Wacoal (women apparel)

Wacoal Corp. is Japan’s leading manufacturer of women’s intimate apparel. Moreover, Wacoal is one of the world’s major intimate apparel brands. Since its establishment, the company has built a formidably strong position – particularly in mid-to-high-end markets – by developing products that offer the highest quality and value.

Wacoal Corp. started in Japan in 1946 by a young soldier named KOICHI TSUKAMOTO. The company was first known as “WAKO-SHOJI” – WA meaning harmony and KO refers to region Shiga, place of origin of Mr. Koichi Tsukamoto, and SHOJI as a trading company.

Recovering from post-war in Japan, Wako-Shoji was given the chance to enter the undergarments business when Japanese women started shifting their traditional costumes to Western clothes. The company introduced the first bra-pads made of spiral/coiled aluminum spring with a round stuffed cloth on the bottom – enhancing women’s bustline underneath their clothes.

The first business day of the company as Wako-Shoji Co. Ltd. was in November 1, 1949. The company engaged in the manufacture and distribution of women’s undergarments. In the later years (November 1957) the corporate name was changed to “WACOAL” when it began dealing in the international market.