Jichodo

Basic Information

Stock Code
3597
Industry
Textile Products
Category Detail
Apparel & Fashion Accessories
Prefecture
Hiroshima Prefecture
Establishment Year
July 1960
Listing Year
February 1994
Official Website
https://www.jichodo.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
KG Information, Azeas, Uniform Next, A-One Precision, Otake, Nagai Leven, Koken, Shigematsu Works

Overview

Jichodo is a major domestic workwear manufacturer founded in 1960, with strengths in the workwear and uniform sector, and also offers safety shoes, medical, and caregiving apparel.

Current Situation

Jichodo recorded consolidated sales of 19.3 billion yen and net assets of 31.4 billion yen for the fiscal year ended June 2019, establishing a solid position in the domestic workwear market. Centered on the flagship brand 'JICHODO', it addresses a wide range of customers with brands such as 'Jawin' and 'Z-DRAGON'. It has established a ready-to-ship system for workwear and maintains a stable transaction base centered on the construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries. In recent years, it has actively entered new product areas such as medical and caregiving wear and air-conditioned clothing (TM), achieving a diversified product lineup. Environmentally, it obtained ISO 14001 certification in 1999 and promotes sustainable production systems. It continues investments in human resources and technology, strengthening brands by fusing design and functionality. Moving forward, it will strategically promote digitalization and diversification of sales channels to enhance brand recognition domestically and internationally.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • The company name Jichodo originates from its founding after the Great Kanto Earthquake.
  • Has a history of using professional baseball managers as image characters.
  • The medical and caregiving wear brand 'WHISeL' receives high evaluation domestically.
  • Pioneer in establishing the industry's first manufacturer stock ready-to-ship system.
  • Fan-attached air-conditioned clothing (TM) contributes to reforming summer work environments.
  • Veteran company boasting over half a century of history since founding in 1959.
  • Headquartered in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, contributing to the local community.
  • Flexibly responds to market needs by utilizing multiple brands.
  • Receives high support from construction and manufacturing firms nationwide.
  • Currently promoting brand rejuvenation strategy using SNS.
  • Offers custom order services for customer satisfaction.
  • President Masanobu Idehara actively involved in brand operations.
  • Early adoption of environmental measures through ISO 14001 certification.
  • Maintains quality through integrated manufacturing at domestic and overseas factories.
  • Possesses sales offices and logistics bases nationwide for service improvement.

Hidden Connections

  • Used former MLB player Tsuyoshi Shinjo as the face of the brand, generating buzz.
  • Former Miyazaki Governor Hidefumi Dongokuori wore the company's workwear during official duties, creating PR effects.
  • Frequently specified as uniform workwear by major construction companies.
  • Medical apparel brand WHISeL is supported by Japan Nursing Association affiliates.
  • Air-conditioned clothing technology includes the company's proprietary patents, contributing to market share expansion.
  • Successive presidents have deepened ties with local industry promotion and high schools.
  • Brand name Jawin is known for innovative stretch materials and ease of movement.
  • Also handles specialized product lines for domestic and overseas oil and chemical industries.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Stable increase in workwear demand due to domestic infrastructure development
  • Expansion of medical and caregiving apparel demand with aging society
  • Market expansion of comfort-focused products like air-conditioned clothing
  • Sales channel diversification and efficiency through DX promotion
  • Strengthened product development accompanying rising eco-material demand
  • Sales base expansion through overseas market entry
  • Increased demand for high-function workwear corresponding to work style reforms
  • Increased customer touchpoints through strengthened online sales and direct sales
  • Improved market share through multi-layered brand deployment
  • Increased demand for protective gear with growing focus on safety and security
  • Youth market development through digital marketing
  • Spread of product customization services

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve consolidated sales over 30 billion yen
  • Increase sales ratio in medical and caregiving sectors to over 25%
  • Raise recycled fiber and eco-material usage rate to over 50%
  • Maintain and expand domestic top share in air-conditioned clothing market
  • Strengthen ready-to-ship systems domestically and overseas, and improve logistics efficiency
  • Expand market share through new customer acquisition
  • Achieve 30% sales ratio through expanded digital sales channels
  • Strengthen collaboration with local communities through CSR activities
  • Achieve environmental impact reduction and carbon neutrality
  • Improve global brand recognition

