Zojirushi Brand History

The story of Zojirushi began in Japan over 100 years ago—in 1918—when the Ichikawa Brothers Trading Company developed the first glass-lined vacuum bottle for home use. At the time, this was a revolutionary invention that marked the beginning of the modern era of thermoses and vacuum technology.

In 1923, the company began mass production of vacuum bottles and adopted the elephant as its trademark—a symbol of wisdom, reliability, and comfort. In 1948, Kyowa Manufacturing Co., Ltd. was established, and in 1961, the company received its current name: Zojirushi Corporation. The name “Zojirushi” comes from the Japanese word “zō” (elephant), representing care, strength, and the warmth of home.

Zojirushi continued to grow and innovate. In 1963, it became the first company in Japan to automate the production of glass vacuum liners. In 1981, it made another breakthrough by patenting the manufacturing process for stainless steel vacuum bottles and launching the iconic Tuff Boy line, known for its durability and compact design.

Since then, Zojirushi has significantly expanded its product range to include:

• Travel mugs and food jars

• Electric water boilers and rice cookers

• Bread makers, water heaters, and other kitchen appliances

The company focuses on ergonomics, safety, and innovation, and its philosophy of “Creating a Quality of Life” is reflected in every detail—from design to functionality.

Zojirushi is also committed to developing technologies that support elderly users, such as the “Mimamori Hotline” project, which allows families to monitor the well-being of loved ones through smart, internet-connected thermal pots.

In 2018, Zojirushi celebrated its 100th anniversary and was listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, confirming its position as a global leader in the industry.

Global Presence

Zojirushi is more than just a Japanese brand. It continues to grow internationally and now has offices and subsidiaries around the world:

• USA: Zojirushi America Corporation (established in 1987)

• Thailand: Union Zojirushi Co., Ltd. and Zojirushi SE Asia Corporation

• China (Shanghai), Taiwan, Hong Kong – regional subsidiaries

• Europe and other regions – represented by official distributors and partners

This global presence allows Zojirushi to stay close to its customers, adapt to local market needs, and deliver high-quality products and services worldwide.