The Goldwin Story About

1950

The heartfelt goals of our founder, Tosaku Nishida, resonate with us as we look ahead and move forward on our 75-year anniversary.

2025 marks Goldwin’s 75th anniversary. With sports having evolved into myriad forms, and now inseparable from people’s happy lives, we once again reflect upon our founding spirit. “If I don’t do it, who will?” was the guiding principle of our founder, Tosaku Nishida, who possessed the powerful drive of a locomotive. This partly sprang from his upbringing as the youngest of eight siblings, who lost most of older brothers to the war and was left with only his sisters and young children in the family and relatives. His father said to him just before passing away, “I’m counting on you to take care of those left behind.” Those words were seared into his heart and forged the ethos with which he started our company. Today, this spirit continues to be passed down to Goldwin employees, who take on every challenging situation with this mindset.

Tosaku had another saying that he often repeated: “Everyone looks at what’s visible, but paying meticulous attention to what’s out of sight should be a part of a manufacturer’s conscience.” Since the beginning, these words have been a shared value among all Goldwin employees, as they embody not only our spirit of craftsmanship but also its empathetic core. The message conveyed is that while being obsessive over the smallest details of a product is important, it’s equally vital to be mindful of the feelings of colleagues, customers, and everyone connected to Goldwin. It’s about supporting people in elevating themselves through new challenges and environmentally conscious living. In this way, the essential values in Tosaku’s message live on today.

In 1949, a year before the company’s founding, Hironoshin Furuhashi, nicknamed the Flying Fish of Fujiyama, won the 1500m at the US National Swimming Championships, setting a world record and bringing optimism to postwar Japan. This gave Tosaku the intuition that sports would flourish as peace returned to the country. So in 1952, just three years after establishing the company, he shifted its business model to manufacturing sportswear. “Hearing the news about Hironoshin Furuhashi filled me with the courage to believe that we could achieve great things if we tried. So I resolved to keep making quality products.” That crucial decision laid the foundation for today’s Goldwin.

Our founder also said, “We don’t just make things and sell them. We think first about why we should make a particular product. And we believe in innovating while respecting the essence of sportswear. Masterpieces are born of the love that everyone devotes to a product at every stage of its journey, from planning to dyeing, knitting, cutting, sewing, quality inspections, and sales.” Rather than reflexively outsourcing yarn, Tosaku decided to develop materials expressly with a product’s end purpose in mind. This approach, which reflects our pride in monozukuri (craftsmanship), has remained unwavering over the years.

Tosaku also—and continuously—thought about what Goldwin could become in the future. “I have always believed that without a dream, neither people nor companies can envision a grand blueprint. Your dream may feel far from reality, as it’s easier to say ‘No, that’s not possible,’ and focus on the ground at our feet. It’s certainly important to acknowledge reality. But at the same time, we need the courage and ambition to leap forward and try something new.” These words still resonate as a rallying cry for every Goldwin employee forging the path ahead.

The world is different after the passing of 75 years, and the ways people engage in sports are much more diverse. Nevertheless, Goldwin’s founding spirit remains unchanged and continues to be one that we should all uphold. With this book, we hope you will look back on Goldwin’s history and think about its present and future. Think about the potential of sports. Think about the bond between humans and the natural environment. And think about where we started from as we step towards Goldwin’s centenary.

1950

Oyabe City, Toyama Prefecture, 1951.
Goldwin’s story begins in a small factory called Tsuzawa Knit Fabric Manufacture.

Founder Tosaku Nishida was born the youngest of eight siblings to a farming family in Tsuzawa Town, Toyama Prefecture. His eldest brother and third brother died in the war, and his second brother left home after the war to establish a branch family, never to return. Consequently, Tosaku became head of the household, responsible for supporting its members. This was during a time when all of Japan was struggling to survive. Drawing on his experience working in a spinning mill, and the fact that his brother-in-law was a knitwear technician in Tokyo, he decided to start a knitwear business. In 1950, he founded his operation in Tsuzawa Town (now Oyabe City), where a beautiful rural landscape of scattered villages emerges each spring as winter snows melt. The following year, the business was incorporated under the name of Tsuzawa Knit Fabric Manufacture Co., Ltd, marking the beginning of Goldwin’s history. He appointed his brother-in-law, who had been injured during military service, as manager of a roughly 133-square-meter factory. Gathering about 20 people—widowed relatives, knitting artisans, and local women—the company, with virtually no capital, started making socks, belly warmers, vests, and sweaters, among other items. He journeyed to Tokyo and Osaka to broaden sales at a time when the gap between urban and rural areas was far greater than today. One can only imagine the tenacity and devotion with which he overcame immense obstacles compared to competitors in urban centers. We can also see that the warm, gentle, family-like atmosphere that still flows at the heart of Goldwin has probably been inherited from these founding days.

1952

Sincere, honest commitment to crafting excellence earns a reputation for top-quality climbing socks.

In an era of scarcity, Tsuzawa’s products initially flew off the shelves. But when beautiful goods from other regions came on the market, returns began piling up. There was no way to overcome this other than to continue emphasizing quality, making each item with integrity and dedication. That was their only asset. In due course, the quality of Tsuzawa’s climbing socks gained a reputation. Above all else, the factory focused on sourcing the finest raw wool, which, while not cheap, was resilient and long lasting. Tsuzawa Knit Fabric Manufacture became recognized for its commitment to craftsmanship. Tosaku Nishida had a distinctive approach to quality: “Everyone looks at what’s visible, but paying meticulous attention to what’s out of sight should be a part of a manufacturer’s conscience.” These words, which he continued to espouse, remain foundational to Goldwin. As he wrote in his book Goldwin’s 30-Year Journey: The Road to Becoming a Sports Creator, it is a given that socks that last no matter how many times they’re worn are ultimately better value than socks that develop holes after one wear. The proposition of the company’s advertising copy at the time—“These socks are the most expensive out there, but they are the cheapest to wear”—lives on today in every Goldwin product.

1960

Even when skiing seems to be a hard-to-reach sport, our sweaters radiate the charm they display on the slopes.

Following the postwar recovery period, in the 1950s and 60s, skiing remained a leisure sport that was still out of reach for many people. Naturally, skiwear hadn’t been fully developed yet, and it was common to substitute everyday sweaters and pants, and to ski in thin jackets called “Yakke.” These jackets looked like oversized coverall aprons and didn’t fit the body well, making it difficult for the skiers to achieve a proper forward lean. Goldwin was originally a knitwear manufacturer, and making ski sweaters was one of our fortes. From selecting raw material yarn to the knitting process, we pursued excellence in functionality and design, resulting in products completely different from everyday sweaters. Skiers attired in Goldwin sweaters dazzled on the slopes. Later, we went on to learn and master the concept of functional beauty from brands like Fusalp and Ellesse, but even in these early days, a consciousness of aesthetics began to emerge in Goldwin’s skiwear.

1960

Offering a form-fitting design while allowing supple movement, our sweaters are loved by many skiers.

As the winter international games scheduled for Sapporo in 1972 drew near, people’s interest in skiing grew stronger. Skiers all loved Goldwin’s sweaters, with their dynamic design composed of lines and in bright colors that stood out on the slopes. Our comprehensive lineups with caps, gloves and socks could be coordinated as a total fashion, which became the talk of the town. The sweaters were form-fitting, yet allowing smooth, frictionless arm movement, and the functionality was also highly appreciated. Performing well in competition and brilliant on the slopes, the reputation of their total quality package reached overseas and eventually led to export to the U.S. and Canada.

1964

The stage is Tokyo. Eight out of ten Japanese gold medalists wear Goldwin.

