In Sakai City, Japan, in 1921, Shozaburo Shimano founded the company that bore his name. One hundred years on, Shimano now employs more than 12,000 people at 51 consolidated manufacturing, research, sales and marketing companies around the world. While still predominantly a family-owned company, it now is under the leadership of Yozo Shimano.
During the 100-year history, Shimano created a number of products that left a lasting legacy on the cycling industry.
Starting with the 3.3.3. freewheel and moving onto innovations such as 3-speed hubs, indexed shifting system, Dual Control levers, Hyperglide cassettes, Di2 shifting and SPD pedals, these technologies became ubiquitous in the cycling industry, as well as becoming synonymous with best-in-class products.
On this anniversary, you won’t find Shimano hosting parties or lavish celebrations. The company will continue to do what it is known for, working on technology and letting its products do the talking.
However, it goes without saying that Shimano is proud and passionate about the products it has created – not to mention humbled by the passion its customers have for its technologies – and to commemorate the achievement, Shimano shines a light on some of the highlights during the last 100 years via a new website and a limited edition photobook, SHIMANO 100 WORKS, released by Shimano to celebrate its centennial anniversary.
Only 2000 of the photobooks will be available via pre-registration and a lottery selection. The contents of the commemorative photo book provide the historical background to some of Shimano’s most ground-breaking products.
The SHIMANO 100 WORKS commemorative photobook contains 264 pages is available only via a lottery draw. Registration for the lottery can be made via www.shimano.com/en/100th/.
Furthermore, Shimano fans will be able to delve into the technologies and backstories within many of its favorite products via the new www.shimano.com/en/100th/website. Not only are 100 iconic products displayed with beautiful photography, but readers can also find out more about Shozaburo Shimano’s history and the activities Shimano engages in to support the wider cycling world.
