TAKEO Co., Ltd. is a trading company specializing in paper. Through research, development, and sales of fine papers, TAKEO has been contributing to society since its foundation in 1899 at the end of the 19th century.
The quality fine papers that are TAKEO’s pride are the result of the company’s commitment and consistent attitude, incorporating a specialist trader’s meticulous grasp of society’s and customers’ needs, together with product development through close links with specialist manufacturers around the world who share their philosophy of skilled manufacturing-monozukuri.
The main reason that TAKEO’s paper is so highly regarded is that they have an accurate grasp of what is needed at any particular time, and reflect that understanding in their products. Using the knowledge and technology cultivated in over a century as a trading company specializing in paper, TAKEO intends to continue providing high quality service.
Paper has long played an important role in their society and economy, always present in our surroundings like air or water. As well as its function as a recording medium, paper is appreciated as a beautiful material that adorns and enriches their daily lives with its presence. TAKEO’s fine papers combine this functionality and beauty.
Reflecting delicate colors and sensations that have been nurtured by Japan’s climate and aesthetics, their fine papers are already highly rated in Asia and Europe, and they are now rolling them out globally. The company has cultivated and maintained close links with the graphic design world for over half a century, exploring from the perspective of paper, design, and technology how visual communication can be enhanced in the context of their society.
The TAKEO Prize, established as one of the projects to mark TAKEO’s centennial, is intended to encourage and honor those working to develop and provide deeper insight into the development of the visual communication field. The TAKEO Poster Collection, also established as a centennial project, is currently proceeding as joint research in conjunction with the Tama Art University Department of Graphic Design.
Additionally, TAKEO is actively involved in publications that concern Japan’s paper culture or record the history of design.
As the role of design becomes increasingly important, TAKEO will continue contributing to society through these cultural initiatives.
In order to solve major issues such as global warming, shortage of oil and other fossil fuels, and shortage of safe water, we need to switch from being a resource-dependent society to being a sustainable society, changing the way we live and the forms the industries take.
Paper has long been the mainstay of the history of human culture. As a business specializing in paper, TAKEO attempts to make paper in a way that takes the global environment into account, and conducts inititatives in order to achieve a sustainable society. Image Credit: 竹尾 ／ TAKEO CO., LTD.
a. 神田錦町 3-12-6 Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan 101-0054
