Achilles

What Achilles does

Achilles Corporation (アキレス株式会社, TYO:5142) is a Tokyo-headquartered, publicly listed diversified polymer materials manufacturer founded in 1947. The company operates eight business segments organized by application: construction/civil engineering (rigid polyurethane insulation boards, Tn-p tunnel void filling method, EPS lightweight fill, TR Panel wall system, Juten Bag void repair); manufacturing/equipment (films, rubberized fabrics, urethane foams under the Achilles Airron brand, RIM molding); electrical/electronics (ESD prevention products, ST-Poly conductive coating technology, wafer carriers and chuck tape for semiconductor fabs); automotive (Cabron synthetic leather, PVC leather, laminate products); agriculture (greenhouse films, biodegradable mulch); medical/disaster prevention (inflatable air tents including NP-45 negative pressure tent, LCT-400 rescue boat, Dokodemo Ouchi Bed shelter bed); living/leisure (Freabell mattresses, boats); and footwear (Shunsoku children's athletic shoes with 84+ million cumulative pairs, Achilles Sorbo leather shoes, exclusive Japan distribution of BROOKS running shoes).

The underlying technology base centers on advanced polymer engineering - polyurethane foams, PVC films and sheets, synthetic leather, and rubberized fabrics - supported by proprietary processes including polypyrrole-based ST-Poly conductive coating and the Tn-p foamed polyurethane injection method with 25+ years of implementation history. The company generates revenue primarily through B2B sales of industrial materials to construction, semiconductor/electronics, automotive, and agriculture sectors via dedicated product department contacts, plus B2C sales of consumer footwear through retail shoe stores, the Achilles Webshop e-commerce site, and exclusive Japan distribution of international brands. Notable operational metrics include 1,001-5,000 employees, production facilities in Japan (Ashikaga, Yamagata), the US (Washington State since 1973), China, and Taiwan (recycling ~10,000 wafer transport cases monthly), and a tenfold contamination reduction achievement for a major semiconductor customer's wafer spacers. Subsidiaries span insurance agency services (Achilles Shouji), trading, and advanced technology products. In April 2025, Achilles acquired InfoControl under Bridgepoint PE backing, signaling a strategic extension into digital data services alongside its traditional materials business.

Name

Achilles

Legal name

アキレス株式会社 (Achilles Corporation)

Website

https://achilles.jp

Company type

Public

Founded year

1947

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Achilles Corporation is a Japanese diversified polymer materials manufacturer producing construction insulation, ESD/semiconductor packaging, automotive synthetics, agricultural films, medical/disaster prevention equipment, and Shunsoku consumer footwear for B2B and B2C markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Diversified Polymer Materials Manufacturing

NAICS

Footwear Manufacturing (3162), Footwear Manufacturing (316210), Footwear Manufacturing (31621), Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510)

SIC

Footwear, (No Rubber) (3140), Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949), Electronic Components & Accessories (3670)

akta.pro primary industry

Athletic Footwear Manufacturing (Running/Training/Court) (IMAOAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Comfort, Orthopedic & Medical Footwear (CRAAACAG), Work, Safety & Protective Footwear Manufacturing (Steel-Toe/ESD/Slip-Resistant) (IMAOAIAD)

Keywords

• Polymer materials manufacturing
• Industrial insulation materials
• Children's athletic footwear
• Semiconductor packaging materials
• Disaster prevention equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Industrial Materials Sales: Diversified B2B sales of polymer materials including construction insulation, automotive materials, electronics packaging, agriculture films, and medical/disaster prevention products through multiple business units
2. Footwear Products: Consumer footwear sales under 瞬足 (Syunsoku) brand for children and licensed international brands (BROOKS running shoes, SORBO leather shoes) through retail and e-commerce
3. Insurance Agency Services: Insurance agency business through Achilles Shouji subsidiary representing Sompo Japan, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, Secom Sompo, and other insurers

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Achilles Corporation is a diversified Japanese materials manufacturer producing polymer-based industrial materials (rigid polyurethane foam insulation, ESD products, wafer packaging, synthetic leather, agricultural films) and consumer footwear (Shunsoku children's athletic shoes, Sorbo leather shoes). The company sells construction and civil engineering methods (Tn-p, EPS, TR Panel, Juten Bag) along with medical/disaster prevention equipment (air tents, rescue boats, shelter beds) to B2B customers, while distributing children's shoes, running shoes (BROOKS agency), mattresses, and consumer products to retail and e-commerce channels.

