Over 100 Years Behind Our Brand
1919
The start of our legacy
Our fiunder, kunishiro Kawabata, Began in the cosmetics industry in Japan over a century ago. We got our start in the Japanese beauty scene with talcum powders and cosmetic creams and have been improving our skincare formulas ever since.
1921
Expanding internationally
Just two years later, we were already to join the foreign trade market and began shipping products to customers worldwide.
1950
Hero brand “Robin”
We needed to start from scratch after losing everything, including overseas factories. We then built the new brand ”Robin” under the Kitao Cosmetics name. Not only was Robin a trendy, fashion-forward brand, but KITAO started making products for other companies through OEM to help other companies grow.
1960
Launching ‘Swan’
We pioneered offerings in supermarkets and beauty salons, including the high-end Saint Laurent brand, along with our own Swan Skincare brand. We successfully exported Swan Skincare to the Middle East, where it gained such popularity that it was frequently imitated.
1988
Award winning
In the 1980s, we appointed our former CEO, Kiyoshi Kawabata to lead our team at Kitao. It’s been more than three decades with Kiyoshi Kawabata proprelling us forward in cosmetics, and as he says himself, “We never stop pursuing to innovate new products by striving to be creative.”
2019
100th celebration
We celebrated our 100th birthday the best way we know how-getting more products we love to our customers who have followed us on our journey ! In 2019, we launched KITAO MATCHA at Ulta Beauty and expanded our Kitao family even further.
A message from our CEO-
At Kitao Cosmetics Co., Ltd, we have proudly dedicated ourselves to the cosmetic industry for over 100 years, beginning in 1919. From our roots in developing, manufacturing, and selling our own branded products, we expanded into OEM partnerships and import/export high-quality cosmetics.
Creating Kitao Matcha has been a journey of passion and purpose. For years, our team worked to blend the American enthusiasm for matcha with the time-honored traditions of J-Beauty. After years of development and experimentation, we launched Kitao Matcha in the U.S. in celebration of our 100th anniversary—a milestone that marked not only a new product but a new chapter in our legacy.
At Kitao, we are committed to innovation and creativity, constantly pursuing new ways to enhance our products and make a meaningful impact. We promise to continue delivering the best for our customers and contributing positively to society.
Damage-Free. Every Time.
Our patented easy-to-peel formula allows you to switch up your manicure as often as you want, without ever harming your natural nails. No more brittle and cracked nails after the salon- Just happy, healthy, and strong nails at home.