Business Segments

Construction and Civil Engineering

Overview
Provides high-function workwear and safety equipment for the construction and civil engineering industries.
Competitiveness
Support through rapid ready-to-ship system and high-durability products
Customers
  • General contractors
  • Construction companies
  • Civil engineering firms
  • Equipment contractors
  • Architectural design offices
Products
  • Durable workwear
  • Safety shoes
  • Dust masks
  • Air-conditioned clothing
  • Cold-proof coveralls

Manufacturing

Overview
Offers safe and highly workable workwear for the manufacturing industry.
Competitiveness
Material development technology and customization capabilities
Customers
  • Factory operators
  • Production line managers
  • Quality control departments
  • Equipment maintenance firms
  • Industrial machinery manufacturers
Products
  • Abrasion-resistant workwear
  • Anti-static clothing
  • Safety shoes
  • Oil-resistant pants
  • Multi-pocket shirts

Medical and Caregiving

Overview
Provides apparel focused on comfort and safety for medical and caregiving sites.
Competitiveness
Functional designs and adoption of antibacterial materials
Customers
  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Care facilities
  • Home-visit nursing stations
  • Welfare facilities
Products
  • Nurse scrubs
  • Caregiving pants
  • Medical jackets
  • Antibacterial masks
  • Comfort wear

Transportation and Logistics

Overview
Product lineup to enhance safety and work efficiency at transportation and logistics sites.
Competitiveness
Product development balancing comfort and safety
Customers
  • Logistics companies
  • Delivery services
  • Warehouse managers
  • Taxi companies
  • Public transportation
Products
  • Durable jackets
  • Lightweight work shoes
  • Air-conditioned vests
  • Reflective safety wear
  • Breathable shirts

Retail and Sales Stores

Overview
Supports sales expansion by supplying products to diverse channels.
Competitiveness
Brand strength and robust distribution network
Customers
  • Workwear specialty stores
  • Home centers
  • Work supply stores
  • Online shops
  • Corporate procurement departments
Products
  • Various brand workwear
  • Safety shoes
  • Air-conditioned clothing
  • Related accessories
  • Dust masks

Manufacturing OEM and Technology Development

Overview
Creates high added value through OEM supply and joint technology development.
Competitiveness
Advanced fusion of planning capabilities and processing technology
Customers
  • Apparel manufacturers
  • Safety equipment makers
  • Medical device manufacturers
  • Industrial material companies
  • Major trading companies
Products
  • Planning and manufacturing services
  • Prototype development
  • Material proposals
  • Brand development support
  • Textile processing technology

Air-Conditioned Clothing Related Products

Overview
Expands air-conditioned clothing series focused on comfort for extreme heat countermeasures.
Competitiveness
Proprietary fan system design and durability
Customers
  • Construction companies
  • Manufacturing firms
  • Transportation companies
  • Agricultural workers
  • Event staff
Products
  • Electric fan-attached clothing
  • Batteries and chargers
  • Related accessories
  • Summer comfort workwear
  • Insect-repellent processed wear

Safety Equipment and Protective Gear

Overview
Planning, manufacturing, and sales of high-quality protective gear supporting labor safety.
Competitiveness
Compliance with safety standards and comfortable fit
Customers
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Medical institutions
  • Care facilities
  • Public organizations
Products
  • Safety shoes
  • Dust masks
  • Protective gloves
  • Reflective vests
  • Earplugs and safety goggles

Casual and Men's Apparel

Overview
Offers men's casual workwear usable in daily life.
Competitiveness
Balance of functionality and design
Customers
  • General consumers
  • Workers
  • Retail stores
  • Home centers
  • Mail-order users
Products
  • Casual jackets
  • Polo shirts
  • Cold-weather apparel
  • Work T-shirts
  • Various pants

Medical and Caregiving Wear Related Products

Overview
Provides multi-functional wear tailored to needs at medical and caregiving sites.
Competitiveness
Antibacterial properties and easy-movement design
Customers
  • Hospitals
  • Care facilities
  • Home care
  • Medical associations
  • Nursing schools
Products
  • Medical protective clothing
  • Caregiving pants
  • Nurse shirts
  • Antibacterial masks
  • Comfort wear

