What Shimada does

Shimada Shoji Co., Ltd. (Shimada) is a privately-held Japanese sogo shosha-style apparel trim trading company founded in 1887 in Osaka and headquartered at Funakoshi-cho, Higashi-ku, Osaka. The company sources, distributes, and — for select proprietary lines — manufactures buttons, buckles, fasteners, zippers, tapes, labels, interlining, and bag components for apparel manufacturers, fashion brands, and luggage makers. It also operates an in-house Shimada LAB for quality testing, a PLANNING service for product development and trend-based sourcing, and an OEM bag manufacturing arm via subsidiaries TOWA PLUME (since 2008) and I.D.S. (since 2018). Family-controlled across six generations under the Shimada family with Nobuhiro Shimada as President and Masatake Shimada as Chairman since 2021, the company operates through wholly-owned subsidiaries spanning Japan, China (Beijing, Shanghai, Dongguan), Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, the United States (San Francisco, opened February 2024), and the Netherlands (Amsterdam, opened July 2025). Revenue mix spans B2B apparel trim sales, branded proprietary product sales (hardware), consumer product sales (CLEANMELL PREMIUM spray via own-store/Rakuten/Amazon), and Shimada LAB professional services.

Shimada's differentiated offering rests on a portfolio of proprietary functional materials: CLEAN MELL deodorizing fiber (chemically bonded via graft polymerization, effective after 50+ washes, "selective" deodorization that preserves fragrances); EX-DRY high-performance desiccant (anhydrous calcium chloride with 5–7× the moisture absorption of silica gel, packaged in proprietary multi-porous film); Stone-Sheet calcium-carbonate plastic-alternative composite (51%+ CaCO3, ~45% CO2 reduction on combustion, moldable from 30μm to 800μm); IES Button heat-resistant nylon 66 fastener (OEKO-TEX Class I, 220°C heat resistance, 50kg impact, 100% runner reuse, 100 million units/month capacity); RE-PEEL removable 3D stickers; and ABSSOLOOP recycled airbag-material trim produced via a joint circular-economy initiative with Toyota Tsusho (claimed 92% CO2 reduction vs virgin production). The portfolio is gated by ISO 14001 (since 2001), bluesign system partnership (since 2017, first in trims industry), OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and GRS (Hong Kong subsidiary, 2020) certifications. Shimada also serves as the authorized Japanese distributor for global buckle brand DURAFLEX and distributes advanced YKK zipper lines (VISLON, QuickFree, METALUXE Tough, FLATKNIT AquaGuard).

The business model is primarily B2B product sales (Trim-park SHIMADA e-commerce storefront and direct sales via regional offices adopted through a 2025 Regional Sales Headquarters System), supplemented by a small B2C consumer line (CLEANMELL PREMIUM, Root store/Rakuten/Amazon), in-house QC lab services, and a sustainability-linked marketing initiative (T.S.P.L./Trim Sustainable Project Lineup) that donates 3% of qualifying trim sales to NGOs including WaterAid, Bridge Asia Japan, NACS-J, and POW Japan. Documented enterprise customers include Iijima Sangyo (workwear uniforms including Japan Toys 'R' Us-styled garments), Kochi Inu (professional sports team merchandise), Kuwa W, Sun S (EF wear with recycled fishing net materials), and the Imabari Towel Industry Association. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; B2B inquiries are handled through a contact form and consumer products are positioned across multiple Japanese marketplaces. Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed.

Name

Shimada

Legal name

島田商事株式会社

Website

https://shimada1887.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1887

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Shimada Shoji is a 130+ year Japanese apparel trim trading company (founded 1887, Osaka) that sources, distributes, and manufactures buttons, fasteners, zippers, and proprietary functional materials (CLEAN MELL, EX-DRY, Stone-Sheet, IES Button) for fashion brands and apparel manufacturers across a wholly-owned global network spanning Asia, the United States, and Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Apparel Trims & Accessories

NAICS

Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing (3159), Textile Bag and Canvas Mills (314910)

SIC

Wholesale-Apparel, Piece Goods & Notions (5130)

akta.pro primary industry

Packaging & Wrapping Technical Textiles (FIBCs/Big Bags/Industrial Sacks/Strapping Substrates) (IMAOADAN)

akta.pro secondary industry

Protective & Safety Textiles (FR/Arc/Heat/Cut/Chemical) (IMAOADAA)

Keywords

• Apparel trim distribution
• Garment accessories
• Functional textile materials
• Industrial desiccants
• Sustainable materials

Headquarters

HQ city

Osaka

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Apparel Trim & Textile Sales: Shimada sells a wide range of garment accessories including buttons, buckles, fasteners, tapes, and textile materials to apparel manufacturers and fashion brands through direct sales relationships and B2B e-commerce (Trim-park SHIMADA).
2. Proprietary Feature Products: Sale of branded proprietary products including EX-DRY desiccants, CLEAN MELL deodorizing fibers, Stone-Sheet materials, and RE-PEEL stickers through B2B and B2C channels.
3. Consumer Products (CLEANMELL PREMIUM): CLEANMELL PREMIUM deodorizing spray sold directly via Root online store, Rakuten, and Amazon marketplace to consumers.
4. Quality Control Lab Services: Shimada LAB provides quality management and testing services for garment materials and accessories.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Shimada Shoji is a Japanese apparel trim trading company (shōji) that distributes garment accessories and textile materials—including buttons, fasteners, zippers, tapes, interlinings, and proprietary functional materials—to apparel manufacturers, fashion brands, and logistics companies globally. The company develops proprietary functional materials (Stone-Sheet® plastic-alternative composite, EX-DRY® desiccant, CLEAN MELL® deodorizing fiber, RE-PEEL® removable stickers, IES Button heat-resistant nylon buttons) and operates an OEM bag manufacturing division under its PRODUCTS service line, supplemented by Shimada LAB quality-control testing and PLANNING product-development services. Shimada is the authorized Japanese distributor for DURAFLEX® plastic buckles and a long-standing YKK fastener distribution partner, and operates the Trim-park SHIMADA B2B e-commerce platform and Root consumer online store.

Product overview

Shimada is a comprehensive apparel trim trading company established in 1887, operating as a B2B supplier to the fashion industry. The product portfolio centers on six core offerings: (1) Stone-Sheet® sustainable material as a plastic alternative, (2) EX-DRY and EX-DRY Deo® moisture absorbers for logistics/storage, (3) CLEAN MELL® deodorizing fiber and CLEANMELL® PREMIUM spray, (4) RE-PEEL removable stickers, (5) hardware accessories including DURAFLEX® buckles and IES Buttons, and (6) YKK zippers (METALUXE® Tough, QuickFree®, FLATKNIT® AquaGuard®). Supporting initiatives include ABSSOLOOP recycled materials and T.S.P.L. sustainable product lineup. The company also operates Trim-park SHIMADA online store for B2B purchasing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Trim-park SHIMADA: Online B2B store for apparel trim and textile accessories
• RE-PEEL
• EX-DRY
• EX-DRY Deo
• CLEAN MELL
• CLEAN MELL PREMIUM
• Stone-Sheet
• DURAFLEX
• IES Button
• QuickFree
• FLATKNIT AquaGuard
• METALUXE Tough
• T.S.P.L. (Trim Sustainable Project Lineup)
• ABSSOLOOP

Products and services

• Stone-Sheet® Moldable calcium-carbonate (51%+ CaCO3) plastic-alternative composite material for injection molding, T-die extrusion, inflation, blow molding, and vacuum forming. Thin-film capability from 30μm to 800μm with waterproofing and antifungal/antimicrobial properties. Reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 45% compared to conventional plastics on combustion. For manufacturers seeking plastic-alternative materials across phone cases, packaging, hangers, containers, and consumer goods.
• EX-DRY High-performance moisture absorbent/desiccant using anhydrous calcium chloride with deliquescence, packaged in proprietary multi-porous special film. Provides approximately 5–7 times greater moisture absorption than conventional silica gel. For container transport of automotive parts, electronics, glass, textiles, and food packaging, and for storage applications.
• EX-DRY Deo® Moisture absorber combined with natural pulp-derived deodorizing material for simultaneous humidity control and odor removal in closed spaces such as closets, shoe boxes, and storage areas. For household and storage use.
• CLEAN MELL® Deodorizing fiber with chemically bonded odor-eliminating functional groups applied via graft polymerization. Provides rapid deodorization, wash durability through 50+ launderings, large adsorption capacity, and selective deodorization that removes unpleasant odors (ammonia, acetic acid, isovaleric acid) while preserving fragrances. For textile manufacturers and apparel brands producing deodorizing garments, towels, and fabrics.
• CLEANMELL® PREMIUM Deodorizing antibacterial spray combining CLEAN MELL® deodorizing technology with silver-ion (MyuFan® Aqua) antibacterial and antiviral action. Effective against ammonia, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, indole, and trimethylamine odors. Sold directly to consumers via the Root online store, Rakuten, and Amazon Japan for use on clothing, shoes, and household items.
• RE-PEEL Removable original stickers using special acrylic resin adhesive with weather resistance. Supports 3D design, high-frequency processing, UV printing, laser engraving, and embossing/debossing on materials including retroreflective sheets and silicone sheets. Adheres to curved surfaces and leaves no residue on careful removal. For manufacturers and brands seeking customizable peelable stickers, name tags, and decorative labels.
• DURAFLEX® Buckles & Hardware Multi-functional plastic buckles, swivel hooks, D-rings, cord stoppers, hooks, adjusters, clips, and pullers under the DURAFLEX® brand. Used in backpacks, apparel, golf bags, strollers, and military equipment. Shimada operates the official DURAFLEX Japan website (duraflex.jp) as the authorized Japanese distributor.
• IES Button Heat-resistant nylon 66 button with impact resistance (50kg hammer test) and heat resistance up to 220°C. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class I certified (infant/medical grade). Manufacturing achieves zero waste through 100% runner reuse, with 24-hour automated production capable of 100 million units per month. For apparel manufacturers and brands requiring durable, certified buttons.
• METALUXE® Tough Zipper High-strength metal-look VISLON® zipper developed by YKK and distributed by Shimada. Combines the lightweight and corrosion-resistance of VISLON® with the strength and luxury appearance of metal zippers. Approximately 55% lighter than conventional metal zippers. For bags and hard-use casual apparel requiring durable, premium-appearance closures.
• QuickFree® Zipper Next-generation zipper with emergency-release function developed by YKK and distributed by Shimada. Opens easily when pulled left and right with consistent load. Features auto-release function for child safety (reducing strangulation risk from hooded garments) and an insertion-assistance slider. For childrenswear, outdoor apparel, and safety-focused garments.
• FLATKNIT® AquaGuard® Zipper Water-resistant zipper developed by YKK and distributed by Shimada, combining FLATKNIT® knit tape with AquaGuard® water resistance. Achieves approximately 70% chain thickness reduction and 2.7x flexibility compared with standard AquaGuard® zippers. For outdoor apparel, rainwear, and water-resistant bags.
• ABSSOLOOP Recycled Material Material-recycling initiative using airbag end materials from the automotive industry, transforming airbag waste into trim products (buckles, buttons, cord stops) using nylon 66. Achieves 92% CO2 reduction compared with virgin material production. Developed in cooperation with Toyota Tsusho Corporation. For apparel and bag manufacturers seeking circular-economy materials.
• T.S.P.L. (Trim Sustainable Project Lineup) Sustainable trim product line reproducing SDG icon colors across all 17 SDG goals, with 3% of qualifying trim product sales donated to SDG-related organizations including WaterAid, Bridge Asia Japan (BAJ), NACS-J, and POW Japan. For apparel brands and uniform manufacturers seeking sustainability-tagged trims.
• Shimada LAB Quality Control & Testing Services In-house quality management and material testing service for garment materials and accessories. Supports apparel manufacturers and brands with quality assurance across trim sourcing and product development.
• PLANNING Product Development Service Product planning and development service that captures industry trends to develop new apparel accessory products and shorten customer product-development cycles. For apparel brands and manufacturers requiring trend-driven trim innovation.
• PRODUCTS OEM Bag Manufacturing OEM bag manufacturing service operated through affiliated companies I.D.S. Co., Ltd. and Towa Plume Co., Ltd. Provides finished and semi-finished bag production with quality trim integration. For bag brands and luggage manufacturers requiring OEM production capacity.

Quantifiable outcome

• Stone-Sheet reduces CO2 emissions by ~45% compared to conventional plastics upon combustion
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• bluesign technologies agcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2017Shimada became a bluesign system partner in November 2017, committing to responsible practices in the textile processing supply chain, continuous environmental performance improvement, and a sustainable future. bluesign sets strict safety and environmental standards for the textile industry.
• Duraflex (Joseph Ansher)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerShimada is the authorized official Japanese distributor for DURAFLEX® brand plastic buckles and accessories, serving markets in Japan. Duraflex is a global leader in plastic buckles for outdoor and sporting goods, founded in the US by Joseph Ansher, with manufacturing facilities in the US, Italy, China, and Vietnam. The partnership includes bluesign certification and product distribution.
• Toyota Tsusho Corporation (豊田通商)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint initiative ABSSOLOOP — Toyota Tsusho's airbag manufacturing network provides waste material which Shimada recycles into trim components (buttons, buckles, lock pins) using material recycling. This traceable circular economy initiative achieves 92% CO2 reduction vs virgin material. World-first airbag material recycling for apparel trims.
• YKK Corporation (YKK株式会社)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShimada distributes YKK fasteners and related products including VISLON, QuickFree, METALUXE Tough, and FLATKNIT AquaGuard. Kansai YKK Fastener Co., Ltd. was established in 1960, deepening the long-standing relationship. YKK product distribution is a key part of Shimada's trim offering.
• WaterAidminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInternational NGO for water and sanitation. T.S.P.L. project donates 3% of qualifying trim product sales to WaterAid for safe water and sanitation projects in developing countries as part of SDG 6.
• Bridge Asia Japan (BAJ) (ブリッジ エーシア ジャパン)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCertified NPO for international cooperation in Myanmar and Vietnam. T.S.P.L. project supports BAJ initiatives including women's empowerment in Myanmar, school construction, clean energy (biogas digesters), and infrastructure projects in Vietnam and Myanmar.
• NACS-J (公益財団法人 日本自然保護協会)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNature conservation organization. T.S.P.L. project supports NACS-J's nationwide beach movement (SDG 14 marine resources) and critically endangered Inoue's hawk conservation (SDG 15 terrestrial resources).
• POW Japan (Protect Our Winters)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerGeneral incorporated association addressing climate change. T.S.P.L. project supports POW Japan's climate change action initiatives (SDG 13) as part of the broader climate action movement in Japan.
• F.D.I. Co., Ltd. (株式会社 F. D. I.)minorOthersAffiliated company of Shimada Shoji. F.D.I. was established in 2021.
• Towa Plume Co., Ltd. (株式会社東和プラム)minorOthersAffiliate company of Shimada Shoji, became a subsidiary in 2008.
• I.D.S. Co., Ltd. (株式会社i.Ｄ.Ｓ.)minorOthersAffiliated company of Shimada Shoji established in 2018. Specializes in bag manufacturing.
• Craft Parks Co., Ltd. (クラフトパークス株式会社)minorOthersAffiliated company of Shimada Shoji established in 2020.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• YKK Corporation: Global leader in zippers and fastening products, with apparel, architectural, and industrial divisions. Shimada is YKK's distribution partner in Japan but YKK is also a direct peer in fasteners/trim and competes for the same Japanese apparel OEM accounts.
• Duraflex (Joseph Ansher): US-founded global plastic-buckle and hardware brand with manufacturing in the US, Italy, China, and Vietnam. Shimada is the official Japanese distributor; Duraflex itself is a direct peer in trim hardware and could bypass Shimada to sell direct in Japan.
• Coats Group plc: UK-listed global leader in industrial thread, structural components (zippers, trims), and footwear materials serving apparel and performance materials markets. Most direct large-scale peer in apparel trims/components distribution with comparable proprietary materials and global footprint.
• Toyoshima & Co., Ltd. Privately-held Japanese textile and apparel-materials trading company with similar history (founded 1841), comparable product breadth (textiles, trims, materials), and overlapping global footprint. Closest direct Japanese trading peer in scale and business model.
• Scovill Fasteners: US-based apparel and industrial fastener manufacturer producing snap fasteners, buttons, and specialty trims since 1802. Comparable in product category (fasteners/trim components) and brand longevity, serving similar North American apparel customers Shimada targets via the San Francisco branch.

Emerging players

• SBS Zipper: Chinese zipper and trim manufacturer with growing global B2B presence at lower price points. Competes with Shimada's YKK-distributed zipper lines in cost-sensitive apparel OEM accounts across Asia.

Broad incumbents

• Nisshinbo Holdings Inc. Japanese textile and materials conglomerate (cotton, synthetic fabrics, industrial materials). Larger, publicly listed incumbent operating across multiple textile/material categories; competes for Japanese OEM sourcing wallets but is much broader than trim-only.
• Seiren Co., Ltd. Japanese textile manufacturer specializing in synthetic fabrics, automotive materials, and apparel textiles with global operations. Broader incumbent serving apparel OEMs with materials, overlapping with Shimada's trims/technical textile offering.
• Toray Industries, Inc. Global Japanese materials giant with significant technical textiles, apparel materials, and sustainability initiatives (recycled fibers). A much larger incumbent whose functional textile R&D overlaps with Shimada's Stone-Sheet and CLEAN MELL positioning.
• Itochu Corporation: Major Japanese sogo shosha (general trading company) with a textile/apparel division handling raw materials, fabrics, and brand operations. Competes for similar OEM/brand relationships at much larger scale and broader scope than Shimada's trim-focused franchise.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SHIMADA1887
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shimada-shoji-co-ltd-

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries14 records

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 Shimada