読み込み中...
読み込み中...
Explore the story behind SAKURA
Until the mid-Taisho period, art education in Japan lacked proper drawing materials and relied mainly on copying models.
As a result, children were unable to express the bright light and vivid colors of nature as they experienced them.
Artist Kanae Yamamoto, a leading advocate of the “Jiyu‑ga” (free‑drawing) movement, urged reform of art education and appealed to SAKURA to develop an affordable medium with vivid color for children.
Moved by his dedication and the movement’s philosophy, our company concentrated its efforts on creating a new drawing material.
In 1925, we succeeded in developing a breakthrough product that combined the ease of crayons with the rich color of pastels — thus Cray‑Pas was born.
invention reflects SAKURA’s long‑standing commitment to supporting creativity and education through accessible, high‑quality art materials.
SAKURA contributes to education and culture through “Color with Heart,” brightening daily life—and the future—with color that enriches life.
“Color with Heart” does not refer to any specific hue.
It expresses our commitment to education and culture, the care and intention poured into each product, and the company’s craftsmanship and attention to detail.
In short, it signifies colors made with purpose and sincerity that reflect SAKURA’s technical expertise and values.
Our colors are created to enrich people’s lives and celebrate individual expression. We hope that when you choose and live with our colors, they help you express yourself freely and bring small joys to everyday life.
Tracing our journey of innovation and craftsmanship since 1921.
| 1921 | Established on May 29, 1921 We began as a crayon manufacturing company in Tokyo.  |
|---|---|
| 1925 | Moved to Osaka In response to the devastation of the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, we moved to Osaka.  Released the world's first oil pastel, 'Cray-Pas'. At the time, art class materials were usually colored pencils and water colors. However, these materials were very poor quality, with problems like bad color application on the paper. The medium that was developed to allow children to express themselves freely and color however they felt in the moment was Cray-Pas. However, the first Cray-Pas did not do well with seasonal temperature changes, so as a last resort we released two types: a hard summer Cray-Pas and soft winter Cray-Pas. Unfortunately, the planned quantity did not sell within the appropriate season, and there was a large amount of returned product.  |
| 1928 | Improved the Cray-Pas line for all-season usability We improved product quality to make Cray-Pas usable across all of the four Japanese seasons. Cray-Pas soon became a normal part of elementary school life nationwide.  |
| 1969 | Released permanent marker, "My Name" "My Name" is widely known in Japan as a permanent marker for writing names on items, etc. In foreign markets, it is sold under the name "IDentiTM Pen".  |
| 1978 | Released revolutionary industrial marker, "Solid Marker"  |
| 1982 | Released world's first water- based pigment ink, 'PigmaTM' We succeeded in using pigment colors in water-based ink for the first time in the world, and actualized an ink that is both water-based and water-resistant.  |
| 1984 | Released world's first gel ink ballpoint pen 'Ballsign' We developed a revolutionary water-based gel ink that combines the benefits of the high quality color of water-based ink and the water resistance of oil-based ink. In foreign markets, it is sold under the name 'Gelly Roll'.  |
| 1986 | Opened a sales company in America, "SAKURA COLOR PRODUCTS OF AMERICA"  |
| 1991 | Completed new headquarters building with a company museum called "SAKURA Art Museum" on the first floor We installed this museum as part of our 70 year anniversary commemoration. In addition to displaying our own collection, we also plan and hold exhibitions.  Dutch art material manufacturer "ROYAL TALENS B.V." became a SAKURA Group company  |
| 1993 | Opened a production facility in China, "Shanghai SAKURA Stationery Co., Ltd."  |
| 1997 | Dutch pencil manufacturer "Bruynzeel BV" became a SAKURA Group company  |
| 2002 | Opened a sales company in China, "SHANGHAI SAKURA INTERNATIONAL TRADING CO., LTD."  |
| 2016 | Danish hobby paint manufacturer "Schjerning Farver A/S" became a SAKURA Group company  |
| 2017 | Japanese hobby paint manufacturer "Nicker Colour Co., Ltd." became a SAKURA Group company  |
| 2021 | SAKURA celebrates 100 years of its founding |
