After studying in France as a student dispatched by the Kyoto prefectural government, Katsutaro Inabata devoted himself to introducing advanced Western technology to Japan, including dye and weaving techniques that he had acquired.
Katustaro also imported cinematograph and conducted Japan’s first cinema shows.
The Founder’s silk hat
Second Class of the Order of the Sacred Treasure
Japan 1942
The bronze statue presented by employeesIn commemoration of incorporation as a stock company and completion of the former Osaka Head Office building
1920
The Founder’s cane
Order of Merit (Grand Cross)
Portugal 1934
The Founder’s passport
59 years old at the time 1921
Legion of Honour Grand Officer
France 1934
“Aikei(IK: love and respect)” written by the Founder
HISTORY
130 years from its founding in 1890 The histories of the Founder Katsutaro Inabata and Inabata & Co., Ltd.
Despite the misfortunes, Katsutaro's hard work and outstanding grades made him one of the chosen few
Father : RisukeMother : Mitsu
Katsutaro Inabata was born as the eldest son to the family that ran Kameya Masashige, a Japanese sweets shop in Karasuma Oike, Kyoto, which was a purveyor to the Imperial Household.
His parents’ house burned down during the Kinmon incident when he was 2 years old.Despite the family evacuating to Yamashina and falling into poverty, he studied hard and helped the family business, undaunted by this misfortune.
EPISODE
To support his family’s impoverished life, Katsutaro helped at his parents’ Japanese sweets shop, going from town to town selling sweets that were bundled in a cloth on his back, even in the dead of winter. After finishing a day’s work, he would return home and study intently with the help of his father.
Wooden box for the compass received from Emperor Meiji
At 10 years old, Katsutaro was selected out of all elementary school students in Kyoto Prefecture, to memorize and recite the Nihon Gaishi,a 19th-century Japanese history book, in front of Emperor Meiji during his imperial visit to Kyoto. A compass was granted to Katsutaro as a reward.
At 14, he was selected from elementary school students in Kyoto Prefecture and entered the Kyoto Prefectural Normal School (currently Kyoto University of Education). He was one of the school’s first students.
Photograph of the Founder when he entered the normal school (14 years old) 1876
Biographical series of influential people: "The Early Life of Katsutaro Inabata
–Ohotori no Su ni Aru Koro”
Published: 1931
morePicture scroll painted by Rinpa artist Sekka Kamisaka Volume 1
National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto. 1931
Studying in France
15-22years old
1877~1884
Mastered the most advanced dyeing techniques of the time after studying for 8 years in France
Léon Dury The Founder’s mentor
Eight students, including 15-year-old Katsutaro, were selected by the Kyoto prefectural government to study in France to develop industry in Kyoto. He traveled to France with Léon Dury, a medical doctor and French language instructor.
The 8 students who studied in France and their areas of study
After learning French in Marseille and Lyon, he studied dyeing at the La Martinière technical school in Lyon.
At 18, he started learning practical skills at the Marnas dye factory, working for three years as an apprentice.
EPISODE
At the Marnas dyeing factory, Katsutaro even had to wash silk thread in a frozen river in winter for up to three hours. One day, a French coworker picked a fight with him, but Katsutaro threw and defeated his opponent. Subsequently, Katsutaro visited and reconciled with his coworker, who was in the hospital. After this, he gained the respect of his coworkers and became a popular figure at the factory.
After observing dyeing work in various European countries, he studied applied chemistry at the University of Lyon.
The dictionary used by the Founder when he studied in FranceStudy notes from when the Founder studied in France National Museum of Modern Art, Kyotomore
Picture scroll painted by Rinpa artist Sekka Kamisaka Volume 2 National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto
Returning to Japan and starting own business
23-32years old
1885~1894
Strove to fulfill his duties with the high aspiration of fostering Japan’s dyeing and weaving industry
Coworkers at Kyoto Orimono From the right, front row: wife of Tomotaro Sato; Trolliet, Tomotaro Sato Middle row: the Founder; wife of Meniere Back row: Meniere, dyeing technician; Father Marnas
At 23, Katsutaro returned from France and worked for the Kyoto prefectural government.
