HISTORY
Over 112 Years of Leadership in Precious Metals Business Japan
In 1892, we at Ginza Tanaka originally called "Shimizu Shoten", started business as a retailer of precious metals accessories in Asakusa, Tokyo. Our founder, Kamekichi Yamazaki, was the first person in Japan to utilize the K18(18 Karat gold) and K24(24 Karat gold) for the gold measurement system to judge the quality of gold. He became widely known as a pioneer in the world of precious metals and created a successful business here in Japan.
At the beginning of the Showa era(1930's), we imported a special watch machine from Switzerland. By integrating our techniques and utilizing this machine, we successfully managed to manufacturer a pocket watch for the first time in Japan that received global standard approval. This memorable pocket watch was purchased by Emperor Hirohito of the Showa era.
We have always played a leading role in the precious metals business and were appointed the sole manufacturers of commemorative medals for Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964 as well as the Osaka Exposition in 1970.
In 1990, our company name changed from "Yamazaki K.K." to "Tanaka Kikinzoku Jewelry", so as to emphasize that "Tanaka Kikinzoku Jewelry is here to satisfy each and every one of our customers, by providing the best quality jewelry and precious metal-crafted ornaments".
2002 was turning point for our company. In conjunction with our 110th Anniversary celebrations, our flagship store in the Ginza was fully renovated. The company was renamed "Ginza Tanaka" in order for us to make a fresh start whilst maintaining our tradition and history.
The first store called "Shimizu Shoten" was opened in Tokyo. The store subsequently moved to the Nihombashi area and was operated by our founder, Kamekichi Yamazaki
The company name became "Yamazaki Shoten" and the shop moved to the Ginza, the most fashionable district in Tokyo then and even now.
The first domestic-made pocket watch was introduced to the market With the collaboration of "Shokosha" (now called Citizen), the company manufactured the first pocket watch in Japan. This product was purchased by Emperor Hirohito (the Emperor of the Showa era) who later commented, "I was amazed to find that this wonderful product was manufactured domestically by Yamazaki Shoten in the Ginza". It has been told that the Emperor was very fond of using this product.
The business was transferred to Tanaka Shoten K.K. (now called Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo).
Yamazaki Shoten located on Ginza 1-chome Street After World War II, when the country was still under rehabilitation, "gold" was considered to be one of the most precious items. At that time, Yamazaki Shoten became the pioneer in establishing various regulations and terms related to quality control measurements of precious metals in Japan, such as the K18 and K24 measurement system. The company expanded their business by utilizing various categories of precious metals and successfully established its status as one of the leading precious metals companies.
Manufactured commemorative medals for the Tokyo Olympic Games
Manufactured commemorative medals for the Osaka Exposition. Opened a new store in Osaka, which was the first shop in the Kansai area.
A genuine diamond tiara worth over &;yen 300 million was manufactured. This tiara was specially offered to brides in Japan to wear on their wedding day along with a set of matching earrings.
The company name changed from Yamazaki K.K. to Tanaka Kikinzoku Jewelry.
The company name became Ginza Tanaka.
The store in the Ginza was renovated under the new name, Ginza Tanaka. Ginza Tanaka dedicates itself to offering the best quality and service to its customers. We carry various jewelry lines including the original design by Ginza Tanaka in addition to exclusive imports. Our diamond quality is also superb. Other offerings include precious metal crafted ornaments.
Over 112 Years of Leadership in Precious Metals Business Japan
Following the incredible development of the pocket watch is the initial development of the sharp pencil which was introduced for the first time in Japan by Tanaka kikinzoku Jewelry. The "Ster S" logo which is marked on the inside of the case has been used since its development by Tanaka Kikinzoku Jewelry which is a symbol, widely known as a product of high quality.