History of Founding

History of Founding
From Lacquerware to Rims, and Then to Chains

Araya Shokai – Araya Bicycle Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

The first generation, Kumakichi, who had been running a lacquerware manufacturing and wholesale business in a mountain village in Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture, founded “Araya Shokai” in May 1903. At that time, he began the production of wooden rims for bicycles, which were largely dependent on imports. As the mainstream of rims shifted from wood to metal, Kumakichi quickly started producing metal rims and succeeded in domestic manufacturing for the first time in Japan. In November 1919, Kumakichi established “Araya Bicycle Manufacturing Co., Ltd.”

Kokueki Chain Co., Ltd. Established

In 1933, as domestic bicycle production was progressing, the domestic production of chains was still lagging behind. In response, the second generation, Kumakichi (third generation), who had already achieved success with rims, decided to manufacture high-performance chains. With the growing momentum for domestic production in Japan, he aimed to “develop a business aligned with the national interest.” On May 25 of the same year, he established “Kokueki Chain Co., Ltd.,” the predecessor of the company.

Daido Chain Co., Ltd. Established

After the establishment of Kokueki Chain Co., Ltd., the chain market was in unprecedented turmoil due to price competition and the battle for market share among other chain manufacturers. The entire industry was exhausted by this situation. In response, in order to stabilize the market, Kokueki Chain Co., Ltd. remained as the surviving company, and on May 10, 1935, it merged with Asahi Chain Co., Ltd. and Kaga Chain Co., Ltd. to form Daido Chain Co., Ltd. The name “Daido” was chosen to symbolize the goal of “leading the chain industry through unity,” reflecting the idea of “great unity” where different organizations come together towards a common purpose, overcoming small differences of opinion.

To Daido Kogyo Co., Ltd.

After the establishment of Daido Chain Co., Ltd., the company secured a solid position in the chain market through aggressive investment in equipment and advancements in production technology. However, during wartime Japan, economic controls made it difficult for funds to flow into industries considered “non-essential,” including bicycles. In response to this situation, Daido Chain Co., Ltd. diversified its operations by venturing into the production of machine tools and the establishment of a casting factory. On December 23, 1938, the company changed its name to “Daido Kogyo Co., Ltd.” and has continued to operate under this name to the present day.