Mikasa
Mikasa Corporation is a Japanese ball manufacturer founded in 1917, producing certified competition and recreational balls across volleyball, soccer, water polo, and other sports, serving international federations (FIVB, NORCECA, CEV, CBV), domestic leagues, and consumer/school markets via direct sales and licensing.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1917
- HeadquartersHiroshima-shi, Japan
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Mikasa does
Mikasa Corporation (株式会社ミカサ) is a privately held Japanese manufacturer founded in May 1917 and headquartered in Hiroshima, Japan. The company produces certified competition and recreational balls across volleyball, beach volleyball, soccer, futsal, basketball, handball, water polo, rugby, and dodgeball, alongside a smaller industrial line of marine bearings (FF Bearings). Its core technology centers on rubber compounding, panel design (e.g., the 18-panel V200W), foam rubber processing (WP550C), recycled synthetic leather (BV550C), and proprietary twisted-yarn winding tubes (ALMUNDO FT550D), with registered patents and industrial designs supporting each platform. Manufacturing is split between the Hiroshima main factory (19,868 sqm land) and a wholly-owned Thai subsidiary (Mikasa Industries Thailand, est. 1999).
Mikasa operates as the exclusive official ball supplier to FIVB/Volleyball World through 2032, with parallel multi-year exclusivities across NORCECA (2030), CEV, CBV (since 2012), AVC, PVF, and World Aquatics/USA Water Polo. Revenue is generated primarily through B2B hardware sales of certified competition balls to federations and leagues, supplemented by B2C sales via sports retailers, Amazon, and a direct online store, plus licensing royalties on apparel (MIKASA STAR, MIKASA Basic) and collaboration merchandise. Industrial FF Bearings for marine vessels, which deliver approximately 5% fuel reduction via PTFE self-lubrication, contribute a separate non-sports revenue stream. Domestic operations are supported by sales offices in Tokyo and Osaka, an overseas sales office in Hiroshima, and a logistics center relocated in November 2024. The company reported ¥8.38 billion in revenue for FY2019 with 141 employees at that time; current headcount is reported at 51-100.
Mikasa firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Mikasa
- Legal name
- 株式会社ミカサ (Mikasa Corporation)
- Website
- https://mikasasports.co.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1917
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Mikasa Corporation is a Japanese ball manufacturer founded in 1917, producing certified competition and recreational balls across volleyball, soccer, water polo, and other sports, serving international federations (FIVB, NORCECA, CEV, CBV), domestic leagues, and consumer/school markets via direct sales and licensing.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Mikasa industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Sports Balls and Equipment
- NAICS
- Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing (33992), Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing (339920)
- SIC
- Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Volleyball Equipment Retail (CRAMAEAG)
Keywords
Where Mikasa is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hiroshima-shi
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices6 records
Markets served
Mikasa business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Sports Balls: Core revenue from manufacturing and selling balls for volleyball, soccer, futsal, basketball, handball, water polo, rugby, and dodgeball. Includes official game balls for international and domestic competitions, training balls, and recreational balls.
- Sports Apparel: MIKASA STAR brand targeting teens/young adults, and MIKASA Basic apparel line launched 2025. Licensed merchandise through third-party manufacturers and direct sales.
- Industrial Products (FF Bearings): Ship bearings and industrial rubber products for marine and engineering applications. FF bearings provide 5% fuel reduction for ships, contributing to environmental sustainability.
- Sports Goods and Accessories: Ball bags, whistles, pumps, sports care products, supporters, and training equipment. Includes licensed collaboration products (Pokemon, Doraemon, Gundam).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | V200W-VNL Official Game Ball - Premium Competition Ball |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | FT550D-BLBS Soccer Ball - High School Championship Official Ball |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | MIKASA Basic Apparel - T-shirts and activewear |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
Mikasa product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Mikasa manufactures sports balls including volleyball, soccer, futsal, basketball, handball, water polo, rugby, and dodgeball, serving as the exclusive official ball supplier for international federations such as FIVB (through 2032), NORCECA, AVC, CEV, and CBV. The company also produces sports apparel under MIKASA STAR and MIKASA Basic brands, sports accessories, and industrial FF Bearings for marine applications. Operations are anchored by a headquarters and manufacturing facility in Hiroshima, with additional ball production in Thailand.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- ALMUNDO (アルムンド): Premium soccer ball series; FT550D-BLBS is official ball for National High School Soccer Championship and J-League youth tournaments; brand name derived from Spanish 'Al Mundo' meaning 'To The World'
- OrgestA (オルゲスタ)
- MIKASA STAR
- Faster than Emotion
Products and services
- V200W Volleyball Series Official FIVB-approved volleyball used for international competitions including the Olympics (since 1964 Tokyo), VNL, FIVB World Championships, and major continental events. Features 18-panel special-shaped design with microfiber surface for stable ball flight and cushioning, plus nano balloon silica coating for wet-grip performance. Priced at ¥18,150 (tax-inclusive) for VNL match balls.
