Toraya

TORAYA CONFECTIONERY CO. Ltd.

4-9-22 Akasaka, Minato-ku
Tokyo, Japan 107-8401 

Tél: +81-3-3408-6157
Fax: + 81-3-3408-8585
E-mail : kikaku@toraya-group.co.jp
Site web: www.toraya-group.co.jp/

Toraya today :

Toraya although most of the Toraya’s confections are made by modern processes and with advanced technology, the traditional wagashi-making methods have been preserved for Wagashi so that each of these cakes is designed as an original work.

In addition to the Wagashi tradition, one of the main characteristics of the company lies in a progressive approach to its employees:

  • In 1976, the company introduced equal wages for men and women and also provided a new professional staff system that offers maternity leave and grants yearly accumulated leave
  • In 2000, Toraya initiated a new leave of absence program for its employees to help them become more involved in the rearing and education of their children
  • In 2001, Toraya announced its "Toraya V Vision", which calls for implementing the company's managerial philosophy by enhancing the values presented to customers, society and employees:
    • Offering customers maximum satisfaction
    • Reinforcing the Japanese lifestyle and culture through Japanese confectionery and fulfilling social responsibility
    • Providing employees with rewarding lives according to individual talent and ability

Toraya's current president Mitsuhiro Kurokawa is the 17th proprietor following the foundation of the company by Ench? Kurokawa in the 1600's. It has over 80 shops located mainly in Tokyo and Kyoto and a shop&tea room in Paris. 

16th century

Enchu Kurokawa is considered as the founding father of the present-day Toraya. By the 1500's, he created in Kyoto a confectionery business which appears in the records of the company as a purveyor to the Imperial Court in Kyoto during the reign of Emperor Goyosei (1586-1611).

1635

Record of confectionery served at the Imperial Palace on September 15, 1635, to honor Empress Meisho's visit to the former Emperor Gomizuno-o.

1672

Toraya's 5th proprietor, Mitsutomi, was granted the honorary title of Omï Daijo in recognition of his many years of faithful service to the Imperial Household.

1695

The oldest illustrated reference book, which would be the equivalent of a product catalog today, was completed.

1805

In order to overcome the economic crisis, the 9th proprietor Mitsutoshi compiled a set of rules for shop employees aimed at reforming the shop.
The standards he spelled out are still largely applicable today.

1869

The nation's capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo with the Imperial Household and Toraya opened a shop in Tokyo, too.

1947

Toraya was reorganized as a joint-stock company, and a year later it was renamed as Toraya Confectionery Co. Ltd.

1962

Opening of the first outlet at the Tobu Department Store in Ikebukuro.

1973

Creation of the Toraya Archives (Toraya Bunko) which gather catalogues, ancient records, documents, literature and a wide assortment of materials related to wagashi.

1980

Opening of a shop&tea room in Paris.

2003

Launching of the new brand TORAYA CAFÉ, based on an original concept of pastry that crosses the traditional boundaries between wagashi and western pastries such as the combination of red bean paste and chocolate.

2007

Opening of the Toraya shop in Tokyo Midtown.