Established CSR Promotion Office

Entered commercial developer business, opened Tsukashin natural hot spring "Yunohana Corridor"

Reorganized the plastic division into Plastic Company

Introduced executive officer system

Reorganization of the Mechatronics business (integration of the Machinery Division into the SOZ Business Headquarters)

Establishment of Yandong Guan Shi Fashion Processing Co., Ltd. (logistics processing of apparel products)

Establishment of G & U System Services Co., Ltd. (information system operations)

Establishment of Gunjie Engineering Plastic Materials Hong Kong Co., Ltd. (sale of plastic products)

Establishment of Yandong Guan Shi Knitting Co., Ltd. (production of underwear and stockings)

Establishment of Gunjie (Shanghai) Trading Co., Ltd. (sale of apparel products)

Grand opening of "Gunjie Town Center Tsukashin"

Strengthening of governance structure (changing director term to one year, inviting two outside directors, introducing pre-emptive defense measures)

Establishment of "Gunjie Love Earth Club" for social contribution activities (110th anniversary project)

Strengthening of internal control system (enactment of "Whistleblower Protection Regulations", "IT Security Policy and Standard Measures", "Basic Policy on Internal Control System Development", etc.)

In 2006 (Heisei 18), we reopened as "Gunze Town Center Tsukashin" with a renewal.

Strengthening of internal control system (enactment of "CSR Regulations", "Risk Management Regulations", etc.)

Introduction of stock option system for directors

Establishment of Changzhou Gunjie Auxiliary Materials Co., Ltd. (manufacturing and sale of woven rubber and knitted rubber)

Introduction of shareholder benefit program

Opening of "Elmi Kounosu" redevelopment of the Hongso factory site

Establishment of Gunjie Engineering Co., Ltd. (engineering and energy-saving service business)

Gunjie Memorial Hall & Museum recognized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as part of the "Modern Industrial Heritage Group"

Integration of underwear and leg businesses into the apparel company

Establishment of Gunjie Hongguang Electric Co., Ltd. (ITO film manufacturing)

Gunjie Memorial Hall & Museum recognized as a "Scenic Asset" by Kyoto Prefecture

Establishment of a corporate logo for Chinese-speaking regions

Japan Bank for International Cooperation receives "Highest Rank" in environmental credit rating

Kong Hong Guang Electric Co., Ltd. opens

Acquisition of Qingdao Jifu Packaging Co., Ltd.

Renaming of SOZ Business Division to Mechatronics Division

Opening of the "BODY WILD Under wave" flagship store in Harajuku, Tokyo

Establishment of Development Division

Establishment of Medical Division

Inauguration of Fukushima Plastics New Factory (Plastic Company)

Signing of joint venture with Coretronics Group (Electronic Components Division)

Agreement to establish Beijing Aimu Junshi Clothing Co., Ltd. (Apparel Company)

Grand opening of "Maebashi Lilica" (Gunze Development Co., Ltd.)

Establishment of Gunshi Medical Equipment (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (Medical equipment sales)

Establishment of Beijing Aimu Junshi Clothing Co., Ltd. (Import and sale of underwear)

Establishment of Gunze United Limited (Manufacturing and sale of industrial sewing thread)

Gunshi (Shanghai) Energy Saving Equipment Trading Co., Ltd. (Consulting on energy efficiency)

Establishment of Women Spark Promotion Office

Adoption of the brand statement "Make Tomorrow Even More Comfortable"

Relocation of Osaka Headquarters

Establishment of QOL Research Institute

Ayabe Gunze Square Open

Establishment of Gunze Korea Co., Ltd.

Establishment of GUNZE INTERNATIONAL EUROPE GmbH (Medical field, business support)

Certified as Osaka City Women’s Empowerment Leading Company

Establishment of Gunze Sports (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. (Sports club operation)

Establishment of GUNZE HANOI CO., LTD.

Acquisition of Jeans Casual Dan Inc. and Date Department Store Ltd. as subsidiaries

Renewal and opening of Gunze Museum of History for 120th anniversary maintenance project

Participation in Emergency Disaster Response Alliance "SEMA"

Signed comprehensive cooperation agreement with Osaka Prefecture

Establishment of new medical plant (Ayabe)

Establishment of Gunze Plastics & Engineering of Vietnam Co., Ltd.

Signed comprehensive regional revitalization cooperation agreement with Kyoto Prefecture

Acquisition of Medical U and A Inc. as a subsidiary

Signed agreement with Osaka City regarding the supply of ginkgo on Midosuji

In 2019, we established the "Plastic Resource Circulation Basic Policy" aimed at reducing plastic waste and realizing a society where plastic resources circulate.

Signed comprehensive cooperation agreement with Osaka City

Signed the UN Global Compact

Support for the TCFD recommendations on climate-related financial disclosures

Agreement toward mass production of next‑generation lithium‑ion battery film

Relocation of Tokyo branch

Publication of the 125th anniversary history of GUNZE

Establishment of GUNZE Medical Co., Ltd.

Completion of the Murayama Circular Factory® by Plastic Company

Operation of the ZEB certification office building at the Engineering Plastics Jiangnan Factory

Segmentation into four business units (Functional Solutions / Medical / Apparel / Life Create)

In March 2023, the office building at the Kōnan factory (Aichi Prefecture, Kōnan City) of the Engineering Plastics business achieved ZEB certification. We practice "environmentally conscious management" and link it to sustainable business growth.

In April 2023, we converted the Moriyama factory (Shiga Prefecture, Moriyama City), the core plant of our plastic film business, into a Circular Factory® (resource‑circulating factory). We accelerate the deployment of environmentally responsive products by utilizing solar and groundwater energy, achieving "zero emission" with no plastic waste.

Launch of the D2C lifestyle brand by wholly-owned subsidiary SEESAY

Launch of a new brand by joint venture Ballelite with Mash Holdings

Establishment of a new medical R&D facility in Ayabe

Participation in the Osaka Kansai Expo (Forest of Tranquility)