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In August 38, Kinzo Motobayashi founded the company in Matsuya-cho, Higashi-ku under the name "Nishiumi Kinzo Shoten."
At that time, the peppermint pipe invented by Motobayashi Kinzo caught on to the boom and became a hit product across the country, gaining popularity among the Haikara people.

A factory was established in Motomachi 1-chome, Naniwa-ku (today, east of the JR Minatomachi Station). The company's integrated production system, starting from raw wood, produced high-quality, fashionable walking sticks. The company steadily expanded its sales channels in the booming economy. It expanded its sales channels from Hokkaido to Kyushu, as well as to northeastern and southwestern China and Korea, and actively exported through trading companies.

At this time, our sales policy shifted from in-store sales to on-site sales, and our business performance placed us among the top five in the east and west.

In March, an order was finally issued banning men under the age of 3 from working in peacetime industries, forcing the company to suspend operations. The company began preparations to convert the aforementioned factory in Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, to the military industry and produce wooden parts for airplanes, but the factory and the Semba headquarters were completely burned down in the Great Osaka Air Raid in March of the following year, 45 (Showa 1945). The company was forced to start again from scratch.

As the business expanded, the company was reorganized into a joint-stock company, with second-generation Motobayashi Katsuji as representative director and his eldest son, Motobayashi Katsuichi, as senior managing director. All employees entered the 30s with renewed determination.

The trading department was opened in Yokobori, Higashi-ku, contributing to the acquisition of foreign currency, and Motobayashi Katsuichi was appointed managing director and head of the trading department.

The company moved from Nagajucho, Taito Ward to Higashi-Nippori, Arakawa Ward, and acquired land to build a new company building. The branch office was promoted to a branch office, and Yoshio Motobayashi was appointed as the first branch manager.

In July, we established our company motto and announced our long-term policy and management guidelines.

Japan's first disposable lighter is released.

The company celebrates its 65th anniversary. The World Expo is held in Senri, Osaka, and a company-wide joint commemorative ceremony is held while touring the expo.

The company lost its mainstay president, Motobayashi Katsuji. He had endured the great hardships before and after the war and had led the company with such force that his departure was regretted by many. In May, Motobayashi Katsuichi became the third president. In 5, the exchange rate became floating, and the yen suddenly appreciated from a fixed rate of 1973 yen to the dollar (360 yen to the dollar). Exports came to a sudden halt.

The company relocated to a new head office building in Minamisenba, Minami-ku, Osaka City, with the aim of improving management efficiency and future growth. The company was awarded the first Outstanding Company Award by the Osaka Prefecture Management Rationalization Association.

The 70th anniversary of our founding, the effects of the new head office building were already apparent, making it possible to respond to diversifying products and sales routes. Tokai Seiki released a disposable lighter for 100 yen. As the market for disposable lighters expanded rapidly, our company also expanded the sales of disposable lighters under our original brand, "Lupin."

Became the sole distributor of Celine (lighters) in Japan and began sales. Changed into a trading company with manufacturing functions for smoking accessories.

In line with the company's growing performance, the company received its second Excellent Company Award from the Osaka Prefecture Management Rationalization Association that same year.

On the 75th anniversary of its founding, sales reached 50 billion yen and a commemorative ceremony was held.

The Tokyo branch office is relocated to a new building in Ningyocho, Nihonbashi, Chuo Ward, Tokyo. The company also launched its original fuel-free lighter, "Gari Gari."

To mark the 80th anniversary of the company's founding, a commemorative ceremony was held, along with a "gathering of thanks," an all-employee recreational trip, and a commemorative exhibition. All employees vowed to keep the founder's spirit in mind and to work hard towards the 21st century.

The Plaza Accord of September 9nd caused the yen to appreciate rapidly. The rate of 22 dollar was trading at around 1 yen, but a year later it was trading at around 230 yen, marking the start of an era of a strong yen and a bubble economy.

The company relocates to a new head office building in Kita-Horie, Nishi-ku, Osaka.