In 1964, the international summer games in Tokyo were the first to be held in Asia. And standing atop the podium representing Japan were the women’s volleyball team, dubbed the “Witches of the Orient” and led by Coach Hirofumi Daimatsu; gymnasts who cemented Japan’s reputation as a “gymnastics powerhouse”; and weightlifter Yoshinobu Miyake, among others. The heroic performances of these gold medal winners were witnessed across Japan via the black-and-white televisions then common in households. Remarkably, about 80% of Japan’s gold medalists at the Games wore uniforms made by Goldwin. Just one year after the company changed its name from Tsuzawa Knit Fabric Manufacture to Goldwin, reflecting our wish for more athletes to become gold winners, that aspiration came to a resounding reality. Behind this success lay, above all, our solid craftsmanship. The athletes discovered this sportswear manufacturer and, together with our employees, collaborated to develop the products. The reputation of “Goldwin for quality” spread by word of mouth among the athletes.

1964

As spectators cheer on athletes with the Japanese flag on their chests, we the manufacturer share their pride.

For Japan in the 1960s, the Tokyo summer games were one of the events that symbolized its period of rapid economic growth. This major event not only spurred financial uplift through infrastructure development and enhanced Japan’s international standing, but also served as an opportunity to transform people’s sentiments toward life and culture. The sense of hope and optimism filled the entire nation. Having witnessed the athletes’ outstanding performances at the international games, many teams from various sports came to Goldwin and requested that we make their warm-up suits. Under the roar of cheering crowd, the faces of the winners competing with the Japanese flag on their chests beamed with pride, which we, Goldwin, shared as the proud manufacturer.

1971

Goldwin partners with French skiwear company Fusalp. Their advanced 3D cutting technology produces designs that skiers admire.

When endeavored a business tour to Europe in 1964, Goldwin founder Tosaku Nishida came across―and was totally shocked by―the skiwear made by a French company, Fusalp. On this first trip abroad, Nishida spent a month touring Italy, Austria, Germany, the U.K., Switzerland, France, Norway, and Denmark, witnessing firsthand the technological gap between these companies of the world and those in Japan. One of them was Fusalp, the official supplier for the national team of France, which was considered one of the world’s top skiing nations at the winter international games. The company’s crest-line skiwear, then called “Snow Mode,” employed a three-dimensional cutting method to follow the body’s curves and motion. It was functional, and yet beautiful. Driven solely by the desire to master this technology, Nishida visited Fusalp every day. His enthusiasm finally paid off, as he beat out rival companies and signed a partnership agreement. Although stunned by the technological gap, Goldwin’s engineers dedicated themselves to mastering the world-class pattern-making and sewing. The founder’s eyes were always on the world.

1971

Fusalp’s “Buckling” Ski Pants: A masterpiece of design worn over ski boots sets a template for the future.

Fusalp was the first to introduce Japanese skiers to the excellence of buckling pants. Called a masterpiece, the product set the standard for subsequent ski pants. Prior to this, pant legs were normally simply tucked into the tops of the skier’s boots. Buckling pants, however, fitted over the boots and hooked their hems onto the boot buckles. These pants underwent a series of refinements to ensure a perfect fit with any type of ski boots. Despite their high price for skiwear at the time, the superior materials unprecedented in Japan combined with the refined, distinctly European design created a sensation on the slopes.

1971

Jumbo Bus, the industry’s first mobile showroom with the logos of Goldwin and Fusalp, attracts attention in communities across Japan.

The Jumbo Bus, emblazoned with large Goldwin and Fusalp logos, was a mobile showroom that was ground-breaking for its time. Employees themselves drove the bus, loaded with samples, around in local communities and even had business meetings onboard. The bus, together with its unique appearance, attracted people’s attention wherever it went. This was also a completely unprecedented way of brand communication. With its body painted in Fusalp’s signature French tricolor featuring a bold graphic design, the Jumbo Bus raced across the nation as a moving advertisement.

1978

Becoming the distributor for The North Face in Japan, we commit to promoting authentic outdoor sports.

The North Face was born on the West Coast of the United States in 1966. Established amid the counterculture movement that challenged the strictures and culture of late 1960s America, the brand prized originality from the start. In 1968, the company relocated to Berkeley, a 30-minute drive from San Francisco, and began manufacturing outdoor gear. A college town brimming with the energy of young people questioning conventional wisdom, Berkeley reflected the zeitgeist of that era, and helped The North Face not only create excellent products but also express a way of life. Goldwin began importing and selling the brand in Japan in 1978. With strict quality standards, comprehensive warranty service, and a relentless pursuit of functional beauty, the popularity of this globally acclaimed outdoor brand spread quickly over the country. High-quality sleeping bags generously filled with premium goose down introduced new technology to outdoor equipment. The Sierra Parka, considered the prototype of all down parkas, and the world’s first dome-shaped tent, the Oval Intention, based on Dr. Buckminster Fuller’s Geodesic principle, were among the many masterpieces that became templates for modern outdoor gear. Dr. Fuller’s philosophy of “Do more with less” permeated Goldwin and continues to be influential within the company to this day.

1978

Lightweight and packable, the Sierra Parka grows into a prototype of all future outdoor down jackets.

In 1969, The North Face released the Sierra Parka, considered the prototype of all down parkas. It was created using the down processing technology The North Face introduced in their first product, a sleeping bag. Worn not only for winter mountaineering but also as everyday outerwear, the Sierra Parka sparked Japan’s first-ever boom in down apparel. The design became the benchmark for Insulation Garment　from outdoor brands around the world, and remains a beloved classic to this day. The North Face continues to push the frontiers of technology in pursuit of maximum functionality without compromise for all who have the spirit of exploration, from outdoor enthusiasts to urban dwellers. The philosophy of Never Stop Exploring has been ingrained in every product since the brand’s inception, and will continue to be so in the future.

1979

Armed with Goldwin products, Tsuneo Hasegawa succeeds in solo winter ascents of the Three North Faces of the Alps.

Tsuneo Hasegawa conquered the north face of the Matterhorn in 1977, the Eiger in 1978, and the Grandes Jorasses in 1979, achieving solo winter ascents of the Three North Faces of the Alps. Commissioned due to high expectations of our deep technical expertise in skiwear development, Goldwin supplied the equipment for his climb up the Grandes Jorasses, which towers over the French-Italian border. This marked the beginning of our collaboration with the adventurer. For Hasegawa, the company provided a comprehensive range of gear to protect from the cold, including jackets, overpants, our proprietary Orlon One-piece, sweaters, down jackets, and socks, as well as shelters, sleeping bags, and harnesses. Adventurers rely on their equipment to keep them alive, which means a strong bond of trust between user and maker is essential. Building this trust necessitated two things: the inquisitive communication skills to understand Hasegawa’s needs from where they originated, and the technical prowess of a manufacturer capable of producing reliable products. Challenging limits has consistently led to progress for humanity. Goldwin worked with Hasegawa for one year, supporting his endeavors and sharing in the excitement and moving moments.

1979

Orlon One-piece: An application of material used for luxury carpets gives birth to innovative sportswear.

Goldwin’s relationship with Tsuneo Hasegawa began with his lectures on the functionality required in extreme cold. In extraordinary places where everything can freeze in an instant, products based on conventional, ground-based judgment can be fatal. The lecture kicked off a continuous cycle of learning, creating, learning again, and improving. Meanwhile, the revolutionary quick-drying acrylic fiber Orlon was introduced to the market. This material, originally developed for high-end carpets, was prized for its elasticity and resistance to compression from foot traffic. Its adaptation to clothing gave birth to the Orlon One-piece. Sleeping on hard surfaces like rocks causes the collapse of air pockets in the commonly used soft, air-trapping fabrics, leaving the wearer cold. This carpeting material provided the solution. Orlon’s bulkiness, resilience, and exceptional moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties gave significant support to Hasegawa’s challenge and revolutionized sportswear.

