There was once a man and a bike. He rode that bike 30 km every day.
To deliver 20 kg of clothing to his customers. His name was Kinji Shimizu.
In his mind, he asked himself what an ideal cycling wear would be like.
Through his experiences, he would go on to redefine all cycling wear.
In 1950, Pearl Izumi was born.
BY ATHLETES, FOR ATHLETES
In his early days as the founder, Kinji made a special 100% nylon jersey for his son who was a cycling athlete. After that, Kinji and his sons continued to pursue new materials and studied the physical movements of cyclists. From back then, they started challenging themselves to develop products based on their own experiences in the field as cyclists and from user feedback. That DNA has been passed down to this day. Designers and pattern makers at Pearl Izumi pursue comfort that cannot be measured by numbers by relying on their own experiences in the field.
TECHNOLOGY
For over 50 years, Pearl Izumi has provided cycling jerseys that meet the high demands of cyclists. We have produced many products through collaborations with athletes competing on a world stage as well as with master craftsmen in Japan. In 1970, we established “AERO-CUT” with an original draping technology. In an age when it was normal to use deerskin, we were the first company in the world to use artificial leather for cycling pads(chamois), which did not harden when it got wet with sweat or by washing. It revolutionized racer pants and captivated cyclists across the globe.
COLLABORATION WITH THE ATHLETES
Feedback from Japan’s National Team, the J Pro Tour Team and athletes competing across the world are essential to the development of innovative products. The opinions we gain by collaborating with them, as well as the materials and functions born from their contributions, can then be offered to many users as accessible products.
GRASS-ROOTS ACTIVITIES
We support and cooperate with cycling events held across the country and actively collaborate with organizations that support the cycling industry’s foundation, such as JCF, JPCF, JBCF and JICF. In addition, we also support the creation and management teams of road race schools abroad for young cyclists to gain experience overseas. In this way, we strive to help nurture young athletes with the potential to shine as cyclists in the future.
