1. SOFT99 TOP
  2. Corporate Information
  3. Corporate History

Corporate History

1950s,1960s

Year Products Introduction History of SOFT99 CORPORATION
1954

Launch of "GOLDEN NEO POLISH",

a domestic wax for cars, etc. It became a savior for those who had had difficulty getting expensive imported wax.
GOLDEN NEO POLISH
Nitto Chemical Corporation, the predecessor of SOFT99 CO., LTD., established in Osaka.
1957

Launch of "GOLDEN NEO-WAX",

the first SOFT99 wax for cars.
GOLDEN NEO-WAX
1958 New sales office in Tokyo.
1962

Launch of "NEO SOFT WAX",

containing a then ground-breaking antistatic agent.
NEO SOFT WAX
New sales office in Nagoya.
Initial manufacture and sale of products such as car waxes, called "SOFT99".
1964 Head office moved to Hirano-cho, Higashi-ku (current Chuo-ku), Osaka
1965 New sales office in Fukuoka.
1966 New factory in Higashi Osaka.
1968

Launch of "CAR WAX BLACK",

which remains a long-selling product.
It's had a pretty good reputation for finish quality since then.
CAR WAX BLACK

Launch of "BLUE SHAMPOO",

a pioneer of car shampoo.
BLUE SHAMPOO
1969

Launch of "HANNERI WAX",

which also remains a long-selling product like "CAR WAX BLACK". It has many fans for its workability.
HANNERI WAX

1970s

Year Products Introduction History of SOFT99 CORPORATION
1972 Head office moved to Minamishinmachi, Higashi-ku (current Chuo-ku), Osaka.
1973

"VILLA COAT WAX" launch,

which was a big hit, owing to exclusive manufacturing know-how. We are the first to make use of silicone.
VILLA COAT WAX
1976

Launch of "FRESH PUNCH",

a mushroom-shaped solid air freshener.
FRESH PUNCH
1977 New distribution center in Higashi Osaka.
New sales office in Sapporo.
1978

Launch of