The History of Otsuki Pearl
The beginning of Otsuki Pearl
In 1930, Kikuo Otsuki, the founder of Otsuki Pearl, founded Otsuki Pearl as a company in Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture. Otsuki Pearl’s history began with pearl cultivation.
While contributing to the development of pearl cultivation techniques, the Company expanded its operations to include sales and exports.
Turbulent times for the pearl industry
The removal of all restrictions on the pearl trade in 1949 led to a pearl boom. Pearl exports boomed.
The world experienced an unprecedented pearl boom in which pearls were special gems that only Japan could supply.
As pearl production continued to increase, however, export prices fell in 1967 for the first time since the end of the war. The Cabinet Order to Partially Revise the Order on Units of Measurement was promulgated in 1968, and the “monme” (a traditional unit of measuring weight) became the unit used to measure pearls.
A leader in the industry
Prices stabilized as a result of adjustments in pearl production, and the pearl depression ended in 1972. Otsuki Pearl, which has always provided the world with quality pearls, became the leading pearl exporter in the industry in 1975.
The Company has maintained that position even today.
Present Continuing to provide beautiful, quality pearls
Otsuki Pearl has established an integrated system of production, manufacturing, and sales, and it has expanded its sales approaches by opening a directly managed store in 2005 and an online store in 2010. As a professional pearl company, we will continue to strive to consistently supply quality pearls with a sense of pride and responsibility as a leader in the pearl industry.