— Accelerating the implementation of a Japanese-style circular economy model and the expansion of our business scope —
The eco-friendly brand conglomerate "hide kasuga group" (Representative: Hideyuki Kasuga,hide kasuga 1896 Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Hideyuki Kasuga; hereinafter “the Company”), a core company of the eco-friendly brand conglomerate “hide kasuga group” (hereinafter “hide kasuga group”), has entered into a capital alliance with Hakuhodo Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Kenji Nakura; hereinafter “Hakuhodo”) effective November 14, 2025.
Through this capital alliance, the hide kasuga group and the Hakuhodo Group will jointly promote the societal implementation of a "circular economy originating in Japan," expand their business domains centered on environmentally conscious brands, and strengthen their collaborative framework in the field of global marketing.
To date, we have been building a portfolio of businesses that span material development, products, spaces, culture, and consulting. Taking this capital alliance as an opportunity, we will collaborate with the Hakuhodo Group’s marketing expertise, creative capabilities, and network to expand our initiatives aimed at realizing a circular society in a more practical and far-reaching manner.
Moving forward, we will continue to pursue the creation of a "new economic model where the environment and culture coexist in harmony," while advancing business development that leads to the societal implementation of the circular economy and the creation of next-generation value.
■ About the Hide Kasuga Group
The hide kasuga group is an eco-conscious brand conglomerate that operates the eco-friendly lifestyle brand "hide k 1896®," the circular materials brand "TRANSWOOD®," and provides circular economy business consulting services to materials and chemical manufacturers as well as end-product manufacturers.Guided by the philosophy of “Designing a Circular Society for the Next 100 Years,” the group has built a portfolio of businesses that span from material development to products, spaces, culture, and education. Its unique model—a fusion of “Technology × Culture × Business”—is highly regarded both domestically and internationally.
In October 2025, we signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with quantum Inc., a member of the Hakuhodo Group, to fully launch our initiative to integrate creativity and marketing in pursuit of a circular economy. Furthermore, we have joined the Planetary Platformers Initiative (PPI), a general incorporated association, and are participating in cross-industry co-creation projects aimed at solving global challenges.
■ Company Overview
Company Name: hide kasuga 1896 Co., Ltd.
Representative Director: Hideyuki Kasuga
Headquarters Address: 1-7-17 Motoakasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Main Business Activities: Management of eco-friendly brands; consulting on circular economy initiatives
Established: 2012
Website: https://www.hk1896.com/
■ Comments on the Release
Hide Kasuga Group Representative: Hideyuki Kasuga
"Through this capital alliance with Hakuhodo, we will further accelerate our efforts to build a circular economy. By combining the expertise we have cultivated through the management of eco-friendly brands and material development with the Hakuhodo Group’s global network and creative capabilities, we aim to advance the social implementation of high-value-added industries originating in Japan and new economic models."
〈Reference Information〉
About "hide k 1896®"
"hide k 1896®" is an eco-conscious lifestyle brand that traces its origins to a hemp wholesaler founded in 1896. The brand operates under the theme of "harmonizing Japanese aesthetics with environmental sustainability." Centered on designs that highlight the appeal of eco-friendly materials, the brand offers a diverse range of products—including tableware, art, fashion, and interior goods—with the goal of creating a sustainable and sophisticated lifestyle culture.Furthermore, by integrating production and recycling processes linked to material development, the brand is working to establish a system that ensures products continue to circulate within the ecosystem.
About "TRANSWOOD®"
The eco-friendly material brand "TRANSWOOD®" was developed based on the concept of a "material that circulates for 100 years." By uniquely blending wood-derived materials and biomass resins, it contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions and plastic usage throughout the entire product lifecycle.Applications are being developed across a wide range of fields, including architecture, home appliances, mobility, daily necessities, and art objects, and joint development projects with major manufacturers are currently underway. Furthermore, the brand employs a recyclable design that allows for repeated recycling after use, and is working to establish a cross-industry circular economy framework.
[ Contact Information Regarding This Matter ]
hide kasuga Co., Ltd. 1896
Kaneko kaneko@hk1896.com
