A world-renowned judogi manufacturer boasting over 100 years of history
Updated: March 18, 2026
2025
2018
Kusakura is a Japanese martial arts uniform manufacturer that produces its garments entirely in Japan, from fabric production to sewing. It is an official supplier to the International Judo Federation and ranks among the world’s leading judogi manufacturers.
Now globally recognized as the “KUSAKURA” judogi brand, the company receives a steady stream of requests from both domestic and international customers seeking uniforms tailored to their physique. At the 2024 Paris Olympic Judo competition, athletes from 28 of the 122 participating nations wore the company’s judogi, securing 8 of the 56 medals awarded.
The company’s strength lies in its unique position as the world’s only manufacturer capable of integrated production, possessing both fabric production facilities and sewing expertise to handle everything from textile making to garment completion in-house. It employs a cell production system in which a single craftsperson is responsible for the entire sewing process, enabling small-lot, multi-variety production. With 60 standard judogi sizes available, judoka can choose a fit tailored to their physique. The company can also fulfill bespoke orders within short lead times, making it a trusted choice for those who find standard sizes from other manufacturers—or even within its own lineup—unsuitable.
Since supplying judogi to the Japanese national team at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the company has continually refined and developed its products in response to feedback from the judo community. Leveraging manufacturing techniques independently cultivated at each production stage, it has also achieved mechanization of hem fabric production through weaving technology, alongside whitening and coloring processes, enabling the delivery of judo uniforms that set the global standard. Today, extending beyond competitive use, the company also produces and supplies costumes for television dramas, helping to promote the appeal of judo uniforms across diverse fields.
The sashiko-woven fabric used in judo uniforms is characterised by its robust yet supple quality and warm texture. Since its founding, the company has continued weaving this sashiko fabric, naming it “Kusakura-Sashiko” (usually written in Kanji) and launching its own brand, “Kusakura Sashiko.” The concept behind the brand is “the world of Japanese sashiko’s strength and beauty.” Not limited to use as uniform fabric, it is also shared globally as a cultural material through various applications, including apparel items such as clothing and bags.
The company actively participates in judo competitions and has developed numerous products that reflect user feedback. In addition to judogi, it offers a wide range of essential equipment for permanent judo facilities and tournament setups, supporting the smooth operation of events.
One example of its commitment to product development is the creation of All Japan Judo Federation–approved tatami mats for use in official tournaments. While overseas manufacturers typically produce single-material, one-piece mats, the company specialises in laminated tatami mats made by combining multiple materials. These laminated mats excel in impact dispersion, providing a safe and reliable environment for athletes while maintaining the quality required for high-level competition.