Shimano Inc.

Shimano was founded in Taisho 10 (1921).

In February 1921, he opened Shimano Iron Works in Higashi Minato in Sakai City when he was 26 years old.

Begins production of the bicycle freewheel.

On January 15,1940, the new corporation's first organisational meeting was held. Then Shozaburo Shimano becomes the first president.

In February 1951, Shimano Iron Works absorb Shimano Bicycle Company, and the Company's name was changed to Shimano Industrial Company.

Production of external speed changer begins.

Production of internal speed changer (3-speed Hub) begins.

Shimano Industrial began research into cold forging in 1957, spurred by an interest in a trade fair exhibit by a West Germany company.

Shozo Shimano becomes the second president.

In September 1958, Shozaburo Shimano passed away.

We display the 3-speed hub at the International Toy and Cycle Show held in New York City.

Shimano American Corporation is established in New York.

Shimano Yamaguchi Co., Ltd. (present Shimonoseki Factory) is established in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.

The DUX series of spinning reels is in the market.

Shimano Europa GmbH. is established in Dusseldorf, West Germany.

Stock is listed on 2nd Section of the Osaka Securities Exchange.

Shimano Racing Team is launched. In addition to sponsoring actively to cycling team in Europe, Shimano set up own domestic cycling team, Shimano racing Team, in Japan.

Shimano (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. is established. It was established as the first oversea factory located in Jurong Industrial Estate in Singapore.

Stock listing rises to the 2nd Securities Exchange of Tokyo.

Stock listing rises to the 1st Section of both Tokyo and Osaka Securities Exchanges.

DURA-ACE series of road racing components are released.

Positron is in the market. It is equipped with the Positron system which has indexed shifting mechanism.

The DURA-ACE 10 series are in the market.

Bantam series of reels are released in the USA. An ultra-lightweight precision reel targeted at American bass fishermen was introduced to the American market at the AFTMA show.

DURA-ACE EX 7200 is in the market.

Shimano American Corporation is relocated to New Jersey.

DURA-ACE AX 7300 is released. Shimano introduces DURA-ACE AX 7300 which is aiming for reducing the aerodynamic drag at IFMA show at Koln in W.Germany.

Kumamoto Fishing Tackle is established.

The stock of Dunphy Holding Pty. Ltd. is acquired.

The first SHIMANO 105 series is in the market.

The first Deore XT is in the market.

Shimano Canada Ltd. is established.

BB-X is in the market.

SHIMANO 600EX is in the market.

The first Shimano Greenpia Road (present Shimano Suzuka Road Race) is held. Shimano initiates Shimano Greenpia Road which is the event for offering enjoyment and fun for sport cycle in order to popularize the sport cycle in Japan.

Shimano Japan Cup is held. Shimano initiates Shimano Japan Cup which is fishing competition for offering enjoyment and fun for fishing.

DURA-ACE 7400 series with Shimano Index System (SIS) is released. A remarkable function of DURA-ACE 7400 is Shimano Index System (SIS) that enable secure positioning of the speed change gear by a single action.

Shimano Europe is relocated to Hilden, West Germany.

The Titanos series of new alloy reels are in the market.

Shimano American Corporation merge with Shimano Sales Corporation and move to Irvine, California from New Jersey.

New Deore XT series are in the market. The New Deore XT components with SIS for mountain bikes are introduced four years after the original Deore XT group.

Sante series are in the market. The basic concept of developing Sante is to seek beauty of components design. In other words, Sante is designed to attract a wide variety of potential user, rather than a handful of professional racers.

SHIMANO 105 series with SLR are in the market. New Shimano 105 series is introduced with Shimano Linear Response (SLR) brake system which is to give the cyclist more control over the caliper brakes.

SHIMANO 600 Ultegra series are in the market. This series incorporates all of DURA-ACE group, including 7-speed SIS.

Andy Hampsten (Seven-Eleven Team) wins the Giro d'Italia with DURA-ACE.

Shimano U.K. Ltd. is established, starts sales of fishing tackle in Europe.

The FROM which is rod order system for deep bodied crucian carp fishing is in the market.

Fine Carbon α Tokei and Fine Carbon α Ayu Zoom rods are released. The unique feature of the Zoom rod is its adjustable length which allows it to be used for different types of fishing as local conditions demand.

Racing Shoes SH-R100 are in the market.

Shimano Rinkai Distribution Centre is established.

Shimano Benelux B.V. and Shimano Europe Fishing Holding B.V. are established.

STI (Shimano Total Integration) concept Rapid fire Remote shift lever for offroad bikes is released. Rapid fire system which is the first STI allows the cyclist to shift gears, operate the brakes, and steer without ever removing the hands from the handlebars.

