Company History

For over 90 years, we have grown together with people, their lifestyles, and society.
This history is a testament to the trust we have earned.

Chapter 1

Founding Years（1931-1945）

Foreseeing the Growth in Demand for Cosmetics Driven by Women’s Social Advancement

In 1921, at the age of 13, Kenjiro Iwase began his apprenticeship at Konishi Gisuke Shoten (now Konishi Co., Ltd.) in Osaka’s Doshomachi district,spending a decade learning the fundamentals of business.In 1931, at the age of 23, he founded Kenjiro Iwase Shoten in Kozucho, Minami-ku, Osaka, using ¥1,000 from a tanomoshiko (traditional mutual aid group).He began selling raw materials for haircare and cosmetics, such as denatured alcohol, liquid paraffin, glycerin, white wax, and castor oil.

Founding
1931
Kenjiro Iwase establishes himself as an independent pharmaceutical merchant, selling cosmetic ingredients.
1935
Introduced denatured ethanol to the cosmetics industry.

1948
Reorganized and incorporated as Kenjiro Iwase Shoten Co., Ltd.
1958
Opened the Tokyo Sales Office in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.
1968
Completed construction of the head office building in Doshomachi, Osaka.

Chapter 2

Post-War Reconstruction and Growth（1945-1970）

Establishing a Solid Foundation as a Specialized Cosmetics Raw Material Trading Company

After the war, Kenjiro restarted operations from a factory and warehouse in Higashiimazato, Higashinari Ward—one of the few locations to escape war damage. His first priority was to rebuild and strengthen relationships with suppliers. With the belief that “profit lies at the source,” he tirelessly worked to secure high-quality raw materials, forging strong partnerships even amid severe postwar shortages.

Chapter 3

Embracing a New Era（1971-1999）

Renamed as IWASE COSFA and First Expansion into Asia

In 1971, to commemorate its 40th anniversary, Kenjiro Iwase Shoten appointed Kenji Iwase as Executive Vice President, marking the beginning of a new phase of business innovation. In 1985, the company changed its name to IWASE COSFA Co., Ltd., aligning with the evolving times. The name “COSFA” is derived from Cosmetics, Fine Chemicals, and Pharmacy, reflecting both the expansion and deepening of its business areas. That same year, Kenjiro assumed the role of Chairman, while Kenji became President, marking the start of a new leadership structure.

1985
he company name was changed to IWASE COSFA Co., Ltd. Kenji Iwase assumes the position of President.
1993
Opened Tsukuba Distribution Center
1998
Completed construction of the new Osaka headquarters building

2003
Established COSFA INTERNATIONAL TRADING (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.
2005
Established COSFA INTERNATIONAL TRADING (GUANGZHOU) CO., LTD.
2010
Opened Beijing Office under COSFA INTERNATIONAL TRADING (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.

Chapter 4

Global Expansion（2000-2014）

Expanding Globally with a Focus on Quality

As the 21st century began, IWASE COSFA launched its global vision under the slogan “From Iwase to Global Enterprise.”In response to the deregulation of cosmetic raw materials in 2001, the company further enhanced its role as a specialized trading company by improving technical documentation and customer presentations, thereby accelerating its global expansion.

Chapter 5

Global Growth Phase（2015-Present）

Transitioning to the Next Generation and Embarking on a Global Journey

In 2015, Yoshinori Iwase, formerly Executive Vice President, became President, and Kenji Iwase assumed the role of Chairman, establishing a new management structureResponding to an employee's desire to venture into France, a leading center of cosmetics, the company entrusted the initiative to its team, guided by the founding principle of "Yatte Minahare" ("Try it and see").That same year, IWASE COSFA EUROPE S.A.S. was established in Paris.

2015
Yoshinori Iwase appointed President
Established IWASE COSFA EUROPE S.A.S. in France
2017
Established IWASE COSFA VIETNAM CO., LTD.
Opened Karatsu Logistics Center and Kyushu Sales Office
Established IWASE COSFA KOREA CO., LTD.
2018
Established IWASE COSFA (Thailand) CO., LTD.
Established IWASE COSFA USA INC.
2021
Acquired management rights of BHN Co., Ltd.
2023
Established PT. IWASE COSFA INDONESIA
2024
Established IWASE COSFA MOROCCO SAR

Today

Tracing the Roots of IWASE COSFA

This rare publication brings together personal reflections from those connected to our founder, Kenjiro Iwase, along with memorable stories from the company's early days.
Within its pages lies the origin story of IWASE COSFA—an important part of our history that is now known to only a few.
We invite you to read the full story in the PDF below.

Harmony and Progress I Harmony and Progress II