KOSÉ Museum

1946 - 1972The Founding of KOBAYASHI UNLIMITED PARTNERSHIP
and the Introduction of High Quality Cosmetics onto the Market

1946

On March 2, Kozaburo Kobayashi establishes KOBAYASHI UNLIMITED PARTNERSHIP in Kita-ku, Oji, Tokyo

On March 2, Kozaburo Kobayashi establishes KOBAYASHI UNLIMITED PARTNERSHIP in Kita-ku, Oji, Tokyo

Start of cosmetic manufacturing and sales

Start of cosmetic manufacturing and sales

1948

Establishment of KOBAYASHI KOSÉ COMPANY LIMITED with 26 employees (June 8)

Establishment of KOBAYASHI KOSÉ COMPANY LIMITED with 26 employees (June 8)

1950

Awarded first place for retail excellence by Kyoshokai in Kyoto

1951

Establishment of KOSÉ SHOJI CORPORATION as a sales company

Launch of PERLIGHT SKIN, a cosmetic cream containing photosensitizing dyes

Launch of PERLIGHT SKIN, a cosmetic cream containing photosensitizing dyes

1953

Launch of COLONE, KOSÉ´s first foundation

Launch of COLONE, KOSÉ´s first foundation

1956

Establishment of ALBION Co., Ltd. on KOSÉ's 10th anniversary

1957

Completion of company headquarters in Horifune, Kita-ku, Tokyo

Completion of company headquarters in Horifune, Kita-ku, Tokyo

Launch of “Cattleya Association,” a group of KOSÉ cosmetic lovers

Launch of “Cattleya Association,”
a group of KOSÉ cosmetic lovers

Launch of LA BONNE, KOSÉ´s first premium cosmetic line, which is still sold today

Launch of LA BONNE, KOSÉ´s first premium cosmetic line, which is still sold today

1961

Establishment of TOPAC CORPORATION., a cardboard manufacturer (later merged with INTERCOSME INC.)

1962

Launch of AULIC, a premium product line designed to suit Japanese skin, which is still sold today

Launch of AULIC, a premium product line designed to suit Japanese skin, which is still sold today

See the current lineup

1963

Start of technology alliance with L'Oréal of France (alliance was dissolved in 2001)

Start of technology alliance with L'Oréal of France (alliance was dissolved in 2001)

1964

Completion of the Sayama Factory in Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture

Completion of the Sayama Factory in Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture

Opening of a research laboratory (now called KOSÉ Research Laboratory) in Kita-ku, Tokyo

Opening of a research laboratory (now called KOSÉ Research Laboratory) in Kita-ku, Tokyo

1965

Relocation of headquarters to Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Relocation of headquarters to Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

1966

Launch of ALPHARD, KOSÉ´s 20th anniversary premium product line

Launch of ALPHARD, KOSÉ´s 20th anniversary premium product line

1967

Launch of AULIC Compact Foundation

Launch of AULIC Compact Foundation

1968

Entry into the Hong Kong market,KOSÉ´s first full-scale overseas expansion

Entry into the Hong Kong market,
KOSÉ´s first full-scale overseas expansion

1970

Launch of COSME DECORTÉ, a premium brand

Launch of COSME DECORTÉ,
a premium brand

1971

Establishment of KOSÉ SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. a subsidiary located in Singapore

Opening of an education center in Ageo City, Saitama Prefecture

Opening of an education center in Ageo City, Saitama Prefecture

1972

Establishment of KOSÉ (MALAYSIA) SDN.BHD. a subsidiary located in Malaysia

Launch of NOA, KOSÉ´s first makeup brand

Launch of NOA, KOSÉ´s first makeup brand

1973 - 1990Continuously Producing Innovative Products:
Maturing into a Comprehensive Cosmetics Maker

1974

Launched SUMMERD, a summer-use foundation that does not require the use of water

Launched SUMMERD, a summer-use foundation that does not require the use of water

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1975

Launched ALPHARD R・C Liquid Precious, a pioneer of a beauty serum(still sold today)

Launched ALPHARD R・C Liquid Precious, a pioneer of a beauty serum
(still sold today)

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1976

Opening of the company's first distribution center in Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture

Opening of the company's first distribution center in Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture

Launched FIT ON, a powder foundation

Launched FIT ON, a powder foundation

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1977

Introduction of quality control (QC) activities by the Manufacturing Department

1978

Launch of ESPRIQUE, a brand to offer a full mild-acidity product lineup

Launch of ESPRIQUE, a brand to offer a full mild-acidity product lineup

1979

Completion of Gunma Factory in Isezaki City, Gunma Prefecture Start of the manufacture of fragrances

