TOOLS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

What TOOLS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION does

TOOLS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION (株式会社トゥールズインターナショナル) is a Japan-based specialty materials and equipment supplier to the automotive design industry, tracing its corporate lineage to a 1919 art supply store and operating today as a wholly-controlled subsidiary of Too Corporation (株式会社Too). The company's core offering is industrial clay for full-size and scale-model automotive design, anchored by the proprietary NS Series — a 100% sulfur-free clay that the company developed as a world-first and now customizes by grade (NS60L, NS60LG, NS60GWK2) for individual OEM specifications. Around this core, it sells a complete modeling system: clay modeling films (Japan's first domestically developed film, 1986), rendering/modeling tapes (3M, IC Free, Washi, mt), shaping tools manufactured by Niigata Tsubame Sanjo craftsmen (HG Chokkaki, HG Triangle Rake, SK Steel, Finishers, SP Mentori, Steel, QSK Steel, Mendasu), clay-modeling equipment (Clay Oven in 350L/480L/780L variants, Clay Warmer PU-01, Clay Shaper NSD-120, Modeling Table MT01, Aluminum Surface Plate), and specialty sheets (Modeling Sheet Chrome Silver, Mylar Film). It also distributes the Copic alcohol marker (developed 1987, Good Design Award winner, sold in 50+ countries) and acts as Japanese import agent for the Italian car design magazine Auto & Design.

Name

TOOLS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

Legal name

株式会社トゥールズ저작권자ルーナショナル

Website

https://toolsintl.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

TOOLS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION is a Japan-based specialty supplier of industrial clay, modeling films, tools, and equipment for automotive design studios. It serves every major Japanese auto OEM and selected international OEMs, and also distributes Copic markers globally in 50+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo (Minato)

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Industrial Clay Manufacturing and Sales: Manufactures and sells industrial clay (NS series and other grades) for automotive design modeling. Core revenue driver, serving all major Japanese and international automotive manufacturers. Customization available per manufacturer specifications.
2. Clay Modeling Film and Materials: Sales of clay modeling films, tapes, sheets, and specialty materials for automotive design studios.
3. Clay Modeling Equipment: Sales of modeling equipment including clay ovens, warmers, shapers, modeling tables, and aluminum surface plates.
4. Copic Markers Distribution: Global distribution of Copic alcohol markers, originally developed by parent company Too Corporation. Sold in 50+ countries.
5. Education and Training Services: Clay modeling skill training workshops, car design contests, and educational events for students and professionals.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

TOOLS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION manufactures and sells industrial clay, clay modeling films, modeling tools, and equipment used by automotive design studios to build full-size and scale clay models of vehicles. The company supplies the complete clay modeling workflow—including sulfur-free NS Series industrial clay, color/finish films, hand shaping and finishing tools (chokkaki, steel, scrapers, mentori), rendering tapes, clay ovens/warmers/shapers, and modeling tables—to automotive OEMs and design studios worldwide. It also distributes Copic alcohol markers globally.