1983

Introduction of CI comes with the launch of GW Sport, our original brand that projects the wearer’s voice loud and clear.

As a creative director, Sergio Privitera is legendary in the world of sports fashion, responsible for the branding of FILA, Starpoint, and Aquasports, among others. In 1983, when Goldwin commissioned him to develop a new corporate identity, he simultaneously helped the company to launch its original brand, GW Sport. Produced by Privitera, GW Sport focused on jogging, windsurfing, motorcycling, and skiing. The label’s concept of self-expression set it apart from previous performance-focused brands.

1983

Environment shapes everything: Helly Hansen, apparel made to withstand the harsh maritime climate of Norway.

It was 1877 when Helly Juell Hansen, a captain in the Norwegian merchant fleet, retired from seafaring at age 37 and established an oilskin cloth and canvas factory in the fjord-facing port town of Moss. His small factory, which began producing professional-grade oilskin gear, was the birthplace of Helly Hansen, one of the world’s oldest and most respected makers of waterproof clothing. The company’s first product was a fire bucket made from sail canvas soaked in linseed oil. Fire prevention was a top priority in Moss, where houses were densely packed along narrow streets. The year after its founding, the company showed its specially processed waterproof coats at the Paris World Exhibition and won the top prize for their breakthrough functionality. Subsequent innovations included commercializing the world’s first fully waterproof garments using welded seams, developing the Fiberpile, a synthetic material with excellent insulation and thermal properties that can be considered a precursor to modern fleece, and creating Helly Tech, a proprietary waterproof but breathable fabric that shook up the outdoor clothing industry at that time. The waterproofing technology honed in Norway’s harsh natural environment gained the support of sailors worldwide. Today, Helly Hansen is a brand that combines functionality with comfort to support a range of activities from the sea to the mountains.

1983

A Helly Hansen fluorescent windbreaker appears in a hit movie and gains wide popularity.

Fluorescent windbreakers became a signature product of the Helly Hansen brand in the 1980s. Their fluorescent colors were conceived for high visibility at sea, and were applied to a new polyester material resistant to fading even under direct sunlight. All of this was made possible through the company’s superior technical capabilities. The windbreakers were elegantly shaped and meticulously crafted, with attention given to the beauty of the line from shoulder to sleeve. Durability was ensured by using threads three times thicker than normal. In addition, a marking system was introduced that allowed young people to customize Helly Hansen apparel with the name of their team. At the time, clubs for marine sports like yachting, water skiing, and diving were popular at universities. Also gaining attention when its gear was worn in the hit marine sports-themed movie, When She Changes into a Swimsuit (1989), the brand gained an iconic presence in marine sports culture.

1984

From competitive racing to acrobatic showboating, skiing inspires new elements of freedom and joy.

From competitive skiing focused on speed, to skiing that soars through the air, enjoying performing and captivating audiences. In 1984, Goldwin began supporting the Volvo Ski Team, whose acrobatic skiing had long enthralled spectators. Their showboating performance with beauty and intensity greatly expanded the appeal and enjoyment inherent in the sport. This marked the dawn of freestyle skiing.

1985

The first store to be directly managed by a sporting goods manufacturer is opened in Tokyo’s Harajuku district — an unthinkable, revolutionary act in the retail distribution network of that era

Our main products at the time, accounting for roughly 95% of total sales, were ski wear by Goldwin and Elesse and athletic apparel by Champion and others.
The North Face was then an outdoor brand with low visibility loved by a small coterie of climbers. We had become one of the brand’s distributors in 1978 but had no idea which of its products would sell. So we decided to open a directly managed store to interface with customers and better understand what they were looking for. Since no sporting goods manufacturer had ever directly managed a store before, the attempt was totally unwelcomed by the retail industry, and opening the store presented many difficulties.
The store was named WEATHER STATION out of concern that calling it The North Face would further antagonize retailers. It became the first under the business model that we further developed and established later, of a sporting goods brand directly managing a store.

1986

Profecio, our cleanroom coverall line, proves sportswear technology can have a wide range of applications.

Goldwin’s highly airtight sewing technology, cultivated through the development of sportswear, is expanding its role beyond sports. One example is Profecio, a line of dust-free clothing worn in clean rooms in semiconductor, pharmaceutical, and food processing factories. Not only does it prevent fine particles emitted by the body from escaping, but it also functions to suppress dust from itself while combining durability with freedom of movement. A recent addition, the Cleanroom Air-Conditioned Clothing® Outer Vest, developed to meet the need to manage heat stress, is equipped with a motorized fan, something which was previously taboo in cleanrooms. Upon an assessment of the dust dispersion from the fan, the vest was further verified for use as a heat countermeasure in cleanrooms. Our uncompromising development will continue against a backdrop of evaluation cleanrooms and development facilities.

1987

Goldwin supplies the Ski Team Sweden Alpine as the European powerhouse reveals their strength to the world.

In 1987, Goldwin became the official supplier to the Ski Team Sweden Alpine, a powerhouse in European skiing (contract now ended). The team boasted Ingemar Stenmark, hailed as “the defining male alpine skier of the 20th century,” from the late 70s through the 80s, and would go on to produce numerous star skiers. The team also brought brilliant female skiers like Pernilla Wiberg and Anja Pärson to the world. What made the skiwear worn by these athletes, who were showing off overwhelming competitiveness to the world, truly stand out was its cutting-edge multicolor printing technology. When the entire elite team wore it together, the beautiful patterns shone even brighter on the slopes, radiating an aura. Its perfect aesthetics boosted the athletes’ spirit and intensified their focus in the battle of one-hundredth of a second. These printed patterns and big silhouettes would go on to shape the trends in skiwear. The apparel worn by top athletes at international competitions always becomes the aspiration of many other skiers. The relationships, supported by the passion of the top teams and those who back them, have always made the sport shine brighter.

1989

From alpine to Nordic, Fischer backs competitive skiers with its event-specific technologies.

Founded in Austria in 1924, Fischer is one of the world’s most established ski brands and a leader in Nordic skiing. Under the mission of being “The Athlete’s Number One Choice,” the brand has grown in supporting all skiers, from alpine to Nordic. Different disciplines demand skis with various distinctive characteristics, and Fischer has advanced engineering capabilities that enable it to create products tailored to each discipline’s needs, such as efficient glides made possible by light weight or balanced flex. Fischer continues to pursue cutting-edge know-how to evolve product performance. While its latest “Noise Control” technology reduces vibration to fine-tune turns to meet the demands of ski athletes competing in a hundredth-of-a-second races, “Vacuum Fit” has revolutionized ski boots. In 2017, we opened the first directly managed Fischer store in Japan, Fischer Tuning Base, in Kanda, Tokyo. Serving as a hub for brand communication, it handles everything from sales to tune-ups to services for professional racers.

1989

The six-nation dogsled International Trans-Antarctica Expedition sends a message from the South Pole of world peace and environmental conservation.

