History

1872
First-generation Toramatsu Nagoya, a carpenter specializing in temple and shrine construction, begins manufacturing hake brushes and paintbrushes in the Nagaoka Domain (present-day Niigata Prefecture).
Toramatsu sees clothes brushes used by foreign visitors and decides to imitate them. This is regarded as the birth of Japan’s first domestically produced brushes.
1894
Second-generation Kiyomatsu Nagoya inherits the business and establishes base in Asakusa, Tokyo, under the name Nagoya Brush Workshop.
“The Improved Nori Brush” that Kiyomatsu develops acquires a good reputation and its local vendor set up at Kaminarimon Gate night market, Asakusa, thrives.
1905
Moves the office to the present location, Higashikomagata, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, with an eye to expanding business operations.
1945
During World War II, the company moves to Ushiku, Ibaraki Prefecture, to reinvent itself and create the basis for its mass production system.
1950
Third-generation Kiyoshi Nagoya becomes CEO and incorporates the business as Japan Export Brush Industry Co., Ltd. The business expands overseas and exports to 26 other countries around the world.
1968
Around this time, the scope of products is expanded to include general household items such as kitchen brushes along with the industrial brush line.
1970
Construction of the new head office building is completed.
1983
Changes its name to MARNA, Inc.
Origin of the name
MARNA is taken from the company Yagō (“house name/merchant’s shop name”) MARU-NA
which was used in the old days.
‘Mar(u)’means a circle in Japanese and “Na” comes from the family name “Nagoya.”
1985
New contraction and expansion of Ushiku factory begins.
Around this time, colorful, contemporary kitchen brushes are introduced.
1989
Osaka sales office opens.
BYO Brush is released.
1991
Completion of Ushiku distribution center.
1992
Celebrates 120th anniversary and announces a new logo and slogan “Listen & Try.”
1993
Fukuoka sales office opens.
W061/W062 Toilet Brush & Bathroom Wastebasket are released.
1994
W071Toilet Brush is released.
Good Plus (G+) Series is released.
1995
Completion of the head office building.
1997
New Slim Series is released.
Ushiku factory/distribution center moves to its present location.
1998
Fourth-generation Yoshiki Nagoya becomes CEO.
Fish Shaped Sponge is released.
2000
Piggy Steamer is released.
2002
Celebrates 130th anniversary.
2009
Standing Rice Scoop is released.
Easy Back Scrubber is released.
2010
Collapsible Portable Cup is released.
2011
MARNA U.S.A., INC. is established in New York.
2012
Celebrates 140th anniversary and adopts a new slogan “Designs for Smiles.”
2013
Expands its product line into office supplies and accessories category.
2015
Shupatto Series is released.
2020