Nexus is released as a new brand of fishing gear. Shimano starts Nexus fishing gear to more coordinate with Shimano fishing tackle and clothing for enjoying fishing.

Shimano Components (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. is established.

Shimano Italy Fishing S.r.l. is established.

Shimano Pedaling Dynamics (SPD) is in the market. A line of Shoes and Pedals are called SPD designed to be ideal for both pedaling efficiency and for walking.

DURA-ACE (7400 series) with Dual Control Lever is released. The dual-control lever incorporates a shifter mechanism into the brake lever, making it possible to change speeds without removing one's hands from handlebars.

Corporate name is changed from Shimano Industrial Co., Ltd. to Shimano Inc.

PT Shimano Batam is established.

Keizo Shimano becomes third president.

The cycle center (Bicycle Museum) opens. With the cooperation of Sakai city where Shimano Inc. is located, it is established on the area next to Daisen Park.

Shimano (Kunshan) Bicycle Components Co., Ltd. is established.

The 1st model of STELLA is launched. Shimano Balance Lock (SBL) is released.

Shimano Australia Pty.Ltd. is established.

DURA-ACE 7410 is in the market.

Yoshizo Shimano becomes fourth president.

The 1995 model of STELLA is in the market. Equipped with SHIP (Smooth and Hi-Power System) to vastly improve reeling.

DURA-ACE 7700 is in the market. 7700 series are developed after thorough review of the previous derailleur system based on the philosophy of "Stress-Free".

G.Loomis,Inc joins Team Shimano.

Auto D is in the market.

The 1998 model of STELLA is in the market. 3rd model is developed extremely thin body based on a conceptual breakthrough: rather than minimizing the reel parts, the development team sought ways to envelop the parts in the most compact manner.

The Aifie golf shop is opened.

DURA-ACE 25th anniversary model is in the market. This series is a special DURA-ACE released in commemoration of 25 year since its introduction in to the market.

Shimano HB system for snowboards is in the market.

Flightdeck is in the market. Installation of an operation switch on the lever bracket enables the rider to control this without releasing his/her hand from the handlebar.

The first Shimano Motegi Road Race is held.

WH-7700, wheelsets for road bikes, are launched.

WH-M959, wheelsets for mountain bikes, are launched.

The Millenium model of STELLA is released. The Stella Millenium Edition, which was male-to-order, featured Super Slow Oscillation System, designed to increase casting distance. This was also the first model to incorporate a screw handle. The entire body was plated and had "Millenium Edition" engraved by laser.

Yozo Shimano becomes fifth president.

The 2001 model of STELLA is released.

Shimano (Taiwan) Co.,Ltd. is established.

Shimano (Kunshan) fishing Tackle Co., Ltd. is established.

Shimano (Tianjin) Bicycle Components Co., Ltd. is established.

STELLA 2004 model is in the market. A stainless steel one-piece bail was employed to take advantage of thin bails. Other advanced features include titanium coated guard fins and a change in the position of stopper switches.

DURA-ACE 7800 series is in the market. The DURA-ACE 7800 series components are developed with "For 100% Power Transmission Efficiency" as a catchword. This series consisted of 10-speed rear drive trains, HOLLOTECH Ⅱcranksets, ergonomic dual control levers, and other higher performance components.

"Shimano Nordic Cycle AB", "ShimanoNordic Cycle OY" and "Shimano Nordic Cycle AS" are established in Scandinavian Peninsula.

Shimano (Lianyungang) Industrial Co., Ltd. are established.

ACCU-3D, highly-functional cycling wear, is in the market.

Shimano Latin America Representacao Comerial Ltda is established.

R&P Pawlak Sp. Z o. o. is established.

STELLA 2007 model is in the market. The new model featured an AR-C spool, designed to increase the casting distance by controlling the spool unwinding resistance. Moreover, this mechanism was effective in rescuing line troubles at the time of casting. To prevent corrosion of the bearings especially by saltwater, the new model also featured Anti-Rust Bearings (S A-RB).

The stock of Innovative Textiles Inc. is acquired.

The stock of DashAmerica inc. (Pearl Izumi) is acquired.

DURA-ACE 7900 series is released. The 7900 series components were developed under the concept of "Evolution of Perfection". A derailleur comprising these components embedded the shift cable completely. Its crankset consisted of a HOLLOWGRIDE (hollow gear) in addition to a HOLLOWTECH Ⅱ. All other components were also reviewed for optimal design.

Lifestyle Gear Division is launched.

Shimano Rinkai Distribution Center renames Shimano sales Co., Ltd..

Marketing of rowing equipment (stretcher and shoes) are in the market.

Electronic Shifting System DURA-ACE 7970 is in the market.