Product overview

TOOLS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION is a specialized materials and equipment supplier for automotive design studios, offering a comprehensive product portfolio centered on Industrial Clay and related modeling materials. The core product line includes sulfur-free Industrial Clay (NS Series) with 60°C working temperature, Clay Modeling Film in metallic and non-metallic finishes, and Modeling Sheet Chrome Silver for plating mock-ups. The company provides complete clay modeling solutions through specialized tools (HG Chokkaki, HG Triangle Rake, SK Steel Chokkaki, Finishers, SP Mentori, Steel, QSK Steel, Mendasu), rendering and modeling tapes (3M Rendering Tape 217J, IC Free Tape, IC Matte Tape, Washi tapes), and modeling equipment (Clay Oven, Clay Warmer, Clay Shaper, Mylar Film, Aluminum Surface Plate, Modeling Table MT01). Additional offerings include Copic alcohol markers (developed in 1987, used in 50+ countries) and Auto & Design magazine (Japanese import agent). The company also provides custom manufacturing for specialized clay and film specifications, and publishes educational materials including 'The Basic Techniques of Clay Modeling' book.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Industrial Clay NS60 Series Sulfur-free industrial clay at 60°C working temperature, used by automotive manufacturers for car design clay models; available in customized variants per OEM specifications.
• Clay Modeling Film Color/finish films applied to clay models for surface confirmation, highlight checking, and color evaluation; available in metallic and non-metallic finishes.
• Modeling Sheet Chrome Silver Glossy chrome-plated finish sheet for masking plating parts such as door handles, chrome molds, and buttons on clay models.
• Modeling Check Foil 0.01mm aluminum foil for checking clay model surface irregularities; also used for simple plating mock-ups; available in 7 color combinations.
• Vacuum-Packed Industrial Clay Industrial clay pre-cut into 8 equal slices and vacuum-packed for faster warming and easier handling by design studios and modelers.
• Clay Modeling Tools Comprehensive range of clay shaping and finishing hand tools including HG Chokkaki, HG Triangle Rake, SK Steel Chokkaki, Finisher, Chokkaki, Petite Clay Tools, SP Mentori, Steel, QSK Steel, and Mendasu; manufactured by skilled craftsmen in Niigata Tsubame Sanjo.
• Rendering and Modeling Tapes Assortment of rendering and modeling tapes including 3M Rendering Tape 217J, IC Free Tape, IC Matte Tape, Modeling Washi Tape, mt Tape, and RINREI Washi Tape for tape rendering, key line drawing, and shape examination on clay models.
• Clay Modeling Equipment Industrial clay processing equipment including Clay Oven (350L/480L/780L capacities with timer and temperature control), Clay Warmer PU-01 (up to 15 clay bars, portable 13kg), and Clay Shaper NSD-120 (vacuum re-degassing machine, 80-120 kg/hour capacity).
• Modeling Tables and Surface Plates Modeling Table MT01 with integrated 25mm pitch grid lines and Aluminum Surface Plate Table (1800x850x800mm, 5-point level adjustment, 50mm pitch grid) for scale model production.
• Mylar Film Grid-patterned milky white film (100mm square grid, 0.14mm thickness, 1700mm width x 5m length) for tape rendering and dimensional drafting on clay models.
• Copic Markers Alcohol-based markers for design and illustration use, originally developed to color copy machine output without dissolving toners; now distributed in 50+ countries for product design, automotive design, illustration, and crafts.
• Auto & Design Magazine (Japanese Distribution) Japanese import and distribution agent for Auto & Design, the Italian car design magazine published in Turin since 1979, featuring design development stories, sketches, renderings, and clay model photography; published bimonthly.
• Customization and Original Products Custom manufacturing services for Industrial Clay and Clay Modeling Film with specific colors, cutting properties, and specifications tailored to automotive manufacturer requirements.
• Spatulas for Modeling Film Application tools including felt spatulas (pure wool soft and pure wool/nylon firm), yellow resin spatulas (3-piece set), and SH type spatulas for applying modeling film onto clay surfaces.

Quantifiable outcome

• NS Series clay is approximately 30% lighter than sulfur-based clay (specific gravity 1.00), reducing transportation CO2 emissions
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers23 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