In July 1989, six adventurers from the United States, the United Kingdom, the former Soviet Union, China, Japan, and France set out on an expedition to make the world’s first crossing of Antarctica by dogsled. Keizo Funatsu represented Japan. The multinational project, undertaken during the Cold War when global warming and ozone depletion were becoming worldwide issues, aimed to traverse Antarctica—the Earth’s only continent without borders—to build support for environmental preservation and demonstrate the power of international cooperation. Enduring temperatures below -50°C (-58°F), a blizzard lasting more than 50 days, and dangers like crevasse zones and whiteouts, the team travelled approximately 6,040 km (3,750 miles) for 220 days by dogsled and skis along the longest continental crossing route. All of the members completed the journey with their dogs, achieving an adventure unparalleled even today. The North Face supported the expedition with gear. The team’s statement after reaching their goal—“People can live together regardless of ethnicity, culture, or nationality. We can overcome hardships together”—lives on in the Think South for the Next project. It encourages us once again to consider global environmental protection as expressed in the message they sent to the world from the South Pole, and conveys to the next generation the challenging spirit to tackle issues facing contemporary society.

1991

We deepen our engagement with sports, opening Golf Club Goldwin and signing up top pros.

Goldwin’s history began in Oyabe City, Toyama Prefecture. Golf Club Goldwin, perched atop a hill in the city, opened in 1991. Its course layout makes the most of the city’s expansive natural surroundings, and the clubhouse offers a variety of facilities to refresh both body and mind. Designed by one of Japan’s leading course architects, Shunsuke Kato, Golf Club Goldwin is the premier golf course in the Hokuriku region. While the course is mostly flat, fairways are undulating and roughs feature numerous mounds―it is considered challenging relative to its length. In addition to the course itself, the club’s various leisure facilities are a major draw. Many tournaments are held here throughout the year. Goldwin initiated its player contracts by signing Yuko Moriguchi, a leading player in women’s professional golf, as an affiliated golfer, and has since added advisory contracts with Hiromi Kobayashi and Yuri Fudoh for Ellesse Golf. Currently, top-level golfer Shugo Imahira has an advisory contract through the “and per se” brand. Beyond making apparel, we will continue to spread the joy of the sport of golf.

1997

Equipped with gear from The North Face, Mitsuro Ohba becomes first in the world to cross both the North and South Poles solo on foot.

In 1997, on his fourth attempt, adventurer Mitsuro Ohba achieved the feat of crossing the North Pole solo on foot. Building on collaborations in 1994, 1995, and 1996, The North Face again incorporated Ohba’s feedback to jointly develop specialized gear for his 1997 expedition. A total of 103 items, including nine pieces of clothing, were produced and used. To meet Ohba’s request to “get through the entire journey without resupply,” The North Face provided lightweight, durable, temperature-regulating, and quick-drying apparel from his first attempt. Later, Ohba also succeeded in a solo trek across Antarctica on foot, becoming the world’s first to cross both poles that hard way. The invaluable experiences of this world-renowned adventurer in extreme environments were shared back to The North Face’s development team, further contributing to subsequent product development.

2000

Together with the Nastar Race Association, we support children who aspire to become world-class skiers through N-Point Race and the FIS Youth Japan Cup.

Children must grow up healthy, and it is ideal if they do so through the joy and wonder of sport. To achieve this, Goldwin has been supporting the N-Point Race, where skills in downhill skiing are translated into numerical points, and everyone is welcome to compete based on their scores. We additionally support the Youth Japan Cup, which provides opportunities to advance to international competitions. These two events aim to broadcast the joy of skiing competitions, offer young people opportunities to aspire to the world stage, and revitalize regional skiing competitions. Top performers in these events are invited to the Whistler Cup, held in Whistler, Canada. This passageway from the local N-Point Race to the world junior championships gives young skiers aspirations and jump-starts them into the world. In 2020, the Youth Japan Cup, which was established in 2000, became a FIS-sanctioned competition, attracting many participants from overseas. The Cup is an excellent opportunity for children to gain authentic experiences of an international stage early in their careers. The valuable memory of the participation stays with the children for life. The Youth Japan Cup has produced a number of athletes, including Tomoya Ishii and Asa Ando, who are competing in the world championships.

2005

JUNYA WATANABE MAN and The North Face collaborate on products that combine fashion and functionality without compromise.

The North Face, which embodies the very history of outdoor adventure, is known for exceptional functionality underpinned by outstanding ideas and design capabilities that pursue performance, alongside innovative materials. It was this development philosophy that resonated with Junya Watanabe of JUNYA WATANABE MAN. The specifications of the products, the use of materials, waterproof designs, and insulation—the functionality of The North Face products presented a subject of great interest even from a fashion perspective. The collaboration with JUNYA WATANABE MAN since 2005 has turned out to be an invaluable opportunity for Goldwin to reexamine our own work. The boldness and precision of their approach to products, and the determination to reach the goal while maintaining self-discipline. Never do what others do. Think, think, and think again to create products. Every staff member at the design house has a passion perfectly aligned with Junya Watanabe’s. Therein lay the powerful vision of their design perspective. From this uncompromising fusion of high functionality and high fashion, driven by mutual inspiration, a new format was born. As pioneers of the then-rare collaboration between outdoor and fashion brands, this partnership continues today, 20 years later.

2006

The philosophy of New Zealand brand Macpac is embodied in high-quality outdoor products with the durability to last many years.

Macpac is an outdoor brand born in 1973 in New Zealand, a southern-hemisphere country rich in nature and with four distinct seasons, much like Japan. It originally began as a group of mountain-loving climbing enthusiasts creating backpacks that they would love to use. Now it is known in NZ as young New Zealanders’ go-to backpack for embarking on their Gap Year. True to New Zealand’s year-round outdoor lifestyle, Macpac products are engineered to be durable and highly rain-resistant. This is rooted in the brand’s design philosophy: sustainability starts with products that last. Developed by people who live for the outdoors, Macpac products have undergone in-field testing to meet rigorous standards. The brand’s distinctive feature is a material called Aztec. This tightly twisted blend of durable, long-fiber cotton and corrosion- and abrasion-resistant polyester has realized products with outstanding sturdiness and water resistance. Goldwin began importing and selling the brand in 2006. With its core principle that “simplicity is superior to complexity,” Macpac has gained a strong following among people who love nature.

2008

With our repair service, your favorite products last longer, eliminating unnecessary production and consumption.

Products used for sports and outdoor activities endure harsh and demanding conditions, wearing down with each use. To encourage customers to cherish and use them longer, Goldwin has been committed to repairs since 1979. In particular, our The North Face division sent sewing technicians to The North Face’s headquarters in Berkeley in 1992 to learn techniques and know-how firsthand at the forefront of repair services. There, they meticulously repaired not only apparel but also equipment, such as tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks—services rarely offered in Japan at the time. The goal was and is to provide a service that fosters attachment to a single product and encourages longer use, rather than just selling new items. Each product faces different situations where functionality is compromised or damage occurs. At Goldwin, we strive to find the most effective approach for each item to achieve repairs that restore its full functionality. Goldwin’s brand-specific initiatives across the company help reduce apparel waste, curb unnecessary consumption and production, and contribute to protecting the natural environment. As part of its efforts to promote long-term product use, we have established a program that enables users to request repairs directly online. Some stores offer in-person repair consultation services. This philosophy of “giving products a long life” connects to many current initiatives, including the “Green Baton” program.

2008

Developed by Speedo, LZR Racer astonishes the world and sparks a social phenomenon.

Speedo, founded in Australia in 1928, has supported numerous top swimmers with its innovative technology and established itself as the world’s leading swimwear brand. In 2008, the year after Goldwin began licensed business with Speedo, the LZR Racer was simultaneously released worldwide. This high-tech swimsuit was developed based on research into shark skin, with a focus on speed. It represented a paradigm-shifting approach that aimed for maximum speed, even at the cost of discomfort caused by intense compression. Designed to achieve the goal of swimming “even a hundredth of a second faster,” the LZR Racer streamlined the body and eliminated seams, significantly reducing drag and contributing to record-breaking results. This revolutionary suit technology emerged from collaboration between Speedo’s research and development team, AquaLab, and international research institutes including NASA. Since 2008, the LZR Racer has sent shockwaves through the swimming world. In Japan’s competitive swimming community, the question of whether or not to wear the LZR Racer sparked debate, turning a single swimsuit into a social phenomenon.

