2024
Launch of KINTO LOOP initiative.
KINTO LOOP initiative was launched to further our commitment to incorporating environmentally conscious and sustainable materials into our products.
Established in 1972, KINTO started out as a wholesaler of tableware in Shiga, Japan. Eventually we began developing our own products, aspiring to enrich the lifestyles that we imagine. Since 2010, our products have been exported worldwide to Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. In 2016, our subsidiary KINTO Europe B.V. was established in Europe. In 2019, our subsidary KINTO USA, Inc. was established in the United States. Ranging from tableware, drinkware, to interior accessories, we continue to develop products centering on usability and aesthetic balance.
Learn about KINTO's history through our products and initiatives.
2024
Launch of KINTO LOOP initiative.
KINTO LOOP initiative was launched to further our commitment to incorporating environmentally conscious and sustainable materials into our products.
2023
Launch of KINTO FARM.
Near KINTO headquarters in Shiga Prefecture, we started cultivating a farm from scratch. KINTO FARM is a field for exploring a lifestyle connected to nature, the seasons, and the community.
2023
Opening of KINTO STORE New York.
Our brand store in New York City opened in the Nolita neighborhood, showcasing a wide range of KINTO products.
2021
Opening of KINTO REC STORE Tokyo.
A concept store was opened in Nakameguro, Tokyo, to showcase products for outdoor activities as well as for kids & babies.
2019
Introduces MOLLIS.
MOLLIS, a plant brand by KINTO, delivers unique plants paired with pots. It was born to bring people the joy of a comfortable life with plants.
2020
Launch of BONBO.
BONBO, a tableware collection for kids and babies, was launched. While made of plastic, we aimed to give the items a sleek appearance like porcelain or glass so that they would blend harmoniously into relaxing interior spaces.
2019
Launch of WORKOUT BOTTLE.
WORKOUT BOTTLE was launched as KINTO's first collection of plastic bottles. We sought to create a bottle that is lightweight and comfortable to use, so that people can hydrate with ease during activities such as yoga and jogging.
2019
Introduces MARK IT BY KINTO.
Personalization service of tumblers, MARK IT BY KINTO, was introduced.
2019
Opening of KINTO STORE Tokyo.
Our first store in Japan opened in Tokyo as a place for visitors to experience the KINTO brand. The store offers a wide range of products including tableware.
2019
Opening of KINTO STORE Los Angeles.
The flagship store in Los Angeles opened, also serving as KINTO's showroom and office for North America.
2019
KINTO USA, Inc. is established.
An office for sales and marketing in the USA was opened in Los Angeles, California.
2017
Launch of TRAVEL TUMBLER.
TRAVEL TUMBLER was launched as KINTO's first collection of vacuum insulated stainless steel bottles. Functional, high quality, and beautiful, we worked to develop a product that we believed would enrich our own lifestyles.
2016
Launch of KAKOMI.
KAKOMI shares the joy of gathering around a pot, cooking seasonal ingredients and eating together casually. The collection has been designed so that it blends in well with the modern lifestyle and can be used all year round.
2016
KINTO Europe B.V. is established.
An office for sales and marketing in Europe was opened in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
2015
Launch of CERAMIC LAB.
CERAMIC LAB puts Japanese craftsmanship in focus. Working with skilled craftsmen and women in Hasami, each detail, including the nuanced expression of the glaze, have been carefully considered through many trials.
2014
Launch of SLOW COFFEE STYLE.
SLOW COFFEE STYLE was born to bring you the joy of a slow, relaxing passage of time with pour over coffee. The carafe set is a signature item which embodies our value in product design: balancing usability and aesthetics.
2009
Launch of RIM.
Born in 2009, RIM accommodates a diverse range of dishes and features a distinctive rim design. By utilizing porcelain clay containing iron powder, which normally gets thrown away, we are also working to reduce our environmental impact.
2008
Launch of CAST.
CAST, a drinkware collection made of heat-resistance glass, was launched. Each item was "cast" for a specific type of drink, designed with a proportion that would be suitable for its role.
2009
Begins overseas market development.
Exhibited at international tradeshows and began export of original products.
2006/2007
Launch of UNITEA.
UNITEA was developed with an aspiration to make tea more casual and enjoyable for people in their daily lives. Simple, modern, and comfortable to use, the collection was made of glass which was rare for teaware at that time.
1999
Opening of KINTO Hasami Center.
An office was opened in Hasami, Nagasaki Prefecture, for the development and quality control of porcelain products. This office has been permanently closed.
1997/1998
Launch of QING XIANG.
QING XIANG, a brand of Chinese tea and teaware, was launched.
1992
Opening of KINTO Tokyo Office.
The Tokyo Office was opened in Nakameguro, then relocated to Ebisu two years later.
1988
Begins distribution of tableware by foreign brands.
KINTO proposed a casual style of dining through tableware directly imported from European brands such as JENA, KAHLA, DENBY, and THOMAS.
1982
Begins development of original products.
"Mug Life", a brand featuring mugs, was established. This represented a shift in the style of tableware becoming more casual, which is still relevant today.
1979
Opening of KINTO Osaka Office.
The Osaka office was opened in Higashi Osaka, then moved to Shinsaibashi district in 1993. This office has been permanently closed.
1972
KINTO is established as a wholesaler of Japanese tableware.
KINTO was established in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture. Originally located about 300m southwest of its current location, the Head Office was surrounded by a rural landscape without a station nor a main road nearby at that time.
Japan
Located in Hikone City, Shiga prefecture. Home to our trade operation, customer support, and administration teams.
78-30 Koizumi-cho, Hikone-shi, Shiga 522-0043 Japan
Our Tokyo Office is in Ebisu, home to our Product Development, Marketing, and Communications divisions.
9F EBS Building, 1-7-7 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0021 Japan
Our Logistics Center is the heart of KINTO’s domestic and international logistic operations, streamlining operations to deliver our products efficiently and with care to our customers.
78-20 Koizumi-cho, Hikone-shi, Shiga 522-0043 Japan
Overseas
Established in 2019 as KINTO’s US subsidiary. KINTO's flagship store in Los Angeles also opened in the same year.
767 S Alameda St #188, Los Angeles, CA 90021 USA
Established in 2016 as KINTO’s European subsidiary. The Amsterdam office is the base for KINTO's European operations.
Keizersgracht 555, 1017 DR Amsterdam, The Netherlands