Completion of Gunma Factory in Isezaki City, Gunma Prefecture Start of the manufacture of fragrances

Launch of 2WAY CAKE, a wet-and-dry use foundation

Launch of 2WAY CAKE,
a wet-and-dry use foundation

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Launch of ESPRIQUE Moisture Essence,a moisturizing beauty serum containing amino acids(still sold today)

Launch of ESPRIQUE Moisture Essence,a moisturizing beauty serum containing amino acids
(still sold today)

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1980

Manufacturing Department receives the Deming Prize as the first one for the industry

Manufacturing Department receives the Deming Prize as the first one for the industry

Launch of QUICK FINISH,a quick-type foundation not requiring the use of a primer

Launch of QUICK FINISH,a quick-type foundation not requiring the use of a primer

1981

Appointment of Reijiro Kobayashi as president

Appointment of Reijiro Kobayashi as president

Launch of SPORT BEAUTY, a dedicated sports brand

Launch of SPORT BEAUTY,
a dedicated sports brand

1982

Start of operations of Meishin Distribution Center in Shiga Prefecture, followed by the development of a national distribution network

Launch of DAMON, a men´s beauty line

Launch of DAMON, a men´s beauty line

1983

Launch of SONIA line

Launch of SONIA line

1984

Establishment of local subsidiary in Taiwan (TAIWAN KOSÉ CO., LTD.)

Establishment of local subsidiary in Thailand (KOSÉ (THAILAND) CO., LTD.)

Launch of BE, a pallet-type makeup line

Launch of BE,
a pallet-type makeup line

Launch of DAMON BRONZER, a men´s makeup line

Launch of DAMON BRONZER,
a men´s makeup line

1985

Establishment of COSME LABO CO., LTD., a cosmetics manufacturer

Establishment of CRIE Co., Ltd.,
a company marketing cosmetics through beauty salons

Start of sales in Indonesia

Launch of SEKKISEI,a lotion containing Japanese and Chinese herbal extracts

Launch of SEKKISEI,
a lotion containing Japanese and Chinese herbal extracts

Launch of AVENIR, KOSÉ´s commemorative 40th-anniversary brand

Launch of AVENIR, KOSÉ´s commemorative 40th-anniversary brand

1987

Establishment of Japan-China joint-venture company Chun Si Li Co., Ltd. (presently KOSÉ COSMETICS CO., LTD. (CHINA)) in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China

Establishment of Japan-China joint-venture company Chun Si Li Co., Ltd. (presently KOSÉ COSMETICS CO., LTD. (CHINA)) in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China

1988

Opening of Itabashi Research Laboratory (presently KOSÉ Fundamental Research Laboratory) in Itabashi-ku, Tokyo

Opening of Itabashi Research Laboratory (presently KOSÉ Fundamental Research Laboratory) in Itabashi-ku, Tokyo

Establishment of KOSÉ SALES CO., LTD.

Establishment of Cosmeport Corp.(presently KOSÉ COSMEPORT CORP.), a company marketing cosmetics through wholesalers

Establishment of Cosmeport Corp.(presently KOSÉ COSMEPORT CORP.), a company marketing cosmetics through wholesalers

Launch of QUICK FINISH Sun Care

Launch of QUICK FINISH Sun Care

1989

Launch of HAPPY BATH DAY, a skincare brand for the bath

Launch of HAPPY BATH DAY,
a skincare brand for the bath

1990

Establishment of the Cosmetology Research Foundation by Honorary Chairman Kozaburo Kobayashi

Launch of COSME DECORTÉ AQ,a top-tier premium product line

Launch of COSME DECORTÉ AQ,
a top-tier premium product line

Launch of WHITENING CREAM XX, a whitening cream containing kojic acid

Launch of WHITENING CREAM XX,
a whitening cream containing kojic acid

Examples of Development Efforts
Kojic acid

1991 - 1998Introduction of Corporate Identity and the Challenge of Establishing
a Selective Distribution System

1991

Introduction of corporate identity (CI); change of the company name to KOSÉ Corporation Announcement of the new logo and corporate philosophy

Introduction of corporate identity (CI); change of the company name to KOSÉ Corporation
Announcement of the new logo and corporate philosophy

Establishment of INTERCOSME, INC. a plastic container manufacturer

Launch of INTELLIGÉ, a symbolic brand of KOSÉ,to accompany the introduction of corporate identity (CI)

