Innovative Dog Toothbrush 'MIGAKENDE' Makes Debut at Tokyo Gift Show 2026

A leading toothbrush manufacturer with a history spanning 77 years, Tabahara Brush Industry Co., Ltd., headquartered in Yao, Osaka, will showcase its pioneering dog toothbrush, 'MIGAKENDE', at the Tokyo International Gift Show Autumn 2026. The event takes place from September 2 to September 4, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight.

On the event days, visitors can explore the harmonious fusion of craftsmanship and veterinary expertise embodied in 'MIGAKENDE' during the exhibition and negotiations. This innovative toothbrush represents a dedicated response to a heart-wrenching experience faced by the company’s president, Norihiro Tabahara, and was inspired by a beloved family dog.

Why Develop a Dog Toothbrush?

The inclination to create a toothbrush specifically for dogs originated from a painful memory involving a Toy Poodle owned by Tabahara's wife’s family. During a routine visit to the veterinary clinic for tartar removal, the family received unexpected news: rather than returning home healthy, their beloved pet needed multiple teeth extracted due to advanced periodontal disease, requiring general anesthesia. This incident was a catalyst that prompted Tabahara to take action, reflecting on the responsibility of keeping pets healthy.

A Challenge Fueled by Regret

"To be working for a toothbrush company and to have failed in safeguarding the oral health of a beloved family member was a tough pill to swallow," Norihiro Tabahara reflected. This propelled him to envision a toothbrush that would make daily oral care for dogs easy, painless, and enjoyable. Under the guidance of veterinarians, the project pivoted towards using natural hair that balances comfort and safety.

Yet, the journey to realize this vision was fraught with challenges. Natural hair was not uniform in thickness or softness, making mass production impossible with standard equipment; the initial prototype failure rate reached an astonishing 95%. Undeterred, Tabahara and his team persisted, working late nights to fine-tune machines and invent components specifically for their small-headed brushes. This grassroots craftsmanship led to the patented double-planting structure that features soft goat hair on the outside and horse hair in the center, initiating a revolution in dog dental care.

The Birth of 'MIGAKENDE'

Finally, in October 2019, 'MIGAKENDE' was completed, promising an unparalleled brushing experience and fitting perfectly within a dog's small mouth. The product's name hinges on a friendly Osaka dialect phrase, meaning “you can brush,” alluding to the commitment to ease negative brushing experiences. The developers' underlying regret about not having provided this care sooner breathed life into this product, which has now reached dog owners not just throughout Japan but also in Taiwan and Singapore.

Future Aspirations: Towards Comprehensive Brush Manufacturing

Tabahara Brush Industry is transitioning toward becoming a comprehensive brush manufacturer that tailors products for both humans and pets alike. Just like oral care enhances human longevity, regular dental hygiene is essential for pets to lead a long and healthy life. The company aims to support owners in creating joyful moments during their pets' daily care routines, developing new innovations like 'MIGAKENDE' while actively venturing into other sectors of pet oral care.

Exhibition Details

At the Tokyo International Gift Show, attendees will witness firsthand the dedication that drives the development of 'MIGAKENDE'. The exhibition booth will be open for interviews and discussions about the craftsmanship behind the toothbrushes and the breakthroughs achieved through years of expertise.

- Exhibition Name: Tokyo International Gift Show Autumn 2026
- Dates: September 2 (Wed) - September 4 (Fri), 2026
- Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
- Booth Location: West Exhibition Hall, Booth T01-15

Journalists, buyers, and stakeholders attending the exhibition are encouraged to visit the Tabahara Brush industry booth. Engage with us to understand why this long-established toothbrush manufacturer ventured into producing a dog-specific toothbrush—discover the heart and soul woven into crafting a product that ensures the health and happiness of our four-legged companions.

For more information, please visit our official website.