Built to Last, Since 1866HISTORYThe Story of Takagi
The Story of Takagi
SINCE 1866
TAKAGI’S HISTORY
TAKAGI’s
MESSAGE
From craftsmanship and knowledgeTo new value—Never stop evolving.
Takagi was founded in 1866 (Keio 2).
Our company history is built on the tools that have been with us through the development and change of the times.
From our founding business of sawsmithing to the present day, when we distribute a variety of tools both domestically and internationally,
many things have changed, and some things have remained constant.
This history is essential when talking about Takagi. For the development of the next era,
we believe it is our mission to pass on this historical baton, so that we can create tools that will be useful there.
1866
1912
The Founding Era
The story began in 1866
in Sanjo Village
In 1866, Takagi’s founder, Gihei Takahashi, began working as a saw blacksmith in Sanjo Village, Echigo (present-day Niigata Prefecture). As he started selling the saws he made himself, local carpenters began asking to see other tools as well. At the same time, fellow manufacturers requested that he sell their products alongside his own. Over time, he naturally took on the role of both maker and distributor. During the era of the first-generation Gihei Takahashi, Takagi’s unique business model—integrating both manufacturing and sales—was firmly established.
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The Beginning
Turning Point
1912
1945
[Turning Point : Second Generation 01]
The foundation of business that survives turbulent times
It was a turbulent time, with the Great Kanto Earthquake, the outbreak of war between Japan and the United States, and the end of the war. Takagi solidified its business foundation as a trading company and further strengthened its cooperative relationships with local artisans. They had promising artisans accompany them on peddling tours around the Kanto region, bringing back local needs and techniques, which played a part in the development of the current manufacturing companies in the Tsubame-Sanjo area. During the war, the company also became a designated military factory, and struggled to secure raw materials, sales channels, and work for its artisans. Even in the harsh conditions of war, the company was able to survive by helping each other in various ways.
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1945
1955
[Post-War to Post-War Reconstruction: Transition Period 02]
Enduring Spirit, Origin of Trust
Shortly after the war, the second-generation leader, Gisaburo, passed away. This led to an unforeseen crisis, almost bringing the company to bankruptcy. The high inheritance taxes imposed at the time forced the company to sell off its land, buildings, and inventory to meet the tax obligations.
The people who rushed to help were fellow craftsmen with whom the company had been doing business. In the severe post-war economy, they pooled their private funds, saying, “We can’t let TAKAGI disappear,” and “Let’s work hard together.”
Thanks to their support, the company averted the risk of bankruptcy and managed to recover. This incident became the origin of the enduring principle that is passed down: the importance of cooperation with others, and cherishing credit and trust.
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Turning Point 02
Period of Expansion
1955
1989
[The High-Growth Era (Late Showa Period): Development Stage]
Establishing the Brand and the Age of Breakthrough
The Tsubame-Sanjo area, which was spared from war damage, developed significantly around hardware manufacturing, due in part to the industrialization spurred by military demand.
As manufacturing methods became increasingly mechanized, the home center business format was first introduced in Japan in the early 1970s, increasing opportunities for consumers to purchase tools.
During this time, TAKAGI responded to these evolving trends by becoming an aggregator and wholesale distributor that handled products from other regions in addition to those from local manufacturers. We quickly began transactions with home center businesses.
Furthermore, we took the lead among our competitors by launching a power tool brand that general users could enjoy and by initiating the production of packaging suitable for in-store sales, which contributed to our subsequent growth.
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Logistics New
1989
2017
[Heisei to Reiwa: The Growth Phase]
Adapting to Market Changes, Expanding a Robust Foundation Across the Nation
Signs of major shifts emerged in the mechanisms and environment surrounding production, distribution, and consumption, driven by factors such as the expansion of the home center business format and the penetration of internet mail-order
(e-commerce).
In response, TAKAGI implemented various organizational structures to prepare for further business expansion, including the establishment of sales offices nationwide and the development of large-scale proprietary warehouses.
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Spirit & Innovation
2017
[Now]
An Enduring Spirit, Guiding Innovation
We have entered a modern era characterized by high uncertainty, a diversity of values, and an overwhelming influx of information.
At TAKAGI, our current President and Representative Director, Tatsuya Takahashi, was appointed as the 8th generation leader in 2017.
We are appropriately and sequentially introducing modern technologies, such as systemization and robotization, within the company. Simultaneously, we will combine these with the analog foundations and the valued spirit we have cultivated over the years to achieve further business growth.
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