Shochiku’s business is not limited to theatrical productions and motion pictures. We have a diverse business presence in various fields of entertainment. Firmly underlying our corporate philosophy are the ideals, convictions, and passion of Matsujiro and Takejiro, who spent their careers providing quality entertainment.

Our name

Shochiku dates back to December 1895, when Otani Takejiro started promoting theatrical performances as the owner of Kyoto Shin Kyōgoku Sakai-za. Shirai Matsujiro, Takejiro’s elder brother, also worked in the same industry. In the New Year of 1902, the Osaka Asahi Newspaper published an article on the two brothers’ success, under the heading of “Matsutake no Shin Nen”, (“Matsutake’s New Year”). The name “Matsutake” became widely known through the article, leading to the foundation of “Matsutake Gōshi Kaisha”).

The brothers established another company called “Shochiku Kinema Gōmei-sha” in February 1920, entering the motion picture production and distribution business. Since then, the company has come to be called “Shochiku”, not the original “Matsutake.”

The twin founders of Shochiku: Shirai Matsujiro (right) and Otani Takejiro (left)

Our logo

In 1902, the original corporate symbol was designed by the Japanese lantern shop located near Kyoto Shin Kyōgoku.

In 1920, the distorted pine and bamboo symbol appeared within the alphabet letter K, when “Shochiku Kinema Gōmei-sha” was established.

Then in 1937, “Shochiku Kinema” (motion pictures) and “Shochiku kōgyō” (theatre) were merged to form Shochiku Co., Ltd. This was when today’s corporate symbol was created.

The management policy of
the Shochiku Group

Our missions as a group are:

To pass on and develop the tradition of Japanese culture
and thereby contribute to the culture of
the world.

To deliver a rich and diverse content accessible to all generations,
capturing the needs of the times.

We will continue to work in harmony with these missions to provide attractive works that respond to the desires of consumers and to grow partnerships with other companies. We will continue in our business activities as we hold as our basic management policy that we remain a company worthy of your trust.