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Tsubota Pearl Co Ltd
2-14-12 HigashiKomagata
Sumidaku
Tokyo
130-0005 Japan
tel: +81 3 3829 5651
fax: +81 3 3829 5650
email: info@tsubotapearl.co.jp
link to web shopping page (Japanese language only):
http://www.rakuten.co.jp/pearl/
MESSAGE FROM TSUBOTA PEARL
Tsubota Pearl was established in 1952, just as peace was being restored after the Second World War. Since then, it’s been our pleasure to successfully continue business for over 53 years; all due to the support and co-operation given us by our esteemed customers.
On behalf of all our staff, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all of you!
Since then, our policy has never changed: always pay great attention to “Originality”.
Rapid changes of fashion somehow make people loose sight. In such circumstances, we always remember our policy; to develop original and quality products especially for you.
To keep moving forward with our customers’ satisfaction, we’ll carry on doing our very best. In order to do so, your continued guidance and encouragement is gratefully appreciated.
Hank E Tsubota, President
TSUBOTA PEARL CO., LTD.
History of Tsubota Pearl
1952
Tsubota Seisakusho, the former Tsubota Pearl Co., Ltd. was established by the present Chairman, Mr Hiroshi Tsubota, at Kotobuki, Taito-ku, Tokyo.
1953
The “VIOLET” combo cigarette case, made of hand-pressed acrylic material, combined with chrome plated lighter, was developed and elegantly decorated by skilled craftsmen.
To symbolise our originality, we picked up the word “PEARL”, and registered it as our trademark.
The production of an aluminium cigarette case was started. Special clasp called “DABO” (a part of the latch that prevents damage on aluminium) was patent-registered. Further research into product development was intensified.
1958
22pc. -W was developed. This aluminium case can contain both regular and king sizes of cigarettes. The patented opening and closing system show our develpement of originality. The 22pc. -W was still being produced until recently.
The production of pocket lighter was started.
As the result of our research, the TRIANGLE lighter and MARVEL were developed. Both becoming successful. The C. MARVEL was first introduced as an oil lighter and soon became popular, with a characteristic round outline, it is easy to hold, and has modern patterning and shades. In 1993 it was reintroduced as a revival model.
1962
Tsubota Pearl Seisakusho was transformed into a co-operative Company with the name Tsubota Pearl Co., Ltd.
1963
Started the production of a leather coated cigarette case.
1964
Started sales of the BOLBO gas lighter. This is Tsubota's first gas lighter and is still in production today.
1965
Developed the BLACK PEARL oil lighter and MINI GROOVY (both still in production). The smaller sized MINI GROOVY was developed especially for women. Both have attractive round outlines. The BLACK PEARL was later developed into a gas lighter in 1979.
1966
The leather made cigarette cases SLIDE and EYE-BOX (Patented and still in production) developed. A leather cigarette case from which cigarettes can easily be take out. SLIDE and EYE-BOX were the very first models of a leather cigarette case and are still very popular.
1967
we developed BEAUTY; a thinner shaped cigarette case made of aluminium that easily slips into a shirt pocket. Having got the know-how from the cosmetic compact production, we succeeded in developing the edges of both sides higher and curved so no tobacco scraps fall apart. This is one Tsubota Pearl's models that demonstrates original design, and was used in the movie Basic Instinct (starring Sharon Stone).
1973
Tsubota Pearl started direct overseas business. Appointed the agent of German Cigarette Company for imports and distributions of their products. Direct exports of cigarette cases and lighters were also set forward on a full scale.
VINUS & COSMOS (still in production)
Tsubota Pearl started doing overseas business on a full scale due to the large demand of brass cases from our European customers. VINUS and COSMOS were the first models which led us to continue and enlarge our brass case productions. Cosmos was used in the movie, Specialist (starring Sylvester Stallone & Sharon Stone).
HAND MADE CASE (still in production)
Since its development in 1973, this handmade case has achieved renown. No moulds are used and small accessory parts are put together piece by piece and soldered. With a lack of skilled craftsman, it can not be completed.
Osaka office was established at Kyuhoji, Osaka.
Productions of brass cases started.
1975
Hand-made case production started.
1977
SLIM-ONE-COMBI developed and still in production. The PIEZO lighter was improved to be super slim to fit with cigarette case.
1979
After some modifications, BLACK PEARL, was made as a gas lighter.
1980
Expanded into the European market, and started to exhibit our products at Frankfurt Fair.
1983
Started the production of metal products not related to smoking. These included products for business use, and cosmetic articles, such as atomisers, mirrors, etc..
1988
The Osaka office became independent, with the Company name Osaka Pearl as our agent in the Kansai (West part of Japan) area. Tsubota Pearl office was opened at our present address.
1992
Celebrated our 40th anniversary.
1993
MARVEL was first introduced and successful as an oil lighter. Now it's modified to be a gas lighter.
Based on extensive research, Tsubota Pearl introduced a new range of products, including the Roller stick perfume dispenser (patented), to great success.
1996
We entered into the manufacture of cigar related accessories, such as: cigar scissors; cutters; cigar lighter; and cigar cases. These are all well accepted by many different countries.
1999
In order to freely develop new smoking accessories, the Tsubota Pearl Laboratory (T.P.L.) was started. The first model, HARDEDGE, is sold at world famous stores like the Conran Shop, Collette, DKNY, Beams, Fred Sigal etc. This brand is designed to satisfy 21st Century’s lifestyles.
2000
Following HARDEDGE, Tsubota developed CAPSULE.
2001
A new T.P.L lighter, BLOCK, was developed.
CAMERA lighter - original produced between 1948 – 1989 - was reintroduced.
2004
QUEUE, originally produced in large quantities 30 years ago, is in production once again.
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