Mikasa

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.

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

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

• Sports ball manufacturing
• Volleyball equipment
• Athletic apparel
• Marine bearings
• Federation ball supply

Headquarters

HQ city

Hiroshima-shi

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices6 records

Markets served

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Sports Goods and Accessories: Ball bags, whistles, pumps, sports care products, supporters, and training equipment. Includes licensed collaboration products (Pokemon, Doraemon, Gundam).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core 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

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• J.LeaguecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Youth 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)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 May 2026Official 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)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 March 2026From 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)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 February 2026Multi-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)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 June 2025Partnership continuation since 2012. Mikasa provides official balls for indoor and beach volleyball. Also supports 'VivaVôlei Institut' social responsibility program.
• AVC (Asian Volleyball Confederation)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2025Partnership continuation providing Mikasa balls as official equipment for AVC events including Champions League, Nations Cup, and 2026 Continental Championships.
• Tina GraudiņaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 March 2025Partnership with world top-5 beach volleyball player and 2-time Olympian. Partnership announced March 2025.
• USA Water Polo (USAWP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 December 2024Mikasa 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)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 September 2023Long-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 WorldflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 September 2023Partnership 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)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 February 20238-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)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 January 2023Official ball sponsor for F-League and Japan Women's Futsal League 2023-2024 seasons. ALMUNDO (FS450B) designated as official futsal ball.
• Green Award FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 February 2022Incentive 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!!)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 March 2021Licensed collaboration products including Doraemon 50th anniversary series, Pokemon Center exclusive balls, Gundam Haro Ball, and Haikyu!! volleyball manga merchandise.
• Yasuda Women's UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 December 2020Industry-academia collaboration with Professor Tomosue Ryozan (biomechanics/training science) to co-develop TWISTICK stretching device.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad 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

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@mikasa5662
• Instagraminstagram.com/mikasasports_japan
• Xx.com/mikasaindustry
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mikasa-corporation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mikasa