At 25, he contributed to the establishment of Kyoto Orimono company, Japan’s first silk fabric dyeing and weaving company that used machines.
EPISODE
One month after marrying his wife, Tomi, Katsutaro was dismissed from Kyoto Orimono.An underlying reason for this was the deterioration of profitability due to massive capital investments, such as those into expensive spinning and weaving machinery Katsutaro imported.
At 26, he became a chief engineer and developed many dyeing techniques.
But after two years, he was suddenly discharged, taking responsibility for the deterioration of profitability due to massive capital investments.
Silk mill in Kyoto
(Cited in national textbooks as one of Japan’s leading factories: "History of Kyoto Orimono")Kyoto Orimono building, which was established on the remains of a ranch
(The building is currently registered as a tangible cultural property and is being used as a library by the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University.) Photo provided by: Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University.
Showing resilience after a sudden dismissal, Katsutaro paved his way from scratch
Nishijin shop (first shop), which became Inabata’s place of origin
At 28 in 1890, the couple established Inabata Senryoten in Kyoto. Inabata Senryoten imported dyes directly from European dye companies, starting by being the Japanese distributor for the French dye manufacturer St. Denis. Inbata Senryoten contributed to developing the dyeing and weaving industry, such as by contributing to industrial newspapers in cooperation with others in the same business.
EPISODE
When the shop was first established, it was solely handled by the couple. Every day, Katsutaro walked from dye shop to dye shop, selling dye samples bundled in a cloth on his back while his wife Tomi boiled water at the shop’s wash basin and tested dyes.
“Latest Fashion Textile Samples” of J. Claude Freres from France Content in this file may not be reused without permission.moreAdvertisement and contribution at the time of founding
Wooden statue of the Founder’s wife, TomiPicture scroll painted by Rinpa artist Sekka Kamisaka Volume 3 National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto
Katsutaro’s desire at the time of establishment
“Guide to Common Aniline Dyes (published in November 1890)”
Katsutaro, who had seen the inferior quality of dyes imported to Japan through foreign trading houses, expressed in his advertisements his desire to “contribute to improving Japanese dyeing techniques by importing high-quality dyes directly from Europe and teaching usage methods, which in turn would lead to the steady development of the dye industry.”
Fostering Japan’s dyeing and weaving industries
33-53years old
1895~1915
Established Muslin Boshoku after learning spinning and weaving techniques
Panoramic view of Muslin Boshoku
EPISODE
Spinning and weaving technologies were not Katsutaro’s specialty. Although he traveled to France to learn muslin production methods, it was difficult to find someone to learn from as they were afraid of their technologies leaving the country, and he was even suspected of being a spy. He managed to learn these technologies thanks to the efforts of his friends from when he studied in France, who helped him gain access to a spinning factory for research.
At 33, Katsutaro established the Muslin Boshoku company and became its auditor. He was aiming for domestic production of muslin, a wool fabric also called to-chirimen, which was imported in large quantities then. He traveled to France to learn about muslin spinning and weaving technologies and purchase equipment. After returning the following year, he established a factory in Nakatsu, Osaka.
Considering the spinning and weaving machines Société Alsacienne de Constructions Mécaniques manufactured to be the best, he seized the opportunity to import and sell various types of their machinery.
What is muslin?
Muslin is a thin, soft, warm wool material that was widely used for kimono. It was an even more expensive import than silk in Japan then and was an important export for France. Its annual import volume in 1873 was around 5 million yards, which increased to approximately 37 million yards in 1896.
Muslin fabric imported by the Founder (Kyoto Institute of Technology)
Established Inabata Dye House to achieve domestic production for the dye business
Maroon hakama skirt(replica)
At 35, Katsutaro established Inabata Dye House for the dye processing of cotton cloth and became the president. He introduced superior dyeing equipment from Europe, used the latest dyes, and trained engineers and artisans himself. In particular, the maroon color known then as “Inabata-zome” became popular in the middle of the Meiji Period, as they were used for girls’ school uniforms and hakama skirts for women. During the Russo-Japanese War, he created a khaki dye for military uniforms that was difficult to see on the battlefield.
