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History of Rihachi Mizuno
Rihachi Mizuno, a kimono shop worker, saw his first baseball game in Kyoto when he was 18 years old. He loved the game, which dated back to 1867 in Japan, and soon opened his own baseball equipment store. -
Founded
Mizuno was created in Japan in 1906 by the Mizuno brothers. -
Order made athletic wear.
1907 began to sell order-made athletic wear. -
New manufactures
In 1913 the firm began to manufacture baseballs and gloves. -
Star Line
In 1933 Mizuno presented Star Line, the first Japanese made golf clubs. -
Worlds largest golf showroom
By 1935 mizuno's golf club showroom was the world's largest. -
new records
In 1940, their soarer glider sets new records for flight duration and altitude -
started making Tennis equipment
The company continued to expand into other areas of sports and began manufacturing tennis equipment in 1943. -
First American Factory
The first American factory was established in Los Angeles, under the denomination American Mizuno in 1961. -
Rihachi Mizuno died in 1970
Mizuno’s founder, Rihachi Mizuno died in 1970, and is also awarded the Fourth Order of the Sacred Treasure -
The Baseball Hall of Fame inducts Rihachi Mizuno in 1971
The Baseball Hall of Fame inducts Rihachi Mizuno in 1971 -
Their shoes began to be sold in the US in 1980
Their shoes began to be sold in the US in 1980 -
supplier to several Olympic Games.
Since 1980 the company has been an official supplier to several Olympic Games. -
first head drivers
Mizuno creates the first carbon head drivers – Vanguard – which go on sale in 1982 -
Professional Golf Association
Professional Golf Association’s (PGA) tour in 1983 using mizuno supplies. -
In 1987 Carl Lewis signs on as an adviser
In 1987 Carl Lewis signs on as an adviser -
titanium clubs
In 1990, they introduce the world’s first titanium clubs -
Famous People used mizuno
Tiger Woods used Mizuno golf clubs while he was in college and continued to use them after he turned professional in 1996, including for his first Masters Tournament victory in 1997, having left Mizuno and moved to Titleist. Other players have played using Mizuno equipment during their careers. -
Sales hit $1.59 billion
Sales: $1.59 billion (1996) -
all of their factories reach their goal of zero emissions
In 2003, all of their factories reach their goal of zero emissions