Launch of INTELLIGÉ, a symbolic brand of KOSÉ,to accompany the introduction of corporate identity (CI)

Launch of Deuxseize, the first makeup brand launched following the introduction of CI

1992

Establishment of subsidiary ADVANCE Co., Ltd., in Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture with the aim of promoting the employment of disabled persons

Establishment of subsidiary ADVANCE Co., Ltd., in Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture with the aim of promoting the employment of disabled persons

Launch of DECORTÉ Moisture Liposome,a beauty serum representative of the COSME DECORTÉ line

Launch of DECORTÉ Moisture Liposome,a beauty serum representative of the COSME DECORTÉ line

Examples of Development Efforts
Liposome

Launch of Lechéri, awarded Silver Prize in the Buzzword of the Year contest for its attention-grabbing commercial catchphrase “Kiss me!”

Launch of Lechéri, awarded Silver Prize in the Buzzword of the Year contest for its attention-grabbing commercial catchphrase “Kiss me!”

1993

Establishment of KOSÉ COSMENIENCE CO., LTD., a company selling KOSÉ´s personal care products

Establishment of KOSÉ COSMENIENCE CO., LTD.,
a company selling KOSÉ´s personal care products

Launch of LIP GELMAGIC,a product to prevent lipstick from wearing off

Launch of LIP GELMAGIC,
a product to prevent lipstick from wearing off

1994

Launch of makeup line VISÉE

Launch of makeup line VISÉE

1995

Launch of AWAKE,a product focused on treating stress to the skin

Launch of AWAKE,
a product focused on treating stress to the skin

Award of the Marie Claire Les Prix d´Excellence de la beauté Japan Honorable Mention to Lechéri WATER PACT

Award of the Marie Claire Les Prix
d´Excellence de la beauté Japan Honorable Mention to Lechéri WATER PACT

Launch of SOFTYMO,a face wash and cleanser from KOSÉ Cosmeport

Launch of SOFTYMO,
a face wash and cleanser from KOSÉ Cosmeport

1996

Launch of PRÉDIA for sales in cosmetic specialty stores

Launch of PRÉDIA for sales in cosmetic specialty stores

1997

Appointment of Yasukiyo Kobayashi as president

Appointment of Yasukiyo Kobayashi as president

1998

Gunma Factory acquires ISO 9002 (presently ISO 9001) certification All production facilities acquire this certification in 2000

Gunma Factory acquires ISO 9002 (presently ISO 9001) certification
All production facilities acquire this certification in 2000

Award of the Marie Claire Les Prix d´Excellence de la beauté Japan Honorable Mention to COSME DECORTÉ White-Science Fresh Concentrate

Award of the Marie Claire Les Prix
d´Excellence de la beauté Japan Honorable Mention to COSME DECORTÉ White-Science Fresh Concentrate

Launch of SEIKISHO,a soap containing Japanese and Chinese herbal extracts

Launch of SEIKISHO,
a soap containing Japanese and Chinese herbal extracts

1999 - 2006Listing on the Stock Exchange;
Strengthening of Business Foundations

1999

Stock listing on the Japan Securities Dealers Association

Sayama Factory acquires ISO 9002 (presently ISO 9001) certification

Launch of Rutina, a skincare product incorporating new technology for the 21st century

2000

Stock listing on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange

Stock listing on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange

Gunma Factory acquires
ISO 14001 certification

Establishment of local subsidiary in Hong Kong (KOSÉ (HONG KONG) CO., LTD.)

Completion of Xiasha Factory in Hangzhou, China

Launch of VISÉE Lip Visualizer,featuring a different color on each end of its package

Launch of VISÉE Lip Visualizer,
featuring a different color on each end of its package

2001

Establishment of local subsidiary in South Korea (KOSÉ KOREA CO., LTD.)

Start of sales in Vietnam

Xiasha Factory acquires ISO 9001 certification

Award of the Ministry of Education's Encouragement Prize to the company's water capsule technology

Award of the Ministry of Education's "Encouragement Prize” to the company's water capsule technology

Launch of BEAUTÉ de KOSÉ for sales in department stores

Launch of BEAUTÉ de KOSÉ for sales in department stores

2002

Acquisition of Phil International Inc. (presently Dr. PHIL COSMETICS INC.), a company handling medical cosmetics

Establishment of KOSÉ COSMEPIA CO., LTD. a company selling OEM and commercial-use products

Launch of three new products, including the CLEAR TURN White Mask, from KOSÉ Cosmeport