Feature5 records

Partnerships

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

• Sage Trading Ltda (Brazil)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for Brazil. Located at Avenida Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil.
• Too (Shanghai) Corporation (China)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for China. Located in Pudong New District, Shanghai.
• AT SOURCING (France)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for France. Located at ZA Les Malines, Lisses, France.
• MP artware (Germany)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for Germany. Located in Spaichingen, Germany.
• Skillsupplies retail pvt. ltd (India)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for India. Located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
• PT. ENCEHA PACIFIC (Indonesia)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for Indonesia. Located in Jakarta, Indonesia.
• Woo Jin Office Equipment Co. (Korea)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for Korea. Located in Seoul, Korea. Co-exhibited at Seoul Motor Show 2017.
• TMEH Marketing Sdn Bhd (Malaysia)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for Malaysia. Located in Selangor, Malaysia.
• TechnoComplect (Russia)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for Samara State region, Russia. Located in Togliatti, Russia.
• TOP BASHAW INC. (Taiwan)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for Taiwan. Located in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
• Too Corporation (Parent)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent company of TOOLS INTERNATIONAL. Co-organizes Clay Modeling Skill Training Workshops, shares sales channels, and coordinates on hiring through Too's recruitment platform. Too is the developer of Copic markers.
• Japan Car Modeler Association (JCMA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation of professional car modelers at major Japanese automakers. TOOLS INT'L is a member company and co-organizes events including Japan Mobility Show 'Out of KidZania' booths, car model exhibitions, and community activities.
• Japan Industries Modeling Promotion Committee (JIMPC)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional clay modeler organization that co-organizes the annual Clay Modeling Skill Training Workshops with TOOLS INT'L. Provides professional instructors for workshops.
• Japan Automotive Interior Designers (JAID)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation of interior designers and CMF designers from 8-9 Japanese automakers. TOOLS INT'L supports JAID exhibitions including the '1kg Exhibition' and '8.2 Second Exhibition'.
• ASEAN Automotive Manufacturers (BAJAJ, Honda, Isuzu, Toyota, Yamaha, et al.)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation with major ASEAN-based mobility manufacturers for the ASEAN Design Challenge student competition and ADN BKK networking events.
• Too Corporation AmericascoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGroup company handling design materials and art supplies sales in North America.
• Too (Shanghai) CorporationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGroup company handling design materials and art supplies sales in Asia.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Faber-Castell: Global manufacturer of writing instruments, art supplies, and creative products. Adjacent peer to TOOLS INT'L's Copic marker distribution business within the broader artists' materials and design tools industry.
• Tombow: Japanese manufacturer of writing instruments, stationery, and art supplies. Comparable peer to TOOLS INT'L's Copic marker business within the Japanese artists' materials market and adjacent design supply categories.
• Staedtler: German manufacturer of writing instruments and artists' materials. Comparable to TOOLS INT'L's Copic marker business in the broader artists' materials and design markers category, though focused on different end markets.
• Pilot Corporation: Japanese manufacturer of writing instruments including markers and pens. Comparable peer to TOOLS INT'L's Copic marker business across design, illustration, and creative applications, particularly strong in the Japanese and Asian markets.

Direct peers

• Chavant: US-based industrial modeling clay manufacturer and original licensor to TOOLS INT'L's predecessor (Izumiya/Too Corp) under the 1961 Far Eastern agency and 1981 J-525 license. Direct competitor in the industrial modeling clay category serving automotive design studios.

Broad incumbents

• Too Corporation: Parent company of TOOLS INTERNATIONAL. Diversified Japanese creative market trading company with roots to 1919 (Izumiya). Operates across art supplies, design materials, and Copic marker distribution. Group includes Too Corporation Americas for North American sales.
• Dassault Systèmes: Global leader in 3D design and engineering software, including CATIA widely used in automotive OEM design studios. Offers digital alternatives (virtual design, simulation) to physical clay modeling in automotive design workflows.
• Autodesk: Provider of design software including Alias for automotive surface modeling. Offers digital surface design tools used by automotive OEMs that compete with physical clay modeling for design evaluation and styling decisions.
• Siemens Digital Industries Software: Provider of NX CAD/CAM/CAE software broadly used in automotive design and manufacturing. Part of the broader automotive design tooling ecosystem that competes with physical clay modeling for design workflow share.

Emerging players

• 3D Systems: Provider of 3D printing solutions and on-demand prototyping services. Enables rapid design models that can substitute for clay modeling in some automotive design applications, representing an emerging alternative to traditional physical modeling.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/JCMA_JMS
• YouTubeyoutu.be/H_9Fp_iyt7o
• Instagraminstagram.com/jcma_jms2025
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tools-intl

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 TOOLS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION