The Yamato company is established in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
1959
President Eiji Yamada makes an official visit to the USA and on his return, he floats the idea of specialist chain stores.
1963
The company begins developing its own original products.
1965
The first of the chain stores open in Shinjuku. Kimonos start to rapidly increase in popularity.
1970
The water and oil repellent ‘hajiku silk’ kimono is developed.
1972
Construction of the head-office building is completed.
1973
Sales hit 14.5 billion yen.
1977
Kabuki actor Bando Tamasaburo is appointed as an official Yamato ambassador. Yamato becomes the first chain in the industry to have more than 100 stores.
1978
The Garment Research Promotion Organization is established. (Currently known as the Kimono no Mori Foundation).
1984
Mr Kotaro Nakamura is appointed brand ambassador and the new Yamato brand ‘Hanai’ is launched.
1988
Takatoshi Yajima becomes company president.
1990
The kimono has a fashion revival. The ‘Eight Color Yukata’ is produced and kickstarts a nationwide yukata boom.
1996
Singer Namie Amuro is appointed as a brand ambassador.
1998
The company celebrates its 50th anniversary. It launches a kimono themed around Japanese kokuho national treasures. It is named. ‘Japanese beauty. National Treasures.’
2000
The second-hand kimono shop, ‘Tansu-ya’ is launched as a franchise venture.
2001
Singer Takako Uehara is appointed as brand ambassador. The ‘Super Reversible Furisode’ kimono is launched. The kimono and obi can be worn both ways.
2002
For the company’s 85th anniversary, the new brand ‘Ka.Bu.Ki.’ is announced. The ‘Tsukuribe no Kai’ initiative is launched that aims to train the next generation of skilled craftsmen.
2003
Participation in the 400th anniversary marking the start of the Edo Period.
2004
A movement to make kimonos more casual begins and the ‘Nadeshiko’ brand aimed at young people is launched. The actress Shinobu Terashima launches a brand called ‘Hanashinobu.’
2005
Participation in the Expo 2005 in Aichi. Launch of the exhibition ‘Momoyama Tsuganaka’ at the Tokyo National Museum.
2006
90th anniversary of the company. Yamato ‘bishoukai’ announces ‘The Beauty of the Louvre.’
2007
To make kimonos more widely accessible, Yamato launches the “Kimono no Mori” initiative.
2010
Takatoshi Yajima is appointed president. Kimonos become popular apparel clothing.
2011
Atsuko Maeda is appointed as brand ambassador.
2012
Stylist Yuko Omori is appointed as a director and new brand “Double Maison” is launched. The group launches ‘Idol’, a furisode rental shop
2013
Easily accessible kimono-wearing classes, ‘Kimono Club’ are launched within all Yamato Nadeshiko stores. ‘Kimono Hiyori’ is launched across the country to enable people to go out in kimonos.
2014
Akari Hayami is appointed as brand ambassador.
2015
Men’s kimono tailor “Y. & SONS” opens in front of the Kanda Myojin shrine. New brand ‘THE YARD’ launches to position kimonos as an everyday staple and equivalent to the white t-shirt. Suzu Hirose is appointed brand ambassador.
2016
‘Nadeshiko’ is re-launched with the new brand-name ‘KIMONO by NADESHIKO’ and opens a store in Harajuku.
2017
Centennial of the foundation. ‘Y. & SONS’ exhibits the “T-KIMONO” which is collaborated with worldwide designer “T-MICHAEL” at the world’s leading fashion fair, Pitti Uomo. Launches a pop-up shop in London. Announces the ‘Quick Kimono and Quick Yukata’ that only takes five minutes to wear.
2018
Yukata pop-up stores are launched across the country. Mei Nagano is appointed as brand ambassador.