Product overview

Achilles Corporation is a diversified Japanese materials manufacturer offering a broad portfolio organized across multiple business units: Building/Civil Engineering (insulation boards, civil engineering methods like Tn-p, EPS, TR Panel, and Juten Bag), Manufacturing/Equipment (films, rubberized fabrics, urethane foams, RIM molding), Electrical/Electronics (ESD products including antistatic films, conductive processing technology ST-Poly, wafer packaging), Automotive (synthetic leather Cabron, PVC leather, laminates), Agriculture (films, biodegradable products, insulation), Medical/Disaster Prevention (air tents NP/MC/DR series, LCT-400 rescue boat), Living/Leisure (boats, mattresses), and Shoes (Shunsoku children's shoes with 84M+ cumulative sales, Achilles Sorbo leather shoes, BROOKS running shoes agency). The company operates on a multi-business unit structure with plastics, industrial materials, and shoes divisions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• 瞬足 (Shunsoku): Children's athletic shoes brand launched in 2003, focused on corner-running performance and foot development (足育). Cumulative sales exceeded 80 million pairs, with a brand statement centered on supporting children's dreams and physical development.
• アキレス・ソルボ (Achilles Sorbo)
• フレアベル (Freabell)
• BROOKS (Japanese domestic distributor)
• I'MOG (アイモグ)
• ソルボセイン (Sorbothane)

Products and services

• Shunsoku (瞬足) Children's Athletic Shoes Children's athletic shoes designed for school sports days and daily wear, featuring specialized outsoles for corner-running performance and foot development (足育) principles. Sold through retail shoe stores, department stores, and e-commerce channels in Japan.
• Achilles Sorbo Leather Shoes Leather shoes incorporating SORBOTHANE shock-absorbing material in the heel to reduce stress on knees and waist during walking, featuring soft leather construction for comfort. Distributed through retail and online channels.
• BROOKS Running Shoes (Japan Distribution)
• Building Insulation Materials
• Tn-p Method (Tunnel Void Filling Service)
• EPS Method (Lightweight Fill)
• TR Panel Method
• Juten Bag (Void Filling System)
• Air Tent Series (Disaster Prevention Tents)
• LCT-400 Rescue Boat
• NP-45 Negative Pressure Medical Tent
• ESD Prevention Products
• Wafer Packaging Systems
• Funen Clear II (Non-combustible Transparent Film)
• Biomass Seiden Crystal
• BioAiron (Water Treatment Foam)
• Achilles Airron (Soft Urethane Foam)
• Cabron Synthetic Leather
• Agricultural Vinyl and PO Films
• Solar Clear (Heat-Shielding Transparent Film) Heat-shielding transparent film brand with two variants: Solar Clear W (window film, cuts solar transmission ~65%) and Solar Clear S (partition film, cuts ~40%, flame retardant). Both block ~99% UV rays. W features self-adhesive for repeated use. S meets fire prevention standards for factory/warehouse partitions.
• Dokodemo Ouchi Bed (Portable Disaster Shelter Bed) Portable assembly bed for evacuation shelters using Achilles Board PE insulation material. Superior thermal insulation (0.024 W/(m·K)), water/moisture resistant, 300kg load capacity, 240L storage. Assembly time approximately 1.5 minutes. Price: ¥33,000 (tax included).
• BioLight (Biodegradable Mulch Film) Biodegradable mulch film for corn and sweet potato cultivation with enhanced biodegradation rate in soil. Lightweight design for easy handling. Certified with Biodegradable Plastic Mark (registration #1385). Thickness 0.014mm, width 95cm or 135cm, length 200-600m.
• Vinimat (Recycled PVC Floor Protection Board) Recycled PVC floor protection board made from factory waste materials as an alternative to steel floor boards. Features grip handles, slip resistance, and UL94 V-0 equivalent flame retardancy. Dimensions: 13mm×1000mm×2000mm, weight ~35kg/piece. Used in parking, construction sites, and events.
• Shunsoku Sokuiku C-260 Children's Shoes Children's shoes with proprietary 'Pakatto Slit Structure' (patent pending) enabling toddlers to put on shoes independently. Features anatomically-shaped insoles, plate structure, and walking support outsole. Sizes 14.0-22.0cm (half sizes available, 3E width). Price: ¥5,170 (tax included).
• Shunsoku Waterproof Children's Shoes (JC-249, LC-855) Waterproof children's shoes with reflector for rain and night safety. Two models: JC-249 and LC-855. Features proprietary waterproof design (4cm water resistance for 6 hours) and heel reflector for visibility. Sizes from 16.0cm. Price: ¥5,390 (tax included).
• Achilles EXAREA Reversible Gaming Desk Mat Reversible gaming desk mat with two surface types - red surface for smooth/fast mouse movement, black surface for grip/precise control. Distributed via Makuake crowdfunding platform.
• Freabell Mattress
• Insurance Agency Services (Achilles Shoji)