EPISODE
Ichizo Kobayashi, the founder of Hankyu Railway, liked the maroon color, which was popular at the time and used for hakama skirts for female students. He chose it for the body color of his trains.
Reference: Yoshinobu Takebe (2016) “The Beginnings of Cinema in Osaka,” Sairyusha.
Source: National Diet Library website.
With employees at Inabata Dye HouseSample of khaki dye from Inabata Dye House
Katsutaro Kunden (The Biography of Katsutaro Inabata)more
Katsutaro Kunden (The Biography of Katsutaro Inabata) revised book
Fostering Japan’s dyeing and weaving industries
54years-Late years
1916~1949
Copies of letters from the founder to French business partnersSign of Honorary Vice Consulate of Portuguese Republic residing in Kyoto
Establishment of the Japan Dyestuff Manufacturing Co., Ltd. to domestically produce synthetic dyes
The Founder (front and center wearing a silk hat) when he was president of the Japan Dyestuff Manufacturing Co., Ltd. with employees
At age 54 in 1916, Katsutaro participated in the establishment of the Japan Dyestuff Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and became an auditor.
At 64, he became president due to demands to overhaul its continuously unprofitable structure and strengthen management.
The Nissenkai dye association was formed by Inabata Shoten, Nagase Shoten, and five other companies to establish a sales structure.The founder created a system responsible for selling a fixed volume of dyes manufactured by Japan Dyestuff and improved the company’s financial results year after year, even during the unprecedented recession at the beginning of the Showa era.
The Inabata Shoten (Inabata & Co.) trademark specified for small packaging by the Nissenkai dye association
Affected by law enforcement in 1943 regulating companies manufacturing munitions, Japan Dyestuff merged with what is now Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. They had a deep relationship through the supply of materials.
Devoted himself to citizen diplomacy and trade promotion as an honorary consul to various countries
(Left)The statue of Katsutaro Inabata standing near the entrance to the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Right)The Institut français du Japon – Kansai after relocation from the Kujoyama district to the Yoshida district
At age 57, Katsutaro became honorary consul to Bolivia in Osaka. Subsequently, he received appointments as honorary consul to several European countries, including Portugal, and devoted himself to citizen diplomacy.
At 60, he was appointed the 10th chairman of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He visited various sites in China and the West and traveled to Geneva as the Japanese representative for the International Labour Conference hosted by the ILO. His travel experiences were published in the book Oua ni Tsukaishite (Dispatched to Europe and Asia).
At 64, he was elected as a member of the House of Peers.With the then French Ambassador to Japan, Paul Claudel, who was also famous as a poet, he established a society for Franco-Japanese cultural exchange in Kyoto. He also collected donations from influential business leaders in the Kansai region and built the Institut français du Japon – Kansai in the Kujoyama district of Kyoto.
With artist Tsuguharu Fujita
at the Institut français du Japon – Kansai in 1936Painting of a horse
Artist: Shunkyo Yamamoto; Poet: Paul Claudel
National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto
Waraku-en calendar
EPISODE
Citizen diplomacy at Waraku-en
The grounds of Waraku-en, which was the Inabata residence in the Nanzen-ji Temple precinct of Kyoto, stretched for more than 5,000 tsubo (about 16,000 ㎡), and the view was one of the best in Kyoto. It was there that, from the Taisho era through the Showa era, business partners were entertained, industry leaders gathered, and events such as welcome parties for political and business leaders and foreign heads of state, dignitaries, and VIPs as well as garden parties for the company staff were frequently held.
Waraku-en guest book
Signature of Helen Keller written on the guest book
May 1937Signature of Eiichi Shibusawa written on the guest book
April 1915
EPISODE
Entrepreneur Eiichi Shibusawa and the Founder
【Upon establishment of Kyoto Orimono】
Founder Inabata emphasized the necessity of a modern textile company to then-renowned entrepreneur Shibusawa, who agreed and asked the governor of Kyoto Prefecture and business tycoons to cooperate.
【Upon establishment of the Japan Dyestuff Manufacturing】
The Founder, who was vice chairman of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed the necessity of domestically producing synthetic dyes as imports stopped due to World War I. Shibusawa agreed and became one of the executives of Japan Dyestuff Manufacturing.
The Founder, at age 75
1937
Major awards received by Katsutaro Inabata
Japan
Second Class of the Order of the Sacred Treasure,
Third Class of the Order of the Rising Sun
Medal with Green Ribbon, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon
France
Order of the Black Star (Grand Cross)
National Order of the Legion of Honour (Grand Officer)
Royal Order of Cambodia (Knight Grand Cross)
Belgium
Order of Leopold (First Class)
Romania
Order of the Star of Romania (Colan/First Class)
The Pope
Order of St. Sylvester (Knight Grand Cross)
Portugal
Order of Merit (Grand Cross)
Ethiopia
Order of the Star of Ethiopia (Grand Cross)
Poland
Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland (Second Class)
Czechoslovakia(current Czech Republic and Slovakia)
Order of the White Lion (Second Class)
Bolivia
Order of the Condor of the Andes (Second Class)
Annam (current Vietnam)
Imperial Order of the Dragon of Annam (Second Class)
Siam (current Thailand)
Order of the White Elephant (Commander)
Presidents of Inabata &Co.
and its 130 years of History
History
In office
47years
1890-1937
Founder
1862 - 1949
Katsutaro Inabata
1890
Global events
1894
Sino-Japanese War
1904
Russo-Japanese War
1914
World War I
1923
Great Kanto Earthquake
Meiji 23
1890
Founded Inabata Senryoten
1897
Introduced the cinematograph to Japan
1918
Inabata Shoten incorporated
In office
32years
1937-1969
2nd president
1898 - 1988
Taro Inabata
1937
Global events
1939
World War II
1945
End of the war
1950
Korean War
1964
Tokaido Shinkansen
begins service,
Tokyo Olympics
Showa 12
1944
The Japan Dyestuff Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
merged with Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
1959
Imported polypropylene
to Japan for the first time
1961
Listed on the Second Section
of the Osaka Securities Exchange
1962
Listed on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange
In office
3years
1969-1972
3rd president
1902 - 1977
Hideo Ito
1969
Global events
1971
Nixon Shock
Showa 44
1970
Inabata Group’s 80th anniversary
1971
New Tokyo Head Office building
unveiled
In office
26years
1972-1998
4th president
1926 - 2021
Katsuo Inabata
1972
Global events
1979
1979 oil crisis
1980
Iran-Iraq War
1987
Black Monday
1989
Fall of the Berlin Wall
1991
Collapse of the Soviet Union
1993
Establishment of the European Union (EU)
1995
Great Hanshin Earthquake
Showa 47
1973
Listed on the first section of the Tokyo Stock
Exchange and the Osaka Securities Exchange
1984
Separation of the pharmaceuticals
business and establishment of
Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.
1990
Inabata’s 100th anniversary
The new Osaka Head Office building
unveiled
In office
7years
1998-2005
5th president
1938 - 2005
Takeo Inabata
1998
Global events
2001
September 11 attacks
2003
Iraq War
Heisei 10
1998
Business reorganized into 5 segments
(IT & Electronics, Housing Materials,
Chemicals, Plastics, and Food)
2000
Obtained ISO 14001 certification
2003
Introduced executive officer system
Obtained ISO 9001 certification
In office
2005~ Current
6th president
1959 -
Katsutaro Inabata
2005
Global events
2007
iPhone released
2008
Bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers
2011
Great East Japan Earthquake
2022
Russia-Ukraine War
Heisei 17
2010
Management Philosophy reorganized
and announced
Inabata katsutaro’s Voyage to
Europe and Global Network
At 15, Katsutaro traveled to France with seven students sent by Kyoto Prefecture.
The map shows the 44-day journey from the port of Yokohama to Marseille, France. Our Group's current (as of July 2023) global network is represented by ● for overseas trading company and ▲ for manufacturing and processing base.