KOKUBU

Kokubu's origin is 1712 (Shotoku 2). From opening a shop in Edo-Nihonbashi, Kokubu's history begins. The journey of business continuing over 300 years has overlapped with the history of Japan's "food" distribution itself.

At founding, the company is said to have handled kimono cloth while also being involved in soy sauce brewing — eventually shifting its core to food wholesale through era changes. Even as the goods handled changed, at the root of commerce is building trust relationships with partners. Kokubu's corporate principle "Trust" succinctly expresses that stance.

Wholesaling isn't just moving goods from right to left. Bridging the "gaps" between the maker's production and product making, the retailer's sales floor making, and consumer life — that's the wholesaler's role. Kokubu has polished functions such as logistics, distribution processing, information, and quality control — devoting effort to creating optimal flow while overseeing the supply chain as a junction.

The corporate philosophy holds the idea: "Connecting commerce woven for 300 years to the next generation. Through food, we create the happiness and smiles of people around the world." A continuous heart and the power to innovate — embracing both rather than just one, the company seeks to shape the next era's distribution.

Meanwhile, Kokubu doesn't stop at wholesale functions but steps into product proposals themselves. Starting with K&K's "Kantsuma," the original brands feature product making conscious of "the joy of choosing." In the highly preservable form of cans, the completeness as a snack and stories are packed in — richly enhancing home drinking dishes.

In numbers too, Kokubu Group is a corporate body with nationwide-scale infrastructure. Consolidated net sales for the FY ended December 2024 are 2,157,375 million yen, and consolidated employees are 5,127 (as of December 31, 2024) — showing presence as the "big backbone" supporting food and liquor distribution. Not just historical length — there's the power to move distribution at this very moment.

Established in 1712 — "food distribution" history continuing from Nihonbashi

Started business in Edo-Nihonbashi in 1712, Kokubu has engaged with food distribution across eras. While the form of business has changed over long time, at the root of commerce is the stance of valuing "trust." As a company carrying the core of distribution, Kokubu continues to support infrastructure connecting to dining tables nationwide.

A comprehensive wholesaler covering liquor, food, and related consumer goods

The main areas are wholesale of liquor, food, and related consumer goods. By combining distribution processing, logistics, and trade functions, Kokubu's work is more than mere "relay" — taking responsibility for supply stability, efficiency, and adding value.

Overseeing the supply chain through the wholesaler's "junction" function

The wholesaler — positioned between makers and retailers — is also a place where on-site information gathers. Leveraging that position, Kokubu layers functions such as marketing, information systems, logistics, and quality management — building optimal distribution while overseeing the entire supply chain.

Original brands like K&K also proposing "food enjoyment"

Beyond the wholesale framework, Kokubu also develops original products. K&K's "Kantsuma" is known as a series proposing snacks that pair with alcohol — under the brand statement "With snacks, alcohol tastes better." Lines including "Kantsuma Goku" and "Kantsuma Smoke" accompany wide-ranging scenes from everyday to gifts.