Masatomo Sumitomo
(1585-1652)

Our history dates back to the early 17th century when Masatomo Sumitomo opened shop in Kyoto, Japan. His business philosophy is summarized in a series of Founders Precepts, a set of beliefs that stresses integrity and sound management practices.

Sumitomo recognized that it takes spirit and substance to continually replenish a business similar to the process of harnessing the flow of a stream.

The igeta symbol was chosen to represent Sumitomos ideas and literally translates as "well frame", a crosshatch framework designed to access and underground spring or well.

As an American company with roots in Japan, we continually demonstrate our ability to draw from the well of American and Japanese heritage and bring forth fresh innovations based on technologies that last.