Our story
Mutual Trading Co., Ltd. (Kyoei Boeki K.K.) was founded in 1926 as a ship chandler (a supplier to vessels) at the Port of Yokohama. We have used the name “Mutual Trading Co., LTD.” for more than 90 years; because other companies with similar names already operate in the alcoholic beverage industry, we also use the name “Mutual Yokohama” to avoid confusion.
In 1953, following the sudden death of the founder, the founder’s widow and daughter sold all of their shares to our late president, who was an employee of the company at the time. Making a fresh start under the new ownership, the company resumed its chandlering business with four employees, successfully capturing the special procurement demand of the Korean War and steadily expanding. At its peak the company employed around 70 people, with offices in Nagoya, Kobe and Sasebo in addition to the Yokohama head office.
From 1968, after obtaining special licenses, we began importing and distributing hunting rifles made by Finland’s Sako as an authorized distributor. Rifles by Tikka were added to our authorized distributorship in the early 2000s.
In the late 1970s, as the yen strengthened, ship-supply demand began shifting to Taiwan, China and Korea. The company gradually reduced its workforce over time and continued operating with a minimal team. Chandlering continued until the mid-1990s, when the last of those employees reached retirement age and all chandlering operations were closed. Our late president’s management principle was simple: “A company cannot exist without its employees. As the employer, we naturally bear full responsibility. Retirement allowances will be paid even if we have to borrow to pay them.”
Anticipating the decline of chandlering, and under new leadership from the late 1980s, the company opened up new lines of business: real estate, and apparel import and distribution, including uniforms for international schools from 1993. Sales grew steadily.
For more than 30 years we have successfully owned and managed multiple properties, and in 2017 we began article distribution and translation services for internet media.
Between 2020 and 2025 we were granted licenses for liquor wholesale, export wholesale, retail and mail-order sales, and our original MINORI product series launches in 2026.
Company profile
Corporate philosophy
Our Mission
We create value through trade and exchange, expanding opportunities for a more prosperous future for people and society.
Our Vision
From Yokohama, we connect Japan with the world—building a prosperous and sustainable society through shared growth with our customers, partners, and employees.
Our Values
Win-Win
We build enduring relationships with all stakeholders, including our employees, sharing both value and success.
Value Creation
We move with speed and efficiency to consistently deliver superior value and service.
Customer First
We listen closely, think from our customers’ perspective, and proactively deliver solutions that address their challenges.
Trust
We treat trust as our most valuable asset—earning it, protecting it, and strengthening it every day.
Challenge
We embrace challenges with resilience, learn from failure, and pursue new possibilities with bold, unconventional thinking.
Work Hard, Play Hard
We give our best at work, take time to recharge, and foster a dynamic organization where people and ideas thrive.
History
Foundation
Founded in Yokohama as a ship chandler, supplying vessels at one of Japan’s key international ports.
Expansion Across Japan
Scaled operations to a workforce of approximately 70 employees and expanded into Nagoya, Kobe, and Sasebo. Began import and distribution as the authorized agent for Finland’s Sako hunting rifles.
Adapting to Global Shifts
Responded to changing currency conditions and market dynamics by realigning the business. Leveraged the overseas shift in ship supply demand while maintaining stable, long-term operations.
Diversification
Entered new business domains, including real estate and import distribution, in response to evolving management strategy.
New Market Entry
Launched apparel import and distribution, supplying uniforms to international schools in Japan.
Strengthening Partnerships
Expanded firearms business as the authorized distributor of Finland’s Tikka brand.
Asset & Capability Expansion
Continued to build and manage a portfolio of real estate assets. Launched content distribution and translation services for digital media platforms.
Global Trade Development
Obtained a liquor export license, further strengthening international trade capabilities.
Brand Creation & New Exports
Entered the global green tea market and launched the original beverage brand “MINORI.”
New License Acquisition
Acquired Antique Dealer License (Kanagawa Prefectural Police Public Safety Commission Registration Number 451320003073).