2009

Launch of C3fit: Our original brand featuring a compression effect that promotes enhanced performance.

C3fit (C-three-fit) is a compression wear born out of the concept of “wearable athletic function.” The compression applied to the body by just wearing it interacts with bodily functions and has the effect of guiding body into optimal condition and supporting every movement with comfort. Launched in 2009, C3fit enables smoother physical movement by promoting blood flow while simultaneously caring for bodily functions, making it favorable gear for both exercise and post-sport recovery. Born from the idea of using compression to enhance performance and care for the body, C3fit has been supporting the performance of numerous top athletes and is beloved not only in the sports scene but also in everyday life by many users.

2010

From sportswear to space: R&D leads to new materials for undergarments worn on long stays on the space station.

The astronauts who stayed long term aboard the International Space Station’s Kibo module and carried out various missions wore the space undergarment made with our functional material, Maxi Fresh Plus. This groundbreaking material was developed by the Space Open Laboratory, a joint project between Goldwin, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and J-Space Inc. In outer space, requirements for clothing are different from those on Earth: Achieving the neutral position under microgravity, for example, needs to be considered. Astronauts on long-term stays at the Station of course cannot change clothes as frequently as they would on Earth. In the space environment where taking a shower or doing laundry are impossible, special antibacterial and deodorizing underwear were called for to maintain bodily cleanliness. Goldwin responded to this challenge with its technological expertise. The answer was Maxi Fresh Plus, a material that significantly reduces sweat odour and body odour simply by wearing it. Later we applied this cutting-edge space technology to further develop underwear for the general public, and launched MXP (Em-X-Pee) in 2010. This was our value proposition for clean and comfortable living.

2010

Goldwin’s outdoor-brand store lives and evolves with Harajuku.

Since opening its first store in Harajuku in 1985 under the name Weather Station, The North Face has walked hand in hand with Harajuku, the epicenter of Japanese youth culture and fashion. Starting 2010, the brand has deployed multiple stores each featuring a distinct concept and spatial design, bringing diverse faces to the streets of Harajuku. While the entry points may vary, be it fashion, music, technology, or culture, the ultimate goal is to increase the number of people interested in the outdoors and nature. Harajuku has always been the ideal hub for this purpose. We now offer customers a whole array of options to choose from depending on their use and style: The North Face Mountain, specializing in mountaineering specialties; The North Face Standard, proposing urban lifestyles; The North Face 3 (march), focusing on women’s items; The North Face kids Harajuku, our first outdoor shop for children; The North Face Alter, targeting millennials and younger; and The North Face Sphere, dedicated to athletics. Additionally, Goldwin operates other brand stores in the area, such as Goldwin Harajuku and Helly Hansen Harajuku. Together with the town where curious youngsters gather, we thrive to encourage more people to enjoy nature and the outdoors. Goldwin will continue to live and evolve with Harajuku.

2012

Drawing out merino wool’s hidden potential, Icebreaker brings broader options to outdoor lifestyle and clothing.

In 2012, Goldwin signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Icebreaker, a performance apparel brand from New Zealand renowned for its merino wool base layers. Having captivated outdoor enthusiasts around the world, the brand made a full-scale landing in the Japanese market. Icebreaker founder Jeremy Moon, inspired by an encounter with a rancher, recognized the appeal of wool and launched the brand in 1995. Committed to working with the bounty that nature provides, Icebreaker uses ethically sourced raw wool from Merino sheep raised in New Zealand to craft apparel that is kind to both the environment and people. The brand also prioritizes transparency in manufacturing, releasing reports that clearly disclose the origins of its raw materials and its production details. Merino wool, the brand’s core material, offers many advantages, including a soft feel, excellent moisture-wicking properties that help maintain a comfortable temperature inside the garment, and natural odor resistance. With this brand, Goldwin offers the market a different base layer choice than synthetic fibers, broadening the range of outdoor gear options tailored to specific purposes. These products excel in various settings like outdoor adventures and travel, and have steadily gained loyal customers each year. Having been expanding the possibilities of merino wool, Icebreaker continues to grow steadily as a lifestyle choice closely connected to nature.

2012

As a proud brand that connects urban lifestyle and nature, Helly Hansen takes a leap from its Harajuku store.

Helly Hansen, a brand of sailing gear born in Norway in 1877, began expanding into the outdoor category in 2011 and has grown into a comprehensive outdoor brand that covers a wide range of activities in diverse fields. Drawing on decades of experience and expertise in marine wear technology, Helly Hansen offers innovative apparel, presenting styles that seamlessly connect urban life and the outdoors. Reflecting the brand’s evolution, its first directly managed flagship store in Japan, Helly Hansen Harajuku, opened on Cat Street in Tokyo’s Harajuku district in April 2012. In addition to high-performance marine wear, the store features a comprehensive selection of outdoor product lines, including mountain parkas and clothing inspired by the marine lifestyle. This expansion beyond the marine category to encompass both outdoor and urban apparel marked a full-fledged step into the urban market. In 2013, the Helly Hansen Shop opened at Hayama Marina. In 2023, it was renovated and rebranded as Helly Hansen Ocean Hayama Marina. Situated within a marina by the sea, this field-based flagship store aims to enrich the lifestyle of both residents of Hayama Town and its visitors. Helly Hansen continues to evolve as it communicates its brand vision in both urban and in-field locations.

2013

Yuichiro Miura: The oldest person to summit Mount Everest, with clothing and equipment we supplied for all three of his successful ascents.

In 2003, professional skier and mountaineer Yuichiro Miura successfully reached the summit of Mt. Everest, the world’s highest peak, at the age of 70 years and 7 months, setting the world record for the oldest person to do so at the time. That achievement alone was remarkable, but he went on to summit again in 2008 at the age of 75, and then again in 2013 at the age of 80, breaking his own world record for the oldest person to conquer Everest each time—an astonishing feat of successfully climbing the great mountain three times after turning 70. The North Face supported his endeavors by supplying apparel and equipment. Miura, who had tackled numerous adventures, undertook this challenge driven by a desire to empower and inspire courage in people of his generation. The gear used in these summits overcame various challenges, including coping with rapid temperature fluctuations, managing sweat effectively, and maintaining a lightweight design. The products clearly proved themselves even in this extreme environment.

2013

Aiming to be a hub to connect people and nature, The North Face deploys stores close to national parks and outdoor sports fields.

To encourage more people to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors, The North Face has been expanding its presence into areas near national parks and national monuments. Starting in 2013 with The North Face Gravity Niseko in Hokkaido and followed in 2015 by The North Face Gravity Hakuba in Nagano Prefecture, the brand has continued to open its stores at gateways of Japan’s premier outdoor destinations: Ishigaki Island, Shiretoko, Hakone, and Yakushima. These stores capitalize on their locations adjacent to nature to offer services that enhance convenience for local outdoor activities. They also provide opportunities for people of all ages—from experts to beginners and children—to connect with nature through events and workshops. Furthermore, as a National Park Official Partner designated by the Ministry of the Environment, Goldwin supports experiential tours and local events. Together with local stores, it continues to communicate the value of nature from both conservation and sustainable enjoyment perspectives.

2015

As a Gold Partner supporting Toyama Marathon 2015, we send our “Sports First” message from our birthplace.

