What Gill does

Gill Japan is the exclusive Japanese distribution and retail operation of the British marine apparel brand Gill (founded 1975), run by Fortune Corporation (株式会社フォーチュン) from Osaka. It sells technical sailing, boating, fishing, paddle-sport, and UV-protection apparel and accessories to Japanese consumers and marine-sports enthusiasts, serving use cases from dinghy sailing and offshore yachting to windsurfing, kayaking, SUP, and jetski. The product portfolio spans premium offshore jackets and salopettes (¥63,580-¥121,000), mid-range coastal jackets (¥18,150-¥68,200), neoprene wetsuits, UV-protective clothing, thermal base layers, footwear, and marine accessories (caps, sunglasses, gloves, life jackets), organized around three core technology platforms: XPLORE 2-layer waterproof/breathable fabric, XPLORE+ 3-layer fabric, and SHIELD PFAS-free plant-based DWR coating, supported by Vortex Hood, Di Guard neoprene, and UPF50+ technologies.

Revenue is generated entirely through one-time unit sales, with no subscription or recurring model. The company operates two channels: a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront at gill.jp (offering same-day shipping, multiple Japanese payment methods, free shipping above ¥1,100, and one free size exchange) and an authorized dealer network (Gill正規販売代理店) that provides professional fitting, consultation, and the only path to domestic quality warranty. A team-print customization service adds silk-screen, heat-transfer, and embroidery branding with bulk discounts for sailing clubs, schools, and rowing teams.

The physical Gill Japan Shop & Office in Osaka closed due to office relocation, leaving operations online-only as of 2024. The Japanese market is served exclusively through this single-country footprint, with no disclosed international expansion from the Japanese entity, no public listing, no venture funding, and no enterprise customer concentration.

Name

Gill

Legal name

Gill Japan (Fortune Corporation)

Website

https://gill.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Gill Japan, operated by Fortune Corporation in Osaka, is the exclusive Japanese distributor of British marine apparel brand Gill, selling technical sailing, water-sport, and UV-protection clothing and accessories through its gill.jp e-commerce store and an authorized dealer network serving Japanese sailing and boating enthusiasts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Apparel

SIC

Retail-Apparel & Accessory Stores (5600)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine Apparel & Footwear Retail (Wetsuits, Rash Guards, Deck Shoes) (CRAMAIAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Swim & Surf Performance Wear (CRAAAEAG), Water Sports & Marine Recreation Retail (Paddle/Surf/Dive/Boat Accessories) (CRAMABAI), Waders, Apparel & Footwear for Fishing Retail (CRAMALAL)

Keywords

• Sailing apparel
• Marine clothing
• Water sports gear
• Offshore jackets
• Wetsuits

Headquarters

HQ city

Osaka

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Direct E-commerce Sales: Primary revenue stream through the official Gill Japan online store (gill.jp), selling directly to consumer end-users. Products include jackets, pants, wetsuits, accessories, and gear for marine and water sports.
2. Authorized Dealer Network: Sales through Gill authorized dealers (Gill正規販売代理店) who purchase wholesale and resell to end consumers. These dealers provide professional fitting consultation and after-sales service.
3. Team/Group Orders: Custom team print ordering service for sailing clubs, rowing teams, and marine organizations. Offers silk-screen printing, heat transfer, and embroidery customization with bulk purchase discounts.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Gill is a British marine apparel brand that manufactures and sells technical sailing and water sports clothing and accessories, including waterproof jackets, salopettes, wetsuits, UV protection wear, base layers, footwear, and marine accessories. In Japan, the brand is operated exclusively by Fortune Corporation (株式会社フォーチュン) through the Gill Japan official online store (gill.jp) and a network of authorized marine retailers.

