YAMAZEN CORPORATION

Started as a machine tool dealer in Osaka

Yamazen was founded when founder Takeo Yamamoto, at 14, left his hometown of Fukui Prefecture and apprenticed at a machine tool dealer in Tatsuuri Hori, Osaka. Eight years later, at age 22, he became independent and opened 'Osaka Tool Manufacturing'.

During World War II, he received a draft notice, closed his shop, and went to Okinawa. After the war, he was detained in a prisoner-of-war camp and returned at the end of 1946.

In May 1947, Yamazen Tool Manufacturing Co., Ltd. was established. Osaka was in ruins, and the focus was on restoring daily life, starting with products like hammers and shovels.

Founded: May 30, 1947 (Showa 22)

Founded

Founder Takeo Yamamoto established 'Yamazen Tool Manufacturing Co., Ltd.'

A novel 'Doteraio' based on founder Takeo Yamamoto was published and adapted into a TV drama.

In April 1975, the 'Dotera Market' was held, initiating an exhibition and direct sales event.

In May 1952, Yamazen Tool Manufacturing Co., Ltd. was established.

Expanded into household appliances, starting sales of sinks and kerosene stoves.

Around Showa 58, developed original products such as electric carpets, kotatsu, and fans, expanding sales to home centers.

In October of Showa 37, listed on the Second Section of the Osaka Securities Exchange in the 15th year since founding.

In April of Showa 38, established a local subsidiary in Chicago, USA, taking the first step in overseas expansion.

Listed on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

In Showa 41, built a solid foundation as a machinery tools specialty trading company, and began plans to list on the First Section of the Tokyo and Osaka stock markets in Showa 46.

On October 1 of Showa 37, listed on the Second Section of the Osaka Securities Exchange in the 15th year since founding.

In Showa 43, expanded into the housing equipment field.

In July of Showa 43, established the 'Bunki Department' handling cultural equipment, starting sales of sinks and kerosene stoves.

Achieved listing on the First Section of the Tokyo and Osaka stock markets in Showa 46.

In Showa 47, fully entered the construction and real estate business following the announcement of the 'Japan Archipelago Reconstruction Theory'.

In July of Showa 47, published the novel 'Doterai Otoko' modeled after founder Yamamoto Takeo, which was adapted into a TV drama.

In October of Showa 48, the TV drama 'Doterai Otoko' was broadcasted and gained popularity.

In July of Showa 49, held the 'Doterai Market' to start an exhibition and direct sales of housing equipment.

Held the 'First Doterai Market' in April of Showa 50.

During the first oil shock recession in Showa 51, faced management crisis and withdrew from the real estate business.

In 1972, expanded sales routes in the tools division, leading to entry into the household appliances field, and established the 'Household Appliances Section' in 1978 for full-scale entry.

Started 'ZEUS PLAN' in Showa 57.

In Showa 62, introduced VI (Visual Identity) and changed the company emblem.

In Heisei 4, established the 'New Management Philosophy' and 'Self-Discipline Action Guidelines'.

In 1997, the 'Yamazen Group Corporate Action Charter' was established.

In 2000, the 'CO2 Reduction Green Ball Project' was launched.

In 2005, a divisional system was introduced.

In 2010, BCP was formulated at the Osaka headquarters.

In 2015, the first trading company to obtain 'Resilience Certification'.

In 2018, Toho Industrial Co., Ltd. was made a wholly owned subsidiary.

In 2020, support for business succession of small and medium-sized enterprises was launched.

In 2022, the Purpose and Vision were established.