In 2015, Goldwin served as a Gold Partner and supported the inaugural Toyama Marathon 2015, held in Toyama Prefecture, the company’s birthplace. As a company that had grown along with the region, Goldwin provided comprehensive support for the event, which is a full marathon for all residents, created to commemorate the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Its primary appeal lies in the course, which starts in front of Takaoka City Hall, passes scenic spots like the Shinminato Bridge, and finishes at the Toyama-Iwami Canal Kansui Park in Toyama City. It offers panoramic views of the Tateyama Mountain Range throughout the run. Goldwin had many employees participate not only as runners but also in official wear creation, event operations, and as supporting volunteers. It embodies the company’s “Sports First” philosophy, which considers sports before anything else. This event, which brings together people across generations, also serves as a vital platform for communicating our commitment to a circular society and environmental values to the local community and stakeholders. It presents an opportunity to demonstrate a new, distinctly Goldwin way of contributing to the region through sports. Since its inauguration, we have continued to support this event every year.

2015

Prototype for the future: MOON PARKA’s debut brings Brewed Protein™ to the market.

In 2015, Goldwin and biotech startup Spiber launched a joint research and development initiative in the sports apparel sector. Their ambitious goal was to commercialize an artificial protein fiber, considered the next-generation filament material. The first step was the announcement of a prototype of MOON PARKA, an outdoor jacket developed jointly with The North Face.

As the world’s first apparel piece made from a man-made protein material, Brewed Protein™ fiber, it garnered significant attention. However, the prototype had limitations that would prevent it from becoming a finished product, with numerous challenges in the way of mass production and commercialization. To overcome these hurdles, Goldwin and Spiber accelerated their joint research and development efforts. After four years of trial and error, the fiber finally reached the market.

Brewed Protein™ fiber is a protein material produced through Spiber’s proprietary fermentation technology employing plant-derived biomass as raw material. As a product of fermentation of plant-based ingredients, it is biodegradable and has a lower environmental impact than existing fiber materials, particularly natural animal fibers. It carries high expectations as a next-generation material that will contribute to the realization of a circular economy.

The MOON PARKA precisely marks its starting point as the first garment for this challenge extending into the future. It is a stepping-stone to The North Face’s full-scale collection featuring Brewed Protein™. The concept that began as a prototype has now evolved into a tangible technology shaping the future of apparel.

2015

To realize an inclusive society, we strive to play our part by supporting parasports.

Since the 1964 Tokyo international games, Goldwin has collaborated with athletes to co-develop uniforms. Building on this history, in 2015, we entered into an official partnership agreement with the Japan Para Sports Association, a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, aiming to realize a society where everyone can participate in and enjoy sports. Leveraging our long-cultivated technology and expertise, Goldwin has supported the development of diverse sports environments, including parasports. We strive to create an inclusive society where everyone is respected and lives together as members of the community, regardless of gender, race, nationality, social status, or disability. Parasports embody this philosophy. Collaborating with organizations such as the Japan Wheelchair Rugby Federation, Japan Para Swimming Federation, Japan Para-Ski Federation, and Japan Boccia Association, Goldwin develops uniforms alongside athletes, supporting their competitions through our apparel. Also, through the swimwear brand Speedo, Goldwin collaborated with para athletes to develop universal design backpacks and wheeler bags equally usable and enjoyable by both wheelchair users and non-disabled individuals. This effort embodies the vision of “tools that people from diverse backgrounds can share with the same convenience.” Additionally, we continue to provide hands-on support, including promoting spectator attendance, offering staff uniforms to associations and organizations, and assisting with event operations—to bring the power of sports to everyone. Goldwin will keep pioneering society’s future from the front lines of sports.

2016

Neutralworks. by Goldwin—an unprecedented business model that opens up new possibilities for athletic commerce.

In 2016, Goldwin opened Neutralworks. by Goldwin in Tokyo’s Gaienmae district. This specialty store introduced an unprecedented concept centered on the perspective of “conditioning,” offering 24-hour support for those seeking to enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle. Established in an area that is home to the New National Stadium and many other sports facilities, the store champions a unique concept of “Bringing mind and body to a neutral state,” and proposes a new sports lifestyle for modern people. The core of this approach—the concept of “conditioning”—is to naturally draw out the body’s potential to support improved daily performance and recovery through high-quality sleep. To embody this, the store first offered activewear and other products incorporating insights from wellness medicine and sleep management, then later added functional yet stylish products, such as sleepwear. The store also provides fitness and conditioning services under the name of Rooms. Neutralworks. currently operates seven stores nationwide, with the Ebisu location also offering the Rooms services. Dr. Norinaga Shimizu, Professor Emeritus at Osaka Prefecture University and Doctor of Medicine, oversaw the project. Drawing on his extensive experience leading research and development in wellness medicine and sleep science, he helped create an environment designed to unlock each individual’s inherent potential. Neutralworks. is a project symbolizing the future of sports and wellness, poised for an era where sports are deeply rooted in daily life.

2017

Shaping our future with state-of-art R&D, Goldwin Tech Lab is launched.

To further our sportswear development capabilities, in 2017, we established the Goldwin Tech Lab, an R&D facility located in the company’s birthplace of Oyabe City, Toyama Prefecture. While research had always been conducted at the Goldwin Technical Center (GTC) in the same area, the new facility brought together state-of-the-art equipment and expertise to achieve greater advances in technological innovations. The Tech Lab is equipped to enable multifaceted, highly specialized research and experiments, including material property evaluation, motion analysis, environmental simulations using an artificial climate chamber, and silhouette validation of apparel during wear. At the center of the facility is an exhibit of machines and items that tells the history of product development, showing the connection from past to future, the harmony between technology and nature, and the ambition to expand from Toyama to Japan and the world. One of Goldwin’s most iconic initiatives is the creation of uniforms for Japan’s national teams. The development of performance-maximizing apparel that reflects feedback from top athletes and onsite needs is the crystallization of our field-driven technology. Insights gained through industry-academia-government collaboration and joint research with contract athletes and suppliers accumulate as Goldwin’s intellectual capital, enabling us to aim for the creation of truly unique products and enhancement of corporate value. By applying advanced equipment and IT to the technology we have cultivated since our inception, Goldwin is working on creating innovative products that transcend conventional thinking. Going forward, we will be involved not only in apparel but will additionally take on the challenge of totally new monozukuri (craftsmanship) that encompass material development and digital technology. The Tech Lab is a powerful force to drive Goldwin’s future.

2018

The North Face partners with photographer Naoki Ishikawa: together we challenge the unknown.

In 2018, Goldwin formed a partnership with photographer Naoki Ishikawa and started to support his challenges by providing The North Face high-altitude mountaineering gear. Ishikawa, who had been traveling to various places around the globe since his teens, first summited Everest in 2001 and became captivated by the Himalayas. Over the next 23 years, he systematically climbed each of the Himalayan peaks of over 8,000 meters, achieving the monumental feat of summiting all 14 in 2024. Throughout all of this, he maintained a unique artistic approach, documenting his entire journey exclusively with a film camera. At the base of Ishikawa’s way of life lies the same spirit as The North Face’s brand tagline: Never Stop Exploring. He explored unknown places, capturing the grandeur and beauty of nature he encountered on his journeys through photography, and passing it on to future generations. This spirit deeply resonates with The North Face’s philosophy, which centers on functional outdoor apparel while connecting with culture and art, proposing coexistence with nature. The North Face has collaborated with Ishikawa to co-develop gear for challenging, harsh environments, creating high-performance apparel that supports movement even in the most extreme conditions. For The North Face, continuing to stand alongside Ishikawa’s endeavors as an accompanying runner in his pursuit of challenges is also the brand’s way to express its own challenge of the unknown and respect for nature.

