In 1893, after leaving his hometown of Nara and moving to Tokyo, Jusha Tsumura I founded Tsumura Juntendo in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, with the belief that “good medicine is guaranteed to sell.”
Jusha Tsumura launched "Chujoto," a crude drug for women which has been part of his family's traditional medicine.
Chujoto was recognized for its medicinal effects, but also for its clever advertising and sales methods, which earned it a good reputation. With this medicine, Juntendo established a firm position in the over-the-counter drug industry during the Meiji and Taisho eras.
Jusha built the Meguro Plant in 1919 and opened the Tsumura Research Institute for Pharmaceutical Science, a crude drug laboratory, and the Tsumura Medicinal Plant Garden, a medicinal botanical garden, in 1924, devoting himself to basic research and promotion of Kampo medicine. In 1936, Juntendo became a joint-stock company with plans for future development.
However, Jusha died in April 1941, just before the outbreak of the Pacific War. Jusha II, who succeeded his father's name and position, was drafted into military service at the end of the war.
In 1945, Juntendo's head office was destroyed in an air raid. The Meguro Plant was also severely damaged.
1893
Tsumura Juntendo opened for business
Tsumura Juntendo was founded and opened at 4-7 Nihonbashi-ku Dori, Tokyo (now 3-4-10 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo). Under the nameplate of Fujin Ryoyaku Chujoto Hompo (Chujoto Women's Medicine Store), Jusha I (owner) and two employees manufactured and sold the product.
1895
The first gas-lit signboard in Japan
Jusha created the first gas-lit signboard in Japan, with the image of Princess Chujo, and mounted it from the second floor of the store to the roof. He also hoisted advertising balloons, which was a novel advertising method at that time. Through various promotional efforts, Tsumura Juntendo raised the visibility of Chujoto, and sales began to increase steadily.
Tsumura Juntendo Head Office (in the Meiji era)
1919
Meguro Plant operation approved
Operation of the Meguro Plant in Kami-Meguro, Tokyo, was approved. In addition to being the production site for Chujoto, it also served as an operational base, replacing the head office lost in a fire at the time of the Great Kanto Earthquake.
Front of the Meguro Plant
1920
25th Anniversary Thanksgiving Ceremony
Tsumura Juntendo 25th Anniversary Thanksgiving Ceremony and Mr. and Mrs. Tsumura Silver Wedding Celebration. All business partners in Japan were invited to the Imperial Theater for a luncheon and theater performance viewing.
People at the 25th Anniversary Thanksgiving Ceremony, From the right: Jusha I,Takashi Hara, and Shimpei Goto
1924
Tsumura Research Institute for Pharmaceutical Science opened
The Tsumura Research Institute for Pharmaceutical Science was established at the Meguro Plant site to promote research on medicinal plants. It housed research divisions for crude drugs, crude drug chemistry, and pharmacology.
Tsumura Medicinal Plant Garden opened
Tsumura Medicinal Plant Garden was established in Shimosengawa, Jindai-mura, Kitatama-gun, Tokyo (now 2-8 Midorigaoka, Chofu City). The initial area was approx. 12,000㎡.
1926
The Tsumura Research Institute for Pharmaceutical Science published the Journal of Japanese Botany
The Tsumura Research Institute for Pharmaceutical Science published the Journal of Japanese Botany (monthly) under the editorship of botanist Dr. Tomitaro Makino.
Tsumura Juntendo, Inc. was established. Jusha Tsumura I was appointed president and representative director. Mototaro, his eldest son, was appointed director while still in the military.
1941
Passing of the baton in a storm
After the death of Jusha I, his eldest son, Mototaro, succeeded the name of his father (Jusha II) and was appointed president and representative director.
Jusha Tsumura II took over the company
1945
A fresh start from the ashes
The head office in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, was destroyed in a B-29 bombing raid. Head office functions were moved to the Meguro Plant. In a subsequent air raid, the Meguro Plant was partially lost by a direct bomb attack (photo: Nihonbashi at the time, courtesy of Mainichi Shimbun).
