- Established in 1566
- Challenges in the 20th Century
- Embracing New Materials
- Licensed Products and Innovations
- A Scientific Approach to Sleep
- Introducing "AiR": Redefining the Value of Sleep
- The Future of nishikawa
Established in 1566
Founded by the visionary entrepreneur Jinemon Nishikawa at 18 near an area called Omi near Kyoto, nishikawa began as a business selling mosquito nets and household goods. In the sweltering summers of Japan, where mosquitoes disrupted peaceful sleep, nishikawa's founder ingeniously designed green nets with red rims, creating a visually appealing and cooling effect reminiscent of sleeping enveloped in greenery, which quickly gained popularity.
As nishikawa's reputation grew, the company expanded its business to Tokyo, building strong relationships with local feudal lords. While initially dealing in various products such as bows, clothing, and household items, by the 19th century, nishikawa had established itself as a specialist store for "mosquito nets and bedding."
Challenges in the 20th Century
nishikawa faced numerous challenges in the 20th century. The Great Kanto Earthquake that struck Tokyo in 1923 devastated nishikawa's newly constructed buildings and led to the loss of goods. However, with support from other branches of nishikawa, the company swiftly resumed operations, providing much-needed supplies to the communities affected by the earthquake's aftermath.
After World War II, nishikawa initiated the Sleep Improvement Movement. The company's president at the time recognized the importance of sleep, stating, "For a healthy life, sleep, which occupies one-third of our lives, is crucial." nishikawa not only sold bedding but also engaged in educational campaigns aimed at improving people's lives and culture. In post-war Japan, where food and resources were scarce, nishikawa emphasized the importance of sleep.
Embracing New Materials
In the post-war era, nishikawa embarked on a mission to improve sleep through its "Sleep Improvement Movement," continually innovating its products. In 1956, nishikawa launched a groundbreaking futon mattress that eliminated the need to refill cotton filling. This new futon mattress product also featured a removable and washable cover, significantly enhancing convenience for consumers.
nishikawa actively explored new materials such as synthetic fibers. The resulting lightweight, warm, and hygienic bedding quickly gained popularity.
As the economy grew, so did the demand for high-quality down comforters. Avoiding the pitfalls of price competition, nishikawa enhanced its brand reputation through unique down-cleaning and handling techniques, ensuring superior quality in its products.
Licensed Products and Innovations
With growing demand for stylish bedding, nishikawa acquired the license for Peanuts characters. Products such as towels, blankets, and pajamas featuring these beloved characters quickly became popular in Japan, where Peanuts merchandise was previously hard to find. nishikawa also licensed and sold products from brands like Burberry.
In addition to selling licensed products, nishikawa leveraged this research to develop its own unique brands. One notable result of this effort was the creation of the AiR mattress, exemplifying our commitment to innovation and quality.
A Scientific Approach to Sleep
nishikawa has long recognized the importance of enhancing product quality based on scientific evidence gathered through comprehensive data collection and analysis, rather than relying solely on intuition. It was within this context that in 1984, they established the Japan Sleep Science Research Institute, under the concept of "scientifically understanding sleep." With the cooperation of prominent figures such as Professor Jiro Shimizu, then Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Tokyo Institute of Technology, and Professor Shojiro Inoue from Tokyo Medical and Dental University, they established a robust research framework. Within the institute, nishikawa equipped facilities such as the "Sleep Measurement Room," capable of simulating indoor environments with temperatures ranging from 32 °F to 104°F and humidity levels from 40 to 80%, and the "Thermal Measurement Room," which controlled a constant temperature of 68°F and 65% humidity, meeting JIS standards. Actual nishikawa employees served as test subjects, collecting foundational data to drive the development of new products. This foundational research became the cornerstone of new product development, leading to the creation of a series of comfortable bedding solutions.
Introducing "AiR": Redefining the Value of Sleep
In 2009, leveraging the expertise of Nishikawa Industrial's Japan Sleep Science Research Institute and nishikawa’s unique product strategy, nishikawa launched the AiR performance mattress. Featuring a special three-layer 3D structure, the AiR mattress significantly enhances body pressure dispersion, allowing us to maintain optimal body position throughout sleep for more comfortable rest and effective recovery.
What sets AiR apart is its high functionality combined with a visually appealing design. Using colors like yellow, blue, red, and black, nishikawa created a product that stands out not just for its performance but also for its aesthetic appeal. By partnering with top athletes, nishikawa supported their performance from the perspective of sleep. nishikawa's AiR has supported over 100 world champions across various sports. As a result, nishikawa products have captivated a younger demographic and men who previously showed little interest in bedding, pioneering the formation of a new market.
The Future of nishikawa
At nishikawa, we are committed to continuously advancing and deepening our expertise in sleep science. Stay informed about our latest innovations and updates by subscribing to our newsletter. Join us on our journey towards the future of sleep!
Read More: Learn about nishikawa's sustainability and CSR efforts.