2018

Goldwin Marunouchi, the brand’s first flagship store, showcases its view of the world.

In 2018, Goldwin opened its first directly managed flagship store, Goldwin Marunouchi, on the first floor of Nijubashi Square in Tokyo’s Marunouchi district. Having evolved with skiing and outdoor activities in Japan, Goldwin is a premium sports brand that offers products blending minimalist design with rationality, comfort, and convenience, and keeps proposing new lifestyles that effortlessly transcend the boundaries between urban and natural environments, or between on and off. Designed to convey this expansive perspective, the store was situated in the Marunouchi area, a global hub where people from around the world gather, as a point of connection between city and nature to convey the brand’s philosophy more substantively and to serve as a center for communication that connects people, sports, and daily life. The store featured a wide range of product categories, including ski, outdoor, athletic, and lifestyle, and boasts selections of items that support a body and lifestyle that move and change flexibly and adaptively while harmonizing with nature. In June 2025, it was relocated and expanded to the first floor of Marunouchi Brick Square on Nakadori Street. The store continues to evolve, serving as a base camp for messaging the brand’s worldview to a broader audience.

2021

A challenge to find the optimal solution for sports climbing: Goldwin Tech Lab provides uniforms to four national teams.

If you recall the uniforms worn by the Japan National Climbing Team at the 2021 international competition, it was Goldwin’s research and development hub, Goldwin Tech Lab, that played a central role in their development. The North Face has been providing apparel support to the team since 2005. Building on years of accumulated expertise, we collaborated with The North Face USA for over two years, conducting extensive development and scientific testing to create apparel tailored to the sport’s demands. To accommodate the three disciplines—Speed, Bouldering, and Lead—two uniform types were made, for Speed and Lead/Bouldering. While the Speed uniform featured a design that doesn’t hinder dynamic movements or raising legs, the Lead/Bouldering version minimized stress to the absolute minimum when worn, allowing climbers to focus solely on climbing. During development, all Japanese national team athletes underwent 3D scanner measurements. Actual measurements enabled personalization tailored to individual body types and movement patterns. At the same time, inputs gathered through athlete interviews and feedback drove detailed refinements. These uniforms were worn not only by the Japanese team but also by the national teams of the U.S., Austria, and South Korea, for whom The North Face serves as a supplier. On the Tokyo stage, athletes from various nations challenged the world wearing Japanese-made uniforms. Then in 2024, in addition to the functionality we had developed over time, we pioneered the world’s first use in a part of the uniform of a renewable bio-based raw material and CO2-derived polyester material produced with carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technology—a manufacturing approach aimed for sustainability. The Japanese and South Korean national teams competed in uniforms incorporating those materials.

2021

Goldwin’s third overseas flagship store opens in Beijing, showcasing Japanese aesthetic sense.

Goldwin opened its first flagship store in China, Goldwin Beijing, in 2021. This marked the third overseas directly managed store, following locations in San Francisco, U.S., and Munich, Germany. Beijing, chosen as the first retail location in China, is a city gaining attention within the Chinese market as a hub for winter sports. This opening symbolizes Goldwin’s global strategy, looking toward long-term growth in Europe, America, and Asia. Architect Tomoyuki Sakakida of the New Material Research Laboratory (Shinsoken) designed the store. Traditional materials symbolizing Japanese aesthetics—such as Oya stone, Nikko cedar, rare Jindai cedar, and black iron produced during the iron-making process—are used throughout, creating a space in harmony with nature. It offers a unique experience where senses are sharpened as if stepping into nature, simultaneously providing a profound sense of tranquility. Within this space, Goldwin presents its wear—delicate yet functional, meticulously crafted down to the finest detail, rooted in Japanese aesthetics. We aim to resonate with Chinese customers through the brand’s products and the space, conveying appreciation for Japan’s four seasons and its natural beauty. As a bridge connecting people and nature, we seek to foster coexistence between urban dwellers and nature into the future. Collaboration with the New Material Research Laboratory, starting with the Beijing store and continuing with the Kyoto store, which opened in 2025, will move on, further deepening the brand’s communication of its worldview.

2022

Play Earth Park in Tokyo Midtown nurtures the future generation through play amid the elements of nature.

In 2020, celebrating our 70th anniversary and looking ahead, Goldwin adopted “Play Earth” as a slogan expressing its vision for the future. This initiative embodies the company’s wish to foster a new relationship with nature and the environment through “play,” the origin of sports. To connect, play, learn, and live together with nature—this is also a declaration of Goldwin’s mission for the coming era. The project that brought this vision to life was the experiential event “Play Earth Park,” held in April 2022 at the Tokyo Midtown lawn plaza. Aimed at children and families, this playground emerged in Roppongi featuring novel play equipment designed by five architects, each themed around one of the five elements: earth, water, wind, void, and fire. Reflecting the principles and symbolism of these elements, the unique-in-the-world play equipment nurtured a sense of connection with the Earth in visitors, while accompanying workshops focused on awakening children’s innate sense of wonder. In addition, five Goldwin brands, including The North Face and Helly Hansen, teamed up with five artists and designers to sell special collaborative items. Then, in July of the same year, the event shifted to Toyama, the company’s birthplace, and Play Earth Park was held at Fugan Canal Kansui Park and the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art. As an immersive experience that blended with each area’s nature and culture, it delivered the message of “playing with the earth” deeply and widely.

2022

The North Face sponsors the Shonan International Marathon, the world’s first “disposables-free” race.

The Shonan International Marathon, a race held on Japan’s Shonan coastline, was the world’s first major marathon to fully implement a “My Cup, My Bottle” system. Starting from the 17th edition in 2022, runners carry their own bottles and refill them at approximately 200 water stations along the course. This completely eliminates some 500,000 paper and plastic cups and over 30,000 PET bottles that would have been disposed of, representing an unprecedented model to reduce environmental impact. In support of this innovative effort, The North Face signed on as a Special Sponsor. The brand’s long-held philosophy of living in harmony with nature and forging a sustainable future with an outdoors point of view, resonated deeply with the marathon’s slogan: Take Action, Be Better We demonstrated our commitment to a circular society in tangible actions: We provided participants with reusable soft cups and commemorative T-shirts made with recycled PET bottle fibers; volunteers were offered specially designed staff jackets; and onsite collection boxes were put in place to encourage people to donate unwanted clothing. The collected items would also be recycled into event T-shirts for the following years. The North Face’s sponsorship is about more than supporting a sports event. It is a co-creative forum for envisioning the future alongside runners who shared a commitment to the environment and put it into action.

2022

Launch of a resale and repair program that conveys commitment to circular consumption.

Many clothes that children have outgrown are still perfectly usable, yet most of them are discarded simply because they no longer fit, and they eventually end up in the trash. Faced with this reality, as part of our efforts to unlock the potential that lies “beyond” clothing, we launched the resale and repair program “Green Baton” in 2022. This program aims to help reduce fashion waste by reselling used children’s clothing and other kids’ items. It is an initiative for product circulation where clothes that have served their purpose are collected and purchased, and then repaired and/or upcycled to be passed along, with our commitment, to people who need them. The program started with children’s items from The North Face and Helly Hansen, and has now expanded to include junior skiwear. Repairs are done with the advanced techniques we have developed over the years and, in upcycling, clothes are turned into revitalized items that combine different parts from collected used garments. The resulting resale outfit with the ” Green Baton” logoed zip pull and hangtags is one-of-a-kind with a new, unique design and added value. The concept of Long Life, or using things with care for a long time, should be a value we want to pass on the value of resource conservation. The “Green Baton” program is our forward-looking, quiet, yet strong commitment to action aimed at fostering a spirit of caring for your things and a sense of responsibility.