- ALMUNDO Soccer Ball Series Premium soccer ball series featuring seam-adhesive construction, patented twisted yarn winding tube (strong-twist yarn technology), enhanced grip embossing, and FIFA Quality Pro certification. Used as official match ball for the National High School Soccer Championship and JUFA university matches. Priced at ¥9,900 (tax-inclusive) for FT550D-BLBS.
- OrgestA Futsal Ball Series Futsal ball series introduced as official ball for F-League (Japan Futsal League), Japan Women's Futsal League, and Japan Futsal Federation competitions. Two models available for men's and women's leagues.
- WP550C / WP440C Water Polo Balls FINA/World Aquatics-certified water polo balls featuring newly developed foam rubber that eliminates the buffing process. Delivers approximately 26% improvement in all-direction wet grip with 99% reduction in waste rubber. WP550 series was used at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- BV550C Beach Volleyball Ball Beach volleyball ball featuring proprietary dimple processing for enhanced grip, reduced water absorption via new valve shape, TwinSTlock technology, and recycled nylon synthetic leather for environmental sustainability. Official ball for FIVB Beach Volleyball Pro Tour events.
- MIKASA Basic Apparel Sports casual apparel line (MIKASA Basic) launched in 2025 across two waves totaling 9 SKUs including T-shirts, sweatshirts, windbreakers, long pants, and socks. Designed with simple premium-texture aesthetics and quick-dry/stretch properties for sports and daily wear. Prices range from ¥3,800 (T-shirts) to ¥9,460 (windbreakers).
- MIKASA STAR Apparel Sports casual apparel brand targeting teenagers and young adults. Combines athletic functionality with fashion sensibility. Features licensed collaboration products with Pokemon, Doraemon, Gundam, Kumatan, and Haikyu!! franchises.
- FF Bearings (Ship Bearings and Industrial Rubber) Ship bearings and industrial rubber products for marine and engineering applications. FF bearings are water-lubricated with PTFE self-lubricating properties delivering approximately 5% fuel reduction for commercial vessels. Serves shipping companies, shipyards, naval forces, and industrial facilities. Also includes pump bearings for power plants and water facilities.
Quantifiable outcome
- 5% fuel reduction achieved by FF bearings in ship applications
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Mikasa
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Mikasa technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Mikasa partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- J.LeaguecoreYouth Development Partner (2026-2027). ALMUNDO FT550D-BLBS balls used in youth tournaments including NEXT GENERATION MATCH, J-Youth Cup, and International Youth Cups.
- CEV (European Volleyball Confederation)coreOfficial ball supplier for EuroVolley 2026. Special design V200W volleyball featuring vintage elements combined with modern design. Men's tournament in Italy, women's in Turkey.
- PVF (Polish Volleyball Federation)coreFrom 2026/2027 season, Mikasa becomes official volleyball supplier for all PVF events and competitions for both indoor and beach volleyball.
- TKN (Talin Blash and Kristen Nuss)minorMulti-year partnership with top-ranked beach volleyball athletes (2024 Olympians). TKN achieved 13-0 record in 2025 US tour and FIVB Newport Beach tournament.
- CBV (Brazilian Volleyball Confederation)corePartnership continuation since 2012. Mikasa provides official balls for indoor and beach volleyball. Also supports 'VivaVôlei Institut' social responsibility program.
- AVC (Asian Volleyball Confederation)corePartnership continuation providing Mikasa balls as official equipment for AVC events including Champions League, Nations Cup, and 2026 Continental Championships.
- Tina GraudiņaminorPartnership with world top-5 beach volleyball player and 2-time Olympian. Partnership announced March 2025.
- USA Water Polo (USAWP)coreMikasa USA re-entering American water polo market. WP550 series (used at 2024 Paris Olympics) designated as official ball. Partnership announced December 2024.
- FIVB (International Volleyball Federation)flagshipLong-term agreement (2025-2032) making Mikasa the exclusive official ball supplier for all FIVB international volleyball, beach volleyball, and snow volleyball events. Mikasa has provided balls for FIVB events since 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
- Volleyball WorldflagshipPartnership for VNL (Volleyball Nations League) and other international events. Joint development of special design balls for VNL and world championships. Volleyball World is FIVB's commercial subsidiary.