Launch of INFINITY for sales in mass retailers and drugstores

Launch of INFINITY for sales in mass retailers and drugstores

2003

Sayama Factory acquires
ISO 14001 certification in January
All distribution centers and affiliated companies acquire
ISO 14001 certification at the end of the year

All distribution centers and affiliated companies acquire
ISO 14001 certification

Start of sales in the Philippines

Launch of STEPHEN KNOLL COLLECTION, a haircare line

Launch of STEPHEN KNOLL COLLECTION, a haircare line

2004

Construction of new laboratory in Kita-ku, Tokyo; establishment of new research structure

Construction of new laboratory in Kita-ku, Tokyo; establishment of new research structure

Opening of Order Center in Akita Prefecture for wide-area order processing functions

Completion of Hsinchu Factory in Taiwan

Completion of Hsinchu Factory in Taiwan

Introduction of supply chain management (SCM)

Presentation by KOSÉ awarded Grand Prize at the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) World Congress

Presentation by KOSÉ awarded Grand Prize at the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) World Congress

Launch of MOISTURE SKIN REPAIR, a moisturizing beauty serum containing Rice Power® Extract No. 11

Launch of MOISTURE SKIN REPAIR,
a moisturizing beauty serum containing Rice Power® Extract No. 11

Launch of SEKKISUI

Launch of SEKKISUI

2005

Establishment of sales company in China (KOSÉ COSMETICS SALES (CHINA) CO., LTD.)

Establishment of sales company in China (KOSÉ COSMETICS SALES (CHINA) CO., LTD.)

Introduction of the JILL STUART brand (licensed) to the Japanese cosmetics market

Introduction of the JILL STUART brand (licensed) to the Japanese cosmetics market

Launch of ASTALUTION, a beauty serum containing a high concentration of astaxanthin

Launch of ASTALUTION,
a beauty serum containing a high concentration of astaxanthin

2006

Introduction of the RIMMEL brand(licensed from Coty Inc. in the U.S.) to the Japanese cosmetics market

Introduction of the RIMMEL brand(licensed from Coty Inc. in the U.S.) to the Japanese cosmetics market

Launch of ESPRIQUE PRECIOUS

Launch of ESPRIQUE PRECIOUS

2007 - 2023A Series of Reforms:
Accelerating Globalization

2007

Appointment of Kazutoshi Kobayashi as president

Appointment of Kazutoshi Kobayashi as president

Start of sales in Myanmar

Start of sales in the UAE

2008

Opening of KOSÉ Oji Training Center in Kita-ku, Tokyo

Opening of KOSÉ Oji Training Center in Kita-ku, Tokyo

Launch of SEKKISEI SUPREME, SEKKISEI´s premium line

Launch of SEKKISEI SUPREME, SEKKISEI´s premium line

2009

Acquisition of the global trademark for JILL STUART cosmetics

Acquisition of the global trademark for JILL STUART cosmetics

Start of the SAVE the BLUE project,donating a portion of SEKKISEI sales to environmental conservation

Start of the SAVE the BLUE project,
donating a portion of SEKKISEI sales to environmental conservation

Launch of SUNCUT Sunscreen Spray from KOSÉ COSMEPORT CORP.

Launch of SUNCUT Sunscreen Spray from KOSÉ COSMEPORT CORP.

Launch of natural skincare line NATURE & CO

Launch of natural skincare line NATURE & CO

Launch of makeup brand ADDICTION for sales in department stores

Launch of makeup brand ADDICTION for sales in department stores

2010

Launch of COSME DECORTÉ AQMW

Launch of COSME DECORTÉ AQMW

Incorporating cutting-edge sensibility (in collaboration with Marcel Wanders)

2011

Establishment of Provision Co., Ltd.
(presently KOSÉ PROVISION CORPORATION CO., LTD.)

Launch of makeup brand ESPRIQUE

Launch of makeup brand ESPRIQUE

Launch of PAUL STUART, a men´s cosmetics brand (licensed)

Launch of PAUL STUART, a men´s cosmetics brand (licensed)

2012

Start of sales in Italy

Launch of ASTABLANC brand, containing Astaxanthin

Launch of ASTABLANC brand, containing Astaxanthin

Launch of HADAKIWAMI brand,containing Rice Power® Extract No.11

Launch of HADAKIWAMI brand,
containing Rice Power® Extract No.11

Launch of MAIHADA from KOSÉ PROVISION CORPORATION a subsidiary dedicated to e-commerce

Launch of MAIHADA from KOSÉ PROVISION CORPORATION
a subsidiary dedicated to e-commerce

2013

Holding of the first Beauty Festa, an event to spread information about KOSÉ Group cosmetics

Holding of the first Beauty Festa, an event to spread information about KOSÉ Group cosmetics

Establishment of the KOSÉ Endowed Program for Skincare and Allergy Preventive Medicine at the Keio University School of Medicine

Establishment of KOSÉ Corporation India Pvt, Ltd. in India

Launch of Je l'aime,a non-silicon haircare product line from KOSÉ COSMEPORT CORP.