2024

Entering an agreement with Allbirds, a pioneer of shoes designed with innovation in mind, we become their exclusive distributor in Japan.

In 2024, Goldwin entered into an exclusive distributor agreement for the Japanese market with Allbirds, a lifestyle brand focused on using innovative materials. Founded in San Francisco in 2016, Allbirds made a sensational debut with its innovative sneakers, Wool Runner. Since then, the brand has developed and marketed footwear employing plant-based materials such as insoles and soles based on castor bean oil and sugarcane, respectively, and knit fabric made from eucalyptus fiber. Its pioneering environmental initiatives, including visualization of the carbon footprint of each product and the brand’s achievement of B Corp certification, are highly appreciated worldwide. Our partnership with Allbirds is a reflection of their strong alignment with Goldwin’s long-term vision Play Earth 2030, which calls for a return to the origin of sports—playing in nature—and committed to social and environmental challenges. Allbirds is a partner that puts this commitment into action together with us. Allbirds’ approach to measuring and visualizing the impact of product design on the environment, and its desire for co-creation with partners strongly resonate with Goldwin’s other brands as well, and have the potential to lead to new product opportunities. We are determined to make maximum use of this partnership with Allbirds to spread a richer, more innovative lifestyle in Japan while contributing to limiting environmental impact.

2024

Helly Hansen and Ocean Adventurer Kojiro Shiraishi co-operate to challenge the extremes of the oceans.

In 2024, ocean adventurer Kojiro Shiraishi completed the Vendée Globe, a solo, non-stop, unsupported round-the-world yacht race. Departing from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, this race involves circumnavigating the globe in a 60-foot (approximately 18.3 meters) ocean-going racing yacht without resupply or port calls. Covering a total distance of 45,000 km over approximately 80 days, it is called “the world’s toughest yacht race.” Behind this great achievement lies the longstanding partnership between Helly Hansen and Shiraishi. Their collaborative gear development began with the 2006 Velux 5 Oceans and continued through the 2016 and 2020 Vendée Globe races, making this their fourth joint effort. Helly Hansen has supported him each time with cutting-edge sailing apparel to withstand severe natural conditions, such as storms, extreme cold, and harsh UV radiation. Specifically, Goldwin Tech Lab conducted thorough research and development based on Shiraishi’s feedback. Utilizing 3D scanners, motion capture, and testing in artificial weather chambers, they perfected fully custom-made gear, including underwear. The result combines unbreakable durability, even after circumnavigating the globe, with agile mobility on deck. It is a unique gear that continues to evolve, incorporating new elements with each race. Helly Hansen apparel challenges the extreme seas alongside Shiraishi, sailing together with him.

2024

With a new corporate purpose of “Envision new possibilities for humanity in nature,” the head office relocates to Kita-Aoyama,Tokyo.

In 2024, Goldwin adopted a new corporate purpose: “Envision new possibilities for humanity in nature.” This mission statement embodies our commitment to expanding human potential through our products, experiences, and environments, while fostering a more abundant natural world. To represent this vision, we have refreshed our corporate logo. The goal is to integrate the corporate and brand logos, aiming to further enhance its presence both domestically and internationally. The snow crystal motif of the logo symbolizes the history of growth closely tied to skiing, and represents the accumulation of effort born from repeated challenges. It is also an expression of our desire for harmony between people and nature, as well as a sustainable future. It reflects our hope that each individual will nurture the diverse crystals within themselves, and that small steps taken together will lead to the power to create a better natural environment. To realize this new purpose, we have relocated our head office to Kita-Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo. Situated near the National Stadium, a symbolic place for sports, and at the heart of Japan’s leading fashion scenes in Aoyama and Omotesando, this environment will foster globally competitive new creations. While further enhancing our communication power as a global company, Goldwin is accelerating its challenge for the future.

2024

A coup in mogul skiing: Ikuma Horishima becomes the first Japanese overall FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup champion.

Athlete Ikuma Horishima, whom Goldwin has supported with skiwear, achieved remarkable feats during the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons. During the 2023–24 season, he became the first Japanese skier to win the overall title in the FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup men’s moguls event. This historic achievement was highly recognized, and he was honored with the Athlete of the Year award at the Snow Award 2024, hosted by the Ski Association of Japan (SAJ), a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation. In 2025, he claimed victory at the World Championships. Horishima, who began competing seriously in moguls at age 10, showed early promise by placing third in the opening FIS World Cup event when he was still in high school, giving him the title of FIS Rookie of the Year. He won a bronze medal at the 2022 Beijing Games and has continued to grow steadily, aiming for the pinnacle of the world. Goldwin has consistently backed Horishima’s challenges. Our commitment to supporting athletes who will shape the future remains unwavering.

2024

Goldwin and OAMC, led by Luke Meier, collaborate in their commitment to coexistence with nature and a circular economy.

In September 2024, Goldwin announced a capsule collection created in collaboration with the fashion brand OAMC. Based in Paris, OAMC is a brand then led by Creative Director Luke Meier. It has pursued clean, authentic craftsmanship while freely crossing boundaries between workwear, military, tailored, and luxury styles. This collaboration originated in the shared principles of “coexistence with nature” and “commitment to a circular economy.” It fused OAMC’s signature modern creativity with Goldwin’s long-cultivated functionality and specialized technical expertise. The result was a collection in which both brands’ aesthetic sensibilities were meticulously incorporated into every detail. The inaugural Fall/Winter 2024 collection was designed with the theme of blending natural and technical materials, featuring an original three-layer fabric developed by laminating the lining, a waterproof membrane, and wool. This fabric represents the crossover of tradition and innovation, offering waterproofing, insulation, and breathability. The collection also highlights environmentally conscious material choices, such as items made from 100% recycled nylon with water-repellent properties. The second season, Spring/Summer 2025, introduced lightweight outerwear and pants using a three-layer technical cotton fabric. Each item features a handwritten label, another indication of the philosophies of both OAMC and Goldwin.

2025

Goldwin Kyoto, the brand’s first flagship store in Kansai, is created through a collaboration with the New Material Research Laboratory.

In 2025, Goldwin opened the brand’s first flagship store in the Kansai region, Goldwin Kyoto. The spatial concept is “architecture through which wind passes.” Square granite tiles are laid from the entrance forecourt to the tsuboniwa garden courtyard, creating a continuous space that evokes wind flowing from outside to inside. A large granite vessel sits at the storefront, with its quiet yet powerful presence lending a noble, distinguished air to the entire space. The store was designed by the New Material Research Laboratory, which has collaborated with the brand starting with the Beijing flagship store in 2021. This marks the Laboratory’s first Goldwin store in Japan. Natural materials like paulownia wood and bamboo are used for fixtures and walls. These materials are known for resilience and robust growth, mirroring the brand’s spirit of continuous challenge and evolution. The fixtures draw inspiration from skiing, the brand’s origin, incorporating ski-lift motifs. The forecourt and courtyard feature natural stones such as Hirukawa and Kiso stones. Seeds carried by the wind would take root in the stones’ shadows, sprout, and grow. This landscape, where aging and growth coexist, narrates the passage of time and the cycle of nature. Inside the store, alongside items that fuse Goldwin’s pursuit of functional beauty with Japanese aesthetics, the complete Goldwin 0 collection—an experimental platform envisioning the brand’s future—is also available. Nature and city, tradition and innovation: a new place connecting these elements is born in Kyoto.