- NORCECA (North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation)core8-year agreement (2023-2030) making Mikasa exclusive official ball for all NORCECA volleyball and beach volleyball events in North/Central America and Caribbean region.
- F-League (Japan Futsal League)coreOfficial ball sponsor for F-League and Japan Women's Futsal League 2023-2024 seasons. ALMUNDO (FS450B) designated as official futsal ball.
- Green Award FoundationminorIncentive provider participating in Green Award program for ships. FF Bearings offered at 5% discount to ships certified under Green Award program. 9th Japanese company to participate.
- Various Anime Licensors (Doraemon, Pokemon, Gundam, Haikyu!!)minorLicensed collaboration products including Doraemon 50th anniversary series, Pokemon Center exclusive balls, Gundam Haro Ball, and Haikyu!! volleyball manga merchandise.
- Yasuda Women's UniversityminorIndustry-academia collaboration with Professor Tomosue Ryozan (biomechanics/training science) to co-develop TWISTICK stretching device.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Mikasa competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Adidas: Global sporting goods incumbent and FIFA official match ball supplier. Competes with Mikasa's ALMUNDO soccer franchise at the elite federation level and overlaps in volleyball/soccer/handball categories as part of a much wider portfolio.
- Wilson Sporting Goods: Large US sporting goods brand with a deep ball portfolio (basketball, volleyball, football, baseball, soccer). Overlaps directly with Mikasa in volleyball and basketball ball segments while operating across a much broader product portfolio.
- Nike: Broad sporting goods giant with significant football (soccer) and volleyball business. Competes with Mikasa's ALMUNDO franchise particularly in elite and consumer soccer categories and dwarfs Mikasa in marketing and athlete endorsement scale.
- Puma: Global sporting goods company with material soccer, volleyball, and running exposure. Competes with Mikasa in soccer and volleyball at the consumer and team-sport level, though as part of a much wider portfolio.
Direct peers
- Mitre: UK-based ball manufacturer historically dominant in English football leagues. Direct competitor to Mikasa's ALMUNDO soccer franchise in the football (soccer) ball segment, particularly at the federation and league supply tier.
- Molten Corporation: Japanese ball manufacturer also headquartered in Hiroshima that produces volleyball, basketball, and handball competition balls. Molten is the closest direct competitor to Mikasa in volleyball and the most credible alternative to displace Mikasa at international federations.
- Hummel: Danish team sports apparel and equipment brand active in handball, soccer, and volleyball. Comparable to Mikasa in targeting federation partnerships and team sports consumers across multiple ball sports.
- Select Sport: Danish ball manufacturer that is the official match ball supplier for the IHF (handball) and UEFA Europa League. Competes with Mikasa in handball and soccer ball categories and is a comparable federation-led business model.
- Derbystar: German ball manufacturer and official Bundesliga match ball supplier. Overlaps with Mikasa's soccer ball business and shares the profile of a regional specialist leveraging federation/league contracts.
- Spalding: Historic American ball manufacturer specializing in basketball and volleyball. Direct overlap with Mikasa's volleyball and basketball ball lines, with shared competition for federation, league, and school-channel contracts in North America.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Mikasa social profiles
Digital presenceMikasa financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Mikasa leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Mikasa subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Mikasa funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Mikasa M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Mikasa
What does Mikasa do?
Mikasa manufactures sports balls including volleyball, soccer, futsal, basketball, handball, water polo, rugby, and dodgeball, serving as the exclusive official ball supplier for international federations such as FIVB (through 2032), NORCECA, AVC, CEV, and CBV. The company also produces sports apparel under MIKASA STAR and MIKASA Basic brands, sports accessories, and industrial FF Bearings for marine applications. Operations are anchored by a headquarters and manufacturing facility in Hiroshima, with additional ball production in Thailand.
Is Mikasa a public or private company?
Mikasa is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Mikasa founded?
Mikasa was founded in 1917. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Mikasa based?
Mikasa is headquartered in Hiroshima-shi, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does Mikasa make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Sports Balls are the primary driver. The others are sports Apparel, industrial Products (FF Bearings) and sports Goods and Accessories.
Who are Mikasa's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Adidas, Wilson Sporting Goods, Nike and Puma. Direct peers are Mitre, Molten Corporation, Hummel, Select Sport, Derbystar and Spalding.
Does Mikasa have an API?
No public API is recorded for Mikasa.
What industry is Mikasa in?
Mikasa's product category is Sports Balls and Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAMAEAG, Volleyball Equipment Retail. Its NAICS code is 33992 and its SIC code is 3949.