Isami Corporation

Isami Corporation (株式会社イサミコーポレーション) is a Japanese textile and apparel manufacturer headquartered in Gyoda, Saitama Prefecture. Founded in March 1907 (Meiji 40) as a tabi sock maker, the company has evolved over more than a century into a diversified sewing manufacturer producing school uniforms, physical-education and sportswear, corporate uniforms, and traditional tabi. Its corporate philosophy, "Create valuable futures with careful stitching," reflects a craft-based approach passed down from the founder, Katsujiro Tsuchiya. The company operates five main business lines: school uniforms, sports uniforms, business wear, tabi, and ISAMI Creative, a promotion team specializing in manufacturing-sector content such as product photography, video production, and e-commerce support. Its tabi line includes over 50 products, from traditional designs to the new-material "THE KNIT TABI." Manufacturing takes place at its own factories in Gyoda (Mukaimachi and Asahimachi) and Shibata, Niigata. The company is known for its integrated in-house sewing system and for receiving the "Saitama Prefecture designated factory" certification in 2022. Isami Corporation is a private company with capital of 40 million yen and approximately 63 employees. Its main customers include major Japanese department stores and retailers such as Takashimaya, Mitsukoshi Isetan, Sogo & Seibu, Life Corporation, Belc, and Advantest. The company also engages in CSR activities, including factory tours for educational institutions and local employment creation. In 2017, its Gyoda factory was used as a filming location for the TV drama "Rikuoh."

Isami Corporation was founded in March 1907 (Meiji 40) in Gyoda, Saitama Prefecture, as a tabi sock manufacturer. Gyoda was already known for its tabi production, and Isami entered the market as a latecomer. To differentiate itself, the company used a trademark featuring the Edo-period kabuki actor Onoe Matsuroku (known as "Matsusan") and ran promotional campaigns such as attaching movie tickets to products. The novelist Yasunari Kawabata mentioned these activities in his writing. In 1927 (Showa 2), the company began manufacturing clothing. It was incorporated in 1942 (Showa 17). In 1952 (Showa 27), it reorganized from Isami Tabi Limited Company to Isami Tabi Co., Ltd. In 1958 (Showa 33), it changed its name to Isami Clothing Industry Co., Ltd. In 1959 (Showa 34), it started manufacturing and selling physical education and sports clothing. In 1978 (Showa 53), it became the first in the industry to be certified as a Woolmark designated factory by the International Wool Secretariat. In 1990 (Heisei 2), it changed its name to Isami Corporation, established an office division, and increased its capital to 40 million yen. In 1991 (Heisei 3), a new sports clothing factory was built. In 1997 (Heisei 9), Kenji Suzuki became representative director. In 2003 (Heisei 15), it formed a partnership with Aoyagi Schoolmate Co., Ltd. and established the Aoyagi Schoolmate division in-house. In 2008 (Heisei 20), it celebrated its 101st anniversary and formulated a new three-year mid-term plan called INNOVATION2010. In 2014 (Heisei 26), it introduced CAM equipment at its factory. In 2017 (Heisei 29), the tabi culture of Gyoda was recognized as a Japan Heritage story, "Gyoda, the town of tabi warehouses that continues to support the footwear of Japanese dress culture." In 2022 (Reiwa 4), Takahiro Tsuchiya became representative director, and in August 2022, the company received certification as a Saitama Prefecture designated factory. Today, Isami Corporation operates five business segments: school uniforms, sports uniforms, business wear, tabi, and ISAMI Creative. It continues to manufacture at its own factories in Gyoda and Shibata, Niigata, and serves major Japanese retailers and department stores.

• 2022

  Takahiro Tsuchiya became representative director; certified as Saitama Prefecture designated factory

• 2017

  Gyoda tabi culture recognized as Japan Heritage

• 2014

  Introduced CAM equipment at factory

• 2008

  Celebrated 101st anniversary; formulated INNOVATION2010 mid-term plan

• 2003

  Partnership with Aoyagi Schoolmate Co., Ltd.; established Aoyagi Schoolmate division

• 1997

  Kenji Suzuki became representative director

• 1991

  New sports clothing factory built

• 1990

  Changed name to Isami Corporation; established office division; increased capital to 40 million yen

• 1978

  Certified as Woolmark designated factory by International Wool Secretariat

• 1959

  Started manufacturing and selling sports clothing

• 1958

  Changed name to Isami Clothing Industry Co., Ltd.

• 1952

  Reorganized from Isami Tabi Limited Company to Isami Tabi Co., Ltd.

• 1949

  Opened Tokyo sales office

• 1942

  Incorporated

• 1927

  Started clothing manufacturing

• 1907

  Founded in Gyoda, Saitama as a tabi manufacturer

A long-established Japanese sewing manufacturer combining traditional craftsmanship with modern production, serving schools, businesses, and the tabi market.

• School uniforms

  Uniforms for students, designed to withstand three years of school life.

• Sports uniforms

  Active and functional wear supporting sports and school life.

• Business wear

  Corporate uniforms expressing company image, from original to catalog sales.

• Tabi

  Over 50 products from traditional tabi to new-material 'THE KNIT TABI', sewn in integrated factory.

• ISAMI Creative

  Promotion team specializing in manufacturing, offering photography, video, EC, and design services.

• Movie ticket promotion

1. 1株式会社イサミコーポレーション｜学校制服・スポーツ・足袋の企画製造｜埼玉県行田市isamicorp.co.jp
2. 2会社概要｜株式会社イサミコーポレーション（明治40年創業・埼玉県行田市）isamicorp.co.jp
3. 3Isami Corporation - Wikidatawikidata.org
4. 4イサミコーポレーション - Wikipediaja.wikipedia.org