Quantifiable outcome

• Tenfold reduction in contamination levels for spacers achieved within three months
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• 発泡ウレタンダム注入協会 (Foamed Polyurethane Void Injection Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 April 2016Industry association with 61 member companies established April 2016 with secretariat at Achilles - promotes Tn-p method quality, construction technology improvement, and widespread adoption through technical training seminars
• BROOKS (ブルックス)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive Japan distribution partnership for BROOKS American running shoes - Achilles serves as exclusive general sales agent displaying products at Tokyo Marathon EXPO and other running events
• Tokyo Women's Medical University (東京女子医科大学)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative demonstration at Medtec Japan 2026 featuring medical air tent NP-45 integrated with mobile SCOT disaster medical vehicle for epidemic prevention and disaster medical scenarios
• NTT DocomocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint exhibition partner for disaster medical tent solutions at Medtec Japan 2026 - demonstrating air tent connectivity and digital integration for emergency medical response
• Tokura Construction (徳倉建設株式会社)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint development of ジュウテンバッグ Juten Bag void filling method - NETIS registered technology CBK-210001-A for harbor, river, and lake embankment void repair
• Juntendo University Graduate School (順天堂大学)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiomechanics research laboratory conducting running workshops (かけっこ教室) at 瞬足チャレンジ children's athletic events - professor and students from sports health science department
• Achilles CoreTech (アキレスコアテック株式会社)minorOthersRelated group company - member of Achilles corporate group
• Achilles Vinistar (アキレスビニスター株式会社)minorOthersRelated group company - member of Achilles corporate group
• Sanshin Kosan (三進興産株式会社)minorOthersRelated company handling SORBO (ソルボ) footwear brand distribution and products
• Mountain Agriculture Credit (山形アキレスエアロン株式会社)minorOthersProduction subsidiary in Yamagata prefecture - Achilles AIRON production facility in Yamagata

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• ASICS: Japanese athletic footwear company competing in the same children's and adult athletic shoe market. Both brands emphasize performance for school sports activities in Japan.
• Mizuno: Japanese sporting goods manufacturer with overlapping athletic and children's footwear lines, plus sports equipment. Comparable distribution through specialty retail in Japan.
• Shin-Etsu Polymer: Specializes in polymer products for electronics, including semiconductor wafer handling, ESD materials, and conductive polymers. Direct competitor in Achilles' electronics/ESD business unit serving semiconductor manufacturers.
• Aica Kogyo: Japanese manufacturer of adhesives, decorative boards, and construction materials. Direct competitor in building interior materials and polymer-based construction products serving Japanese construction market.

Others

• BROOKS Running: US-based running shoe brand for which Achilles serves as exclusive Japan distributor. Strategic partner relationship with implications for footwear business direction and brand portfolio.

Regional players

• ABC-MART: Japan's largest footwear retailer and distributor. While not a manufacturer, ABC-MART controls shelf space for brands like Shunsoku and represents an important channel partner/competitive force for Achilles' footwear business.

Broad incumbents

• Asahi Kasei: Large Japanese diversified materials and chemicals company with significant overlap in polymer foams, construction materials, and electronics materials. Both compete in urethane foam, ESD products, and synthetic leather segments.
• Kureha Corporation: Japanese specialty chemicals and polymer manufacturer with overlapping products in films, foams, and synthetic materials for industrial and construction applications.
• Sekisui Chemical: Major Japanese diversified materials manufacturer with construction (insulation, pipes), automotive, and electronics segments overlapping directly with Achilles' building insulation and polymer materials businesses.
• Kuraray: Japanese specialty chemicals and materials company with overlapping product lines in synthetic leather (Clarino), films, and specialty polymers for automotive and construction markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/achilles_corp
• Facebookfacebook.com/achilles.corporation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/achilles-corporation

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries8 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 Achilles