#Japan #Tokyo #Isehan Group #Kiss Me #Makeup History

Celebrating 200 Years of Isehan Group

The Isehan Group, a distinguished name in cosmetics, is gearing up for a grand celebration of its 200th anniversary, which will take place in 2025. Mark your calendars for June 25, 2025, as the company unveils a special corporate history exhibition titled "Love Cosmetics! Returns," which will run until September 28, 2025, at the renowned Kurenai Museum in Minato, Tokyo.

A Rich Heritage

Founded in 1825 as a maker of traditional blooming powders, Isehan transformed in the Showa era into a comprehensive cosmetics manufacturer. Among its notable contributions is the birth of the iconic "Kiss Me" brand in the early Showa period, which took the market by storm with innovative products and marketing strategies. The upcoming exhibition promises to showcase an array of beloved products from Isehan's diverse brands, reflecting the contemporary trends of each era.

Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition will provide an in-depth look at the evolution of cosmetics through selected pieces from Isehan's extensive portfolio. Visitors can expect to find around 570 historical items, including a spectacular lipstick tree created from 286 renowned lipsticks from various decades, symbolizing the brand's long-standing legacy and popularity. Notably, the "Kiss Me" line, often referred to as the "Lipstick of Kiss Me," gained overwhelming support from women post-WWII, being recognized for its high recognition and quality.

Visitors will also be introduced to Isehan's modernization and innovative techniques in lipstick production, alongside historical documents such as the establishment requests for the "Hon-Kou Production Dealers Association" and early branding efforts for products like "Tsubaki-Chou" prior to the release of "Kiss Me."

Engaging Activities

In addition to exploring Isehan's rich history, the event will feature special activities for different age groups. A children's workshop, entitled "Create Your Own Skincare Products with Cosmetic Scientists," is scheduled for July 24, 2025, catering to elementary school students and includes hands-on experiences in skincare product making.

Moreover, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a discussion about the cosmetic manufacturing process led by industry professionals from Isehan. This creative engagement aims to inspire a new generation of cosmetic enthusiasts.

Notable Figures and Achievements

Highlighting the exhibition will be the contributions of Kamenosuke Sawada, the sixth generation leader of Isehan, who was instrumental in transforming the company from a blooming powder seller into a comprehensive cosmetics brand. Despite facing significant hardships during World War II, Sawada's vision and innovation propelled Isehan to its current status. His legacy will be explored through personal artifacts, including materials from his travels and notes on advertising strategies that solidified the brand’s position in the cosmetics market.

Special Commemorative Products

As part of this milestone celebration, Isehan will also introduce limited-edition products honoring its 200 years of artistry. Visitors can purchase commemorative lipsticks inspired by their classic designs, featuring a contemporary twist for modern use, thus continuing the legacy of the beloved "Kiss Me" brand.

Visitor Information

The Kurenai Museum will operate special hours during this time, open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with entrance fees set at 200 yen for adults and free admission for children under middle school age. Do note that entry may be restricted to manage visitor flow at times, so plan accordingly.

For further details on the exhibition, including any changes in visiting days and special events, please visit the museum's official website.

This anniversary event not only celebrates Isehan's extensive history but also provides an engaging space for visitors to rediscover the art and science of cosmetics, reflecting its motto, "The first cosmetics: Isehan, the best you want, first in line."