XEFO is in the market.

The XTR incorporated Dyna-sys is in the market.

STELLA 2010 model incorporated the X-SHIP is released. The new model incorporated the X-SHIP gear system, developed to achieve ultimate rotation performance. Taking advantage of Shimano's excellent metal processing technologies, particularly its high-precision machining technology, our production team carefully finished metal case. The result was even smoother rotation of the gears.

Shimano (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. is established.

Opening of Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in Osaka, Japan on the second floor of SIC head office building.

DURA-ACE 9000 series is released. DURA-ACE 9000 series have been fully re-engineered across every system. Highlights include a robust four-arm cranksets, the new SLR-EV brake system and a new 11-speed drive train.

Shimano (Philippines) Inc. is established.

Launch of the 2014 model "STELLA" equipped with micro module gear

Launch of XTR M9000 series and M9020 series

Launch of XTR Di2 M9050 series

Launch of Shimano Sports Camera

Completion of the headquarters factory "Sakai Intelligent Plant (SIP)"

Opening of "SHIMANO Cycling World" in Singapore

STELLA 2014 model is released. MicroModule gear technology to the worm shaft idle gear reduces oscillation vibration. This is an incredible breakthrough in design and delivers an outstanding level smoothness without sacrificing strength or durability.

XTR M9000, M9020 series is released.

XTR Di2 M9050 series is released.

SHIMANO Cycling World is opened in Singapore. First experiential and interactive world of cycling in Singapore. Named Shimano Cycling World, the 650sqm centre is also its’ world’s first cycling gallery. It is located next to the Singapore Sports Museum in the opened Singapore Sports Hub.

SHIMANO SPORTS CAMERA is released.

"Shimano Menat Spor Etkinlikleri Spor Malzemeleri ve Ekipmanlari Ticaret Limited Sirketi" is established in Turkey.

"Shimano Bisiklet Parca ve Ekipmanlari Satis Servis Ticaret Anonim Sirketi" is established in Turkey.

"Shimano Italy Bicycle Components S.r.l" is established.

Announcement of the "HAGANE" concept

Establishment of "Shimano Uruguay S.A." in Uruguay

"HAGANE" concept is launched. HAGANE is Shimano’s reel design concept which aims at impressive smoothness and overwhelming strength.

"Shimano Uruguay S.A." is established.

Shimano American Corporation 50th Anniversary.

Announcement of the "DURA-ACE R9100" series equipped with power meters

Completion of Shimonoseki Factory SSF_IP (Shimano Shimonoseki Factory Intelligent Plant)

Completion of the Marine Logistics Center

The DURA-ACE R9100 series (road racing components) equipped with power meter are released.

Shimano Shimonoseki Factory Intelligent Plant (SSF_IP) is completed.

Rinkai Logistics Center (RLC) is completed.

Opening of "SHIMANO SQUARE" at Grand Front Osaka

SHIMANO SQUARE opens in GRAND FRONT OSAKA

Announcement of the "XTR M9100" series

Launch of the 2018 model "STELLA"

Establishment of "SHIMANO ARGENTINA S.A.U." in Argentina

XTR M9100 series is released. Pursuing the Specific Demands of Each Mountain Bike Category.

STELLA 2018 model is released. The New Shimano Stella has the smoothest and most efficient drive train Shimano has ever engineered with unprecedented durability. The introduction of the newly engineered Micro Module II with unique gear teeth and surface design delivers amazing smoothness and durability above the already unmatched Shimano HAGANE gear quality.

Shimano Argentina S.A.U. is established in Argentina

Opening of "SHIMANO EXPERIENCE CENTER" in Valkenburg, Netherlands

Launch of Shimano's first gravel road bike components "SHIMANO GRX"

SHIMANO EXPERIENCE CENTER opens in Valkenburg, The Netherlands. An experience-based exhibition facility focused on the theme of cycling, fishing, and rowing, and where Shimano’s latest technologies can be touched physically has opened within the “PAR’ COURSE” commercial facility.

Shimano’s first ever Gravel Road Bike Components, SHIMANO GRX is launched. The Components for long gravel rides along unpaved roads. A total of 4 group sets, including 3 grades based on how one rides as well as a Di2 mounted series, is introduced. Includes features especially meant for riding along unpaved roads.

Completion of the headquarters research building "Technology Innovation Center"

Establishment of "SHIMANO IBERIA, S.L." in Spain

Technology Innovation Center at the headquarters is completed.

SHIMANO IBERIA, S.L. is established.

2021 Shimano Inc. 100th anniversary of founding

Yasuo Shimano assumes the position of 6th president

Shimano celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Taizo Shimano becomes sixth president.