Product overview

Gill is a British marine apparel brand offering a comprehensive portfolio of water sports and sailing clothing. The product lineup centers on three key technology platforms: XPLORE+ 3-layer waterproof breathable fabrics for premium offshore protection (Apex Pro-X 2.0, Meridian-X, Aspect 2.0), XPLORE/XPLORE 2-layer fabrics for coastal and offshore use (OS1, OS2, OS3, OS26 series), and neoprene wetsuits (Zenlite, Pursuit, Dynamic Long Jane) for thermal protection in various water temperatures. Supporting these core lines are UV protection wear (UV Tec, UV Stretch Pro series), thermal base layers (Hydrophobe series), footwear (Pursuit, Aquatech, Verso Race Trainer), and marine accessories including caps, sunglasses, gloves, life jackets, and bags. The products serve diverse marine activities including cruising yachts, dinghy sailing, windsurfing, fishing, paddle sports, kayaking, SUP, and jetski.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Apex Pro-X 2.0 Jacket Gill's flagship marine jacket for powerboat and offshore fishing, featuring XPLORE+ 3-layer fabric with SHIELD PFAS-free water repellency, Vortex Hood technology, and full seam tape construction for complete waterproof protection.
• Apex Pro-X 2.0 Salopette High-performance waterproof salopette (bib pants) designed for powerboat and offshore fishing, featuring XPLORE+ 3-layer fabric, side-entry design, and full-length YKK zips with double storm guards.
• Meridian-X Jacket Professional-grade waterproof jacket for harsh marine conditions, utilizing XPLORE+ fabric with plant-based water-repellent coating, Vortex Hood technology, and multiple zippered pockets.
• Aspect 2.0 Jacket Lightweight waterproof jacket for speed-focused marine activities, featuring XPLORE+ 3-layer fabric, Vortex Hood technology, and high breathability for active use.
• OS1 Ocean Jacket Premium ocean-grade sailing jacket with exceptional waterproof and breathable performance for extreme offshore conditions.
• OS2 Offshore Jacket Professional offshore sailing jacket with waterproof and breathable protection, featuring fully taped seams and multiple secure pockets.
• OS3 Coastal Jacket Versatile coastal sailing jacket suitable for unpredictable coastal conditions, providing dry and comfortable protection for both beginners and experienced sailors.
• OS26 Offshore Jacket New generation offshore jacket for professional sailors, featuring advanced waterproof breathable technology and ergonomic design.
• Zenlite Skiff Suit Lightweight 2mm neoprene wetsuit optimized for warm weather sailing, canoeing, kayaking, SUP, and windsurfing with 4-way stretch and Di Guard neoprene panels.
• Pursuit Full Arm Wetsuit 4/3mm neoprene wetsuit with full arm coverage for cooler conditions, providing thermal protection and durability for active water sports.
• Dynamic Long Jane Women's 3mm neoprene insulated suit providing versatile thermal protection for various water activities.
• UV Tec Long Sleeve Tee Ultra-lightweight technical UV protection top with UPF50+ rating, moisture-wicking properties, and flatlock seams for comfortable all-day wear in water and outdoor activities.
• UV Stretch Pro Shorts 2-way stretch UV protection shorts with UPF50+ rating, quick-dry recycled nylon fabric, PFAS-free water repellency, and multiple pockets for active water and land use.
• UV Stretch Pro Trousers UV protection trousers with stretch fabric, UPF50+ rating, water repellency, and adjustable internal waist system for outdoor activities.
• Hydrophobe Thermal Top Thermal base layer with 4-way stretch, fleece lining, and 50+ UV protection, designed for use under wetsuits or as an outer layer with durable water repellency.
• Hydrophobe Top Thermal top with excellent thermal properties, 4-way stretch fabric, flatlock seams, and integrated thumb loops for layering under drysuits.
• Regatta Cap Durable nylon marine cap with UPF 50+ UV protection, quick-dry fabric, moisture-wicking headband, and corrosion-resistant retainer clip for secure fit on water.
• Pro Gloves Long 50th Anniversary edition long-finger sailing gloves featuring Proton-Ultra XD material for durability and grip, with comfortable fit for various water sports.
• Lumina Sunglasses Marine-grade sunglasses with polarized lenses, UV400 protection, and bio-plastic frames that float in water.
• Skyline Sunglasses Premium marine sunglasses with polarized lenses, UV400 protection, and hydrophobic coating for clear vision on water.
• Life Jacket WR-1 Automatic inflation waist-type life jacket for safety on water activities.
• Pursuit Trainer Lightweight water sports shoe with low-cut design and wrap-structure outsole providing stability, made with 3mm neoprene for comfort and durability.
• Aquatech Shoe Technical water sport shoes designed for aquatic activities with quick-dry properties and reliable grip.
• Verso Race Trainer Quick-dry, lightweight racing trainer with drainage system and sure grip for water racing, providing comfortable fit.
• Aero Boots Sailing boots designed for maritime use with non-slip soles and waterproof construction.
• Neoprene Socks Neoprene socks for thermal protection and comfort in water activities.
• KAYA Rope Marine rope products for sailing and water sports applications.
• Zenlite 2.0 Long John 1.5mm neoprene long john optimized for fast sailing and foiling, featuring lightweight construction with excellent thermal insulation and UV protection.
• Fisher Fleece Mite-resistant knit fleece pullover with wind-resistant knit fabric, high-neck design, and YKK zipper kangaroo pocket for warmth and breathability.
• Voyager Pant Versatile pants using XPLORE 2-layer fabric with PFAS-free water repellency, providing comfortable protection and rain defense for active use.
• Pilot Gilet Windproof and waterproof gilet using XPLORE 2-layer fabric with PFAS-free water repellency, featuring YKK front zipper with inner storm guard.
• Team Print Customization Service Custom team print ordering service for sailing clubs, rowing teams, and marine organizations, offering silk-screen printing, heat transfer, and embroidery customization with bulk purchase discounts.

