Our story began in 1919, when my grandfather founded a futon workshop supplying Kyoto Daimaru (now Daimaru Kyoto Store). Later, in 1961, my father officially incorporated the company. Born in 1951, I grew up surrounded by futons and zabuton cushions, always admiring the exquisite craftsmanship of the pieces made by our artisans.
I never disliked them. However, at that time, I could not imagine spending my entire life surrounded by futons. After graduating from university, I joined a general trading company in Tokyo, where I worked in the export of chemical products.
In 1980, I left the trading company, returned to Kyoto, and committed myself to the family business. I wanted to create something new, rooted in our greatest strength: the beauty of artisanal handcraftsmanship. With this vision, we launched the Takaokaya brand at the dawn of the 21st century. Drawing on our expertise in futon and zabuton making, we have been exploring a new “Modern Wa” lifestyle—harmonizing traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern living—that blends comfort with the rich sensibility unique to Japanese culture.
Products such as Ojami, which offers comfortable seating on both floors and chairs, and Senbei, which brings smiles to babies, have been warmly received by many. Through these creations, we have supported lifestyles that value ease, warmth, and everyday comfort.
Another key concept proposed by Takaokaya is “the comfort of three zabuton.” For Japanese people, one of the most natural ways to relax is to lie freely on the floor. In the past, zabuton were instinctively laid out—often three placed side by side—to create a perfectly sized space for rest. During this period, we began reinterpreting the sense of “relaxation” specific to the zabuton and translating it into a wide range of items through artisanal
craftsmanship. At the same time, we also started introducing this Modern Wa lifestyle of relaxation to audiences overseas.
In 2019, we celebrated our 100th anniversary, followed by the 60th anniversary of our company’s establishment in 2021. I named our creations “Kangu” — items born from artisans’ hands and delivered to our customers, with the hope that they bring deep relaxation and gentle smiles to everyday life. Guided by our mission, "Everything is for everyone’s smile,” we will continue to refine our technical expertise, creativity, and initiative. With care for people and dedication to delicate handcraftsmanship, we remain committed to delivering Kangu that enriches lives with comfort and warmth.
Koichiro Takaoka
President & CEO
