The history of Zojirushi goes back to a glass-lined vacuum bottle created in 1918. This bottle for home use was created using vacuum insulation- a breakthrough technology at that time. In the years since then, Zojirushi has established itself as a top manufacturer of vacuum bottles and has continued to leverage the latest technologies to create a constant stream of leading-edge products that make life more comfortable and convenient. Although much has changed and lifestyles have become more varied, this brand’s philosophy of “creating a quality of life” continues to be reflected in its products and services.
Lifestyles may be more diverse in today’s world, but people everywhere continue to seek products and services that make their lives more enjoyable and satisfying. Whether it is an easy-to-use rice cooker that puts tasty rice within reach of anyone or a tumbler that keeps beverages hot or cold for up to 24 hours, Zojirushi products are designed with a simple (yet powerful) slogan in mind: Inspirations from Everyday Life. With this philosophy in mind, Zojirushi will continue to offer people a myriad of ways to make their lives better.
As Zojirushi embarks on a massive expansion worldwide, a partnership between Zojirushi and Mitsui Philippines came to life in late 2009. The primary objective of this partnership is to reintroduce the Zojirushi brand in the Philippine market. Filipino consumers are expected to benefit from this partnership as they now have a new brand that dares to challenge the monopoly of an existing brand. As of October 2015, Zojirushi products are already available in different retail outlets nationwide.
Drawing on the initial success achieved in the past three years, Zojirushi vows to foster a business that is careful and considerate as to how it will treat people and the environment. Likewise, Zojirushi will actively introduce new products and services that give people a sense of confidence and satisfaction.
Timeline
1918 | Ichikawa Brothers Trading Company is established in Osaka. |
1948 | Corporate name is changed to Kyowa Manufacturing Co., Ltd.; vacuum bottle manufacturing and sales begin. |
1953 | Corporate name is changed to Kyowa Vacuum Bottle Co., Inc. |
1961 | Name is changed to Zojirushi Corporation and the elephant is adopted as the corporate logo; ZO means elephant in Japanese, which symbolizes strength, intelligence and familiarity. |
1964 | Japan’s first automated vacuum bottle production equipment is developed and mass production of glass vacuum bottle liners begins. |
1968 | Osaka factory is opened. |
1970 | Construction of Osaka Head Office building and Shiga Manufacturing Plant are completed and a new electric rice warmer is launched. |
1973 | Air Pot® dispenser is launched and Zojirushi receives high acclaim for this push-type beverage dispenser. |
1980 | Sale of electric air pot® dispensers commenced. |
1981 | Stainless steel double wall vacuum bottles are launched; stainless steel vacuum bottle manufacturing process is patented and the TUFFBOY line is introduced. |
1983 | Micro computerized, Micom electric rice cooker/warmer is introduced. |
1985 | Tokyo Main Office is completed. |
1986 | Zojirushi lists shares on the Second Section of the Osaka Securities Exchange. Zojirushi’s corporate identity is introduced, and Union Zojirushi Co., Ltd. in Thailand is established. |
1987 | Zojirushi America Corporation is established in California, U.S.A. |
1988 | The Home Bakery® breadmaker is introduced. |
1993 | Minuet Computer Integrated Manufacturing system is launched. |
1995 | Zojirushi Hong Kong Co., Ltd. and Zojirushi-Simatelex Co., Ltd. are established. |
1998 | Zojirushi celebrates its 80th anniversary, and its Shiga Factory is certified with ISO9002. |
1999 | Osaka and Shiga Factory are certified with ISO14001. |
2000 | Osaka Factory is certified with ISO9001. |
2001 | President Norio Ichikawa is appointed, and “Mimamori Hotline” project is launched to help monitor the elderly through their use of an electric “I-Pot.” |
2002 | Zojirushi Taiwan Corporation is established in Taiwan. |
2003 | Zojirushi Shanghai Corporation is established in Shanghai, China. |
2008 | Zojirushi celebrates its 90th anniversary, and the Vacuum Bottle & Air Pot® Pavilion opens at the Osaka Head Office. |