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Fortune Corporation (株式会社フォーチュン)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFortune Corporation is the sole Japanese agent and exclusive distributor (日本総代理店) for Gill products in Japan. The company operates the Gill Japan official online store and manages the authorized dealer network. Located in Osaka city Nishi-ku (大阪市西区).

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Zhik: Australian performance sailing apparel brand focused on dinghy, offshore, and foiling categories. Direct competitor in technical marine apparel with comparable price points and innovation-led positioning.
• Henri Lloyd: British marine apparel specialist with a long heritage in offshore sailing jackets, ocean race kit, and coastal sailing wear. Closely comparable in product mix, price tier, and heritage positioning to Gill.
• SLAM: Italian marine apparel brand with strong offshore sailing and regatta heritage. Competes in ocean jackets, salopettes, and coastal sailing wear across European and Asian markets.
• Marinepool: German specialist in sailing apparel and ocean racing gear with comparable offshore, coastal, and dinghy product lines. Direct peer in technical marine clothing.
• Musto: British performance sailing and marine apparel brand with comparable product categories including offshore jackets, coastal sailing wear, and dinghy gear. Direct head-to-head competitor in technical sailing apparel worldwide.
• Magic Marine: Dutch marine apparel brand focused on dinghy sailing, windsurfing, and offshore kit. Comparable in neoprene wetsuits, UV protection, and entry-to-mid-tier technical sailing apparel.

Broad incumbents

• Helly Hansen: Norwegian heritage brand with deep marine and offshore roots offering sailing jackets, base layers, and foul-weather gear at scale. Competes across Gill's product range but operates as a much broader outdoor and workwear incumbent.
• Patagonia: Large outdoor and surf apparel brand with marine crossover lines in wetsuits, UV wear, and coastal jackets. Competes for crossover consumers who buy marine apparel for lifestyle use.

Others

• Ronstan: Marine hardware and accessory brand also serving the sailing and water-sports community through similar dealer networks. Adjacent rather than directly competitive, but operates in the same authorized-retail ecosystem.

Emerging players

• Grundens: US-based fishing and commercial marine apparel brand expanding into offshore and coastal wear. Comparable in technical foul-weather gear and offshore jacket categories targeted by Gill's Apex Pro-X line.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 Gill