CORPORATE OFFICE
KOTOBUKIYA
5F ISSEI BLDG 1-18-2 AKEBONO-CHO, TACHIKAWA-SHI, TOKYO 190-0012, JAPAN
CEO/President Kazuyuki Shimizu
Managing Director H.Shimizu
- Int’l Business Div.: J. Shinoda, Kirt Nakamura, T. Ikeda, T. Hanzawa, R. Paske,
- Int’l Purchasing & Licensing: A. Higashi (GM), Y. Tani
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KOTO INC (dba KOTOBUKIYA)
22857 Lockness Ave
Torrance, CA 90501, USA
Phone: 310-327-7359 / Fax: 310-538-8794
CEO/President Jeffrey Kashida
Chairwoman: Hiroyo Shimizu
Contact us by email: questions@kotous.com
- Sales & Marketing: Aiko Shoji,
- E-Commerce & Sale Operation: Anuj Pradhan
- Media Relations/Communications/Product Development: Dan Lujan
- Product Planning & Development: K. Nakamura
- Administration/Accounting: May Okabe
- Art Department: Felipe Alberto Benavides
- Shipping/Warehouse: Sangay (Mote) Lama
- Fulfillment Operation: Adan Hernandez
- Customer Services: T. Tokioka
- Licensing Operation
Click Image for Location Map
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KOTOBUKIYA
Company first began as a single toy store for dolls operated by Jusaburo Shimizu in 1947. In 1951, he re-created his sole proprietorship into a limited liability company, together with his two brothers.
While always continuing to focus on retail sales, KOTOBUKIYA first venture into original products as a model kit manufacturer began in 1983 with Armament, our first original model kit. This was followed in 1985 with King Godzilla, our very first licensed kit.
What really set apart KOTOBUKIYA from other model kit manufacturers was the acquisition of the model kit license for Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam THE-O mecha, the first time a company other than Bandai was able to release Gundam products!
Our first foray into the non-kit business was in May of 1989 with soft vinyl statues and the Active Styling Figures (today branded as ARTFX Statues). Since then, we have increased our lineup with fully assembled and painted resin statues (now known as KOTOBUKIYA Fine Art Statues), Action Figures, One Coin Mini Figures and more!
As a model kit manufacturer, we were always striving to further improve the material and detail and articulation of our kits. That level of commitment has continued throughout all product types that we have developed, and KOTOBUKIYA is renowned for our quality and dedication to craftsmanship.
In our retail stores, we hold annual sculpting and painting contests, which is judged by our in-house and other known sculptors and outside judges, including the editor-in-chief of Hobby Japan, the Japanese model magazine. The number of entries normally exceeds three hundred, with entrants from all over Japan. In fact, some of our in-house sculptors originated as entrants into the contest and other toy manufacturers have scouted many others!
Over the years, were attracted the attention of not only top artistic talents, but also the favor of publishers and licensors who wish to work with only the best the toy and collectible industry has to offer.
KOTO INC (dba KOTOBUKIYA)
KOTO INC represents KOTOBUKIYA for North America Market including Canada, United States, and Mexico. KOTO INC also coveres most of the Central American Regions as well. Its capability of E-Commerce, SNS marketing and Media Communications have been playing the vital role for the enhancement of KOTOBUKIYA brand today. With its network of the most talented US sculptors and artists in the arena of collectible statues and toys, KOTO’s highly capable USAteam provides an invaluable resource to strengthen KOTOBUKIYA’s marketing and product development capabilities for its Global market. KOTO INC’s marketing capability is also essential to meet its growing business needs. In the midst of globalization and constant shifting of business trends and management styles, it is critical to manage and control various marketing resources to strengthen our position against the competition and maximize our growth potential. KOTO INC has been pushing a cost-efficient branding effort to capitalize on various emerging resources and media such as online search, display advertising, video games, internet TV channels, social networks, online user-generated content, and word-of-mouth marketing.
With a fusion of cutting-edge technology and creative craftsmanship, KOTOBUKIYA is now much capable of responding to the sensitivity and fluctuation of market needs, as well as collector’s persistent demands for product perfection. The new website is now operational, and KOTO INC (KOTOBUKIYA) is fully committed to developing an online experience that provides the highest level of customer service and support.
PRODUCT REVIEW INQUIRIES
We look forward to responding to product review inquiries from the media and press. Please direct your email to: dan@kotobukiya.co.jp
Inquiries will be forwarded to our Media & Marketing staff and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible. Please note that we have limited review samples but are always looking for websites and individuals interested in reviewing our products. Let us know what kind of coverage you can provide along with the following information in your request: A URL to your review site or blog and several recent links showcasing your review talents. Additionally you can request to be added to our PR mailing list; each month we send out new product news and information to our media partners.
OEM PARTNERSHIP
KOTO Inc is always looking for potential opportunity for O.E.M Partnership. Please feel free to contact: Jeffrey Kashida
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Please send your resume to: May Okabe, General Manager – Administration, Koto Inc. maiko@kotobukiya.co.jp
22857 Lockness Ave. Torrance,CA 90501, USA.
- Opening for Sculpting Artist: Please send your information: Career Opportunity
- Opening for Painting Artist: Same as above.
- Opening for Photographer: Same as above.
As an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, Koto Inc is committed to fostering a diverse, multicultural work environment where our employee-owners respect one another and share a commitment to our firm’s values, mission, and strategies. Koto Inc provides equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status.
