100-Year-Old Otafuku Glove Evolves with Functional Wear, Entering Peltier Market for New Growth Axis

Otafuku Glove Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minoo City, Osaka Prefecture; hereinafter Otafuku Glove) will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.

Starting with the manufacture of work gloves in 1926, Otafuku Glove has evolved into a company that develops functional innerwear and work shoes. The company is expanding its reach beyond site-specific products to the general consumer market.

In recent years, in addition to developing the functional innerwear brand "BODY TOUGHNESS" and the trend-conscious workwear brand "FUBAR," the company will enter the Peltier-based apparel market in 2025. Against the backdrop of the expanding heat countermeasures market, Otafuku Glove is pursuing the development of new growth areas.

Guided by the desire to be "a company that brings much fortune," Otafuku Glove has continued product development while staying close to the voices of those on the front lines.

The commemorative website (https://otafuku-glove100th.jp/), released to mark the 100th anniversary, introduces the company's journey from its founding to the present.

Established as "Taiyo Glove Co., Ltd.," the company started with 5 employees.

Otafuku Glove's Journey (Digest)

1926: Founded in Wakayama with the production of work gloves (Idobata Work Glove Factory). 1950s: Incorporated (Taiyo Glove Co., Ltd.) and advanced into Osaka. Expanded sales channels with unique in-store sales methods. 1970s: Expanded nationwide and began trading with China, strengthening its business foundation. 1980s: Changed company name to "Otafuku Glove Co., Ltd." and created hit products such as "Magic Gloves." 2000s onwards: Expanded into work shoes and kitchen shoes. 2008: Began developing functional innerwear "BODY TOUGHNESS." Recent years: Accelerated new market development with the launch of the work & casual brand "FUBAR" and entry into the Peltier vest market in 2025.

*For details on the history, please visit the 100th Anniversary Commemorative Site (https://otafuku-glove100th.jp/history/).

1980: Changed company name to "Otafuku Glove Co., Ltd." Moved headquarters to Minoo Textile Industrial Park.

Throughout its 100-year history, Otafuku Glove has continued to evolve in response to the needs of each era. In recent years, the company has focused on product development that addresses social issues such as "heat countermeasures" and "comfort," growing into a brand that extends beyond the work market.

100th Anniversary Special Projects & Events

To commemorate its 100th anniversary, Otafuku Glove is holding various gift campaigns every month on its official Instagram and X accounts (scheduled to be held monthly from April 2026 to March 2027).

100th Anniversary Project Third Campaign

Additionally, on July 20, 2026 (Mon, Holiday), the "Otafuku Glove 100th Anniversary Match" (Orix vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham) will be held at Kyocera Dome. In addition to special performances within the stadium and gifts for attendees, the "first pitch by the president challenging without prior baseball experience" is a point of interest.

Instagram post "The President's Path to the First Pitch Part 1" is here

"The President's Path to the First Pitch" updated as needed

Furthermore, an original T-shirt commemorating Otafuku Glove's 100th anniversary, featuring original printing on FUBAR's popular standard item "FB-700 FUBAR Oversized 5-Sleeve Cool T-shirt," will soon be available in limited quantities on "BUZZ WORKS (Buzz Works) | Otafuku Glove Official Online Store."

Available in two colors, white and black. Various commemorative initiatives will continue to be rolled out throughout the year.

100th Anniversary Original T-shirt 12. White100th Anniversary Original T-shirt 11. Black

Future Development

With its 100th anniversary marking a new start, Otafuku Glove will continue to strengthen product development that pursues functionality and comfort.

While inheriting tradition, the company will challenge itself to create new value.

About Otafuku Glove

Otafuku Glove Co., Ltd. started as a work glove manufacturing company in 1926.

Handling all types of work gloves, from work gloves to leather gloves and processed gloves, it is a leading company in the industry as a one-stop solution provider for work gloves.

Currently, the company is expanding its product lineup beyond socks, safety shoes, and rainwear to include functional innerwear "BODY TOUGHNESS®" and the work & outdoor brand "FUBAR®."

Company Profile

Company Name: Otafuku Glove Co., Ltd.

Annual Sales: 8.082 billion yen Employees: 86 *As of March 2026

Head Office Location: 3-11-22 Senba-Higashi, Minoo City, Osaka

Homepage: https://www.otafuku-glove.jp/

Otafuku Glove 100th Anniversary Site: https://otafuku-glove100th.jp/

X: https://x.com/OTAFUKU_GLOVE

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otafuku_glove/

Inquiries from Media

Otafuku Glove Co., Ltd. / Public Relations Representative Okamoto

TEL: 072-728-1111

MAIL: [email protected]