Launch of Je l'aime,a non-silicon haircare product line from KOSÉ COSMEPORT CORP.

2014

Establishment of local subsidiary in Indonesia(PT. INDONESIA KOSÉ)

Acquisition of American cosmetics company Tarte, Inc., as a wholly-owned subsidiary

Acquisition of American cosmetics company Tarte, Inc., as a wholly-owned subsidiary

Launch of NAILHOLIC,a line of nail polish offering abundant color variations

Launch of NAILHOLIC,
a line of nail polish offering abundant color variations

2015

Start of sales in India

Establishment of KOSÉ America, Inc. in the U.S.

Introduced Spawake to the Indian cosmetics market

Introduced Spawake to the Indian cosmetics market

2016

Start of sales of DECORTÉ at department stores in North America

Establishment of KOSÉ INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.

Establishment of KOSÉ BRASIL COMÉRCIO DE COSMÉTICOS LTDA. in Brasil

Launched Cosme DECORTÉ AQMW Eye Glow Gem, an eye shadow with excellent color, luster, and makeup retention

Launched Cosme DECORTÉ AQMW Eye Glow Gem, an eye shadow with excellent color, luster, and makeup retention

2017

A new manufacturing building opened within the Gunma Factory complex

A new manufacturing building opened within the Gunma Factory complex

Established Kose Milbon Cosmetics Co., Ltd. to manufacture and sell cosmetic products through salon distribution channels

Established KOSÉ Research Institute France Branch Office in Lyon, France

Established KOSÉ Research Institute France Branch Office in Lyon, France

Launch of ONE BY KOSÉ, a liquid moisturizer

Launch of ONE BY KOSÉ,
a liquid moisturizer

2018

Released ONE BY KOSÉ Melanoshot W, a medicated brightening serum containing kojic acid, a naturally derived active ingredient

Released ONE BY KOSÉ Melanoshot W, a medicated brightening serum containing kojic acid, a naturally derived active ingredient

2019

Built the KOSÉ Advanced Technology Research Institute in the Oji area of the Kita City, Tokyo

Built the KOSÉ Advanced Technology Research Institute in the Oji area of the Kita City, Tokyo, to concentrate KOSÉ’s research and development bases in one place

Established KOSÉ Maruho Pharma Co., Ltd., which engages in planning, developing, and selling OTC drugs and cosmetics products

Opened a new digitally integrated concept store, Maison KOSÉ, in Ginza, Tokyo

Opened a new digitally integrated concept store, Maison KOSÉ, in Ginza, Tokyo

Launched Make Keep Mist, a mist-type finishing lotion sprayed on to finish makeup

Launched Make Keep Mist, a mist-type finishing lotion sprayed on to finish makeup

Launched iMPREA, a cosmetics brand exclusively for beauty salons that was developed through joint research by KOSÉ and Milbon

Launched iMPREA, a cosmetics brand exclusively for beauty salons that was developed through joint research by KOSÉ and Milbon

2020

Opened a flagship store, Maison KOSÉ Omotesando, in Omotesando, Tokyo, that offers new enjoyable shopping experience

Opened a flagship store, Maison KOSÉ Omotesando, in Omotesando, Tokyo, that offers new enjoyable shopping experience

Launched Carté HD, a high-performance skincare product created as a result of a collaboration with Maruho

Launched Carté HD,
a high-performance skincare product created as a result of a collaboration with Maruho

2021

Collaborated comprehensively with Kao in the field of sustainability

Collaborated comprehensively with Kao in the field of sustainability

Launched Liposome Advanced Repair Serum, which contains 1 trillion multilayer bio-liposomes per drop,updated Moisture Liposome for the first time in 29 years

Launched Liposome Advanced Repair Serum, which contains 1 trillion multilayer bio-liposomes per drop,updated Moisture Liposome for the first time in 29 years

2022

Opened Beauty Studio at KidZania Tokyo

Opened Beauty Studio at KidZania Tokyo