Message from the Chairperson
Our company was founded in 1947 when Japanese painter Haru Tokunaga celebrated the birth of his eldest son by painting hand-drawn koinobori, spending the joyous day as a family.
At the time of our founding, koinobori were made by painting each one by hand on Japanese paper and assembling them with paste or hand-sewing. Today, we continue to innovate with advanced hand-dyed yuzen printing techniques, lightweight and durable fabrics, and highly functional display equipment.
In terms of design, we express a new Japanese beauty within tradition, combining Japanese paintings that inherit the spirit of our founder, Haru, with traditional classic patterns reimagined in a modern style.
Koinobori are a part of Japan’s seasonal holiday culture, swimming gracefully through the May skies and fostering love and bonds within families.
When the whole family looks up together, it becomes a time filled with wishes for the birth and happiness of a child, creating unforgettable memories.
Those memories of love will surely remain close to the hearts of children living in the future as a precious message.
We hope that those who display the koinobori we have crafted with all our heart will be blessed with abundant happiness.
While cherishing the traditions and culture we have passed down to this day, we hope to rewrite culture through new creativity, create new value, and offer new forms of happiness for the future.
Thank you for your continued support.
Corporate Philosophy
- MissionOur mission
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To celebrate the birth of a child, pray for a bright future, and protect and nurture it together.
Tokunaga Koinobori Co., Ltd. delivers this sentiment, passed down since our founding in 1947, through beautiful and durable koinobori and seasonal holiday decorations.
- VisionOur goal
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Tradition is a continuous series of innovations.
While preserving the essence of seasonal holiday culture, we create new forms that fit modern lifestyles, passing on Japan’s traditional culture to the next generation so that more families can enjoy it.
- ValuesThe values we cherish
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- Recognizing authenticityInheriting the aesthetic sense of our founder, Haru Tokunaga, we never compromise on design, materials, or craftsmanship.
- Protecting while challengingWhile inheriting traditional techniques, we continue to improve materials and functionality.
- Supporting your family’s wishesWe will assist you throughout the entire process, from choosing to displaying.
The Strengths of Tokunaga Koinobori
Tokunaga Koinobori Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer and retailer of koinobori and seasonal holiday items headquartered in Wake Town, Okayama Prefecture. As a koinobori manufacturer founded by a Japanese painter, we continue to create unique products in both design and technology.
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A koinobori manufacturer founded by a Japanese painter
Our founder, Haru Tokunaga, was a Japanese painter who studied under Fumasu Ito, known for his beautiful portraits of women. Even today, our pattern makers create designs based on Haru’s original drawings.
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Hand-dyed yuzen printing and unique colors and shapes
We pursue colors and curves that look most beautiful when swimming in the sky, including “Tokunaga Red,” based on vermilion, and the “Soyo Line,” created by hand-cutting.
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Industry-first water-repellent treatment and original woven patterns
In 1995, we developed and introduced the industry’s first water-repellent treatment. We develop beautiful fabrics in-house that are resistant to rain and dirt, including jacquard-woven “Kiritake Phoenix” and “Kirin” patterns.
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Manufacturer-run showroom and online store
We operate “Ningyo no Tokunaga,” a showroom specializing in seasonal holiday dolls, and our official online store, “Ningyo no Tokunaga.” Our makers deliver directly to our customers.
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Buyer expertise and seasonal holiday advisors
Seasonal holiday advisors guide you through Hina dolls and May dolls selected by buyers who visit workshops and artists nationwide, matching your family’s wishes and living environment.
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Continuous support from prayers to doll memorial services
We perform prayers for the healthy growth of your child before delivery, and we provide memorial services for dolls that have served their purpose. You can leave everything to us from welcoming them into your home to parting with them.
Tokunaga Koinobori in Numbers and Achievements
- Founded1947 (Showa 22)Starting with Japanese paper and hand-drawn koinobori
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Annual productionApproximately 1.5 million koinoboriApproximately 35% domestic market share
Japan’s top manufacturer (as of 2022) - Overseas exports began1961To countries in Europe and North America
- Industry-first water-repellent treatment1995Developed and introduced
Major Achievements & Recognition
- 1985Exhibited at the Los Angeles International Trade Show
- 1992“Kyo Nishiki” was raised in the sky over Antarctica by the 32nd Antarctic Research Expedition
- 1996Koinobori exhibited at Paris Fashion Week (designed by Shinichiro Arakawa)
- 1998The 50th-anniversary koinobori “Taiyo” was donated to the Nagano Winter Olympics
- 2005–“Kazemai” has been raised annually at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence
- 2013“Kitcho” participated in the National Honor Award ceremony at the Tokyo Dome (presented to Shigeo Nagashima and Hideki Matsui)
- 2014Koinobori displayed at Haneda Airport
- 2021–“Kitcho” displayed at Okayama Korakuen and Sawa Pond / Manufactured exclusive Hiroshima Toyo Carp koinobori
- 2023–Manufactured Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks koinobori
Company Profile
| Company Name | Tokunaga Koinobori Co., Ltd. |
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| Location | 935-4 Fujino, Wake Town, Wake District, Okayama Prefecture 709-0412 |
| Date of Establishment | December 9, 1974 |
| Representatives |
Chairperson Yuko Tokunaga President Masakazu Fujii President Hiroto Fukushima |
| Capital | 21 million yen |
| Business Activities | Manufacturing and retailing koinobori and seasonal holiday items |
| Website | https://tokunagagoi.co.jp/ |