Import/Export Business

Overview
Export and import business of workwear-related products for overseas markets.
Competitiveness
Quality of domestic products and rapid supply system
Customers
  • Overseas agents
  • Overseas factories
  • Export general agents
  • International trading companies
  • Local retailers
Products
  • Workwear exports
  • Safety shoe exports
  • Medical wear
  • Air-conditioned clothing
  • Protective gear

Recycling and Environmentally Friendly Products

Overview
Expands eco-friendly product lineup conscious of reducing environmental impact.
Competitiveness
Environmental response utilizing ISO 14001 certification
Customers
  • Municipalities
  • Corporate CSR departments
  • Environmental groups
  • Recycling firms
  • Public organizations
Products
  • Environmentally considerate workwear
  • Recycled material products
  • Low-environmental-impact dyeing products
  • Biomass material products
  • Eco safety shoes

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Domestic largest workwear brand power
  • Ready-to-ship manufacturer stock system
  • Diverse product lineup expansion
  • Expansion into medical and caregiving apparel
  • Long years of industry know-how and trust
  • Strong fusion of design and functionality
  • Advanced quality control initiatives
  • Active use of image characters
  • Reliability from environmental ISO certification
  • Nationwide sales channel network
  • Market risk diversification through multi-segmentation
  • Introduction of new technologies like air-conditioned clothing
  • Management base rooted in local Hiroshima
  • Stable financial position
  • Differentiation strategy by brand

Competitive Advantages

  • Customer satisfaction improvement through industry-leading ready-to-ship system
  • Broad product portfolio corresponding to diverse industries
  • Brand image enhancement through celebrity endorsements
  • Establishment of proprietary brands in medical and caregiving wear market
  • Strong transaction relationships with major domestic companies
  • Sustainable manufacturing environment and ISO 14001 certification
  • Technological superiority in air-conditioned clothing
  • Advanced know-how in sewing technology and material development
  • Broad customer touchpoints via nationwide distribution network
  • Differentiation strategy in design
  • Multi-segment management and investment posture looking to the future
  • Rapid response system to customer needs
  • Advanced marketing strategies
  • Stable supply capability backed by strong financial base
  • Improved corporate image through community-focused CSR activities

Threats

  • Intensifying price competition with low-cost overseas products
  • Market contraction risk due to declining working population
  • Profit pressure from fluctuations in raw material costs
  • Market fragmentation by new entrants
  • Increased production costs from stricter environmental regulations
  • Industry demand fluctuations due to infectious diseases
  • Decline in competitiveness from delayed technological innovation
  • Supply chain vulnerabilities
  • Import/export cost fluctuations from exchange rate changes
  • Rising labor costs due to talent acquisition difficulties
  • Delayed response to changes in social safety standards
  • Intensified competition in digital sales channels

Innovations

2024: Launch of New Air-Conditioned Clothing TM

Overview
Released a new generation model achieving miniaturization and lightweighting of electric fans and batteries.
Impact
Improved work efficiency and significantly enhanced user comfort

2023: Enhanced Antibacterial and Deodorizing Processing Technology

Overview
Adopted proprietary technology in medical and caregiving wear to enhance infection prevention effects.
Impact
Contributes to brand competitiveness and market expansion

2022: Introduction of Sustainable Materials

Overview
Expanded product lineup increasing usage ratio of recycled fibers and organic cotton.
Impact
Reduced environmental impact and improved consumer evaluation

2021: Introduction of Digital Inventory Management System

Overview
Efficientized inventory management supporting manufacturer stock system with IT, strengthening ready-to-ship capabilities.
Impact
Reduced delivery delays and improved customer satisfaction

2020: Renewal of High-Function Safety Shoes Series

Overview
Developed and launched new safety shoes balancing lightness and durability.
Impact
Increased sales and enhanced brand recognition

Sustainability

  • Continuous operation of ISO 14001 environmental management system
  • Implementation of waste reduction and recycling promotion programs
  • Increase in ratio of environmentally considerate materials and products
  • Strengthened internal education on labor safety and health promotion
  • Environmental conservation activities in collaboration with local communities
  • Factory equipment updates aimed at improving energy efficiency
  • Deployment of supply chain environmental impact reduction measures
  • Introduction of product design policies corresponding to circular economy
  • Formulation and implementation of sustainable procurement standards
  • Setting and progress management of CO2 emission reduction targets
  • Launch of internal carbon offset program
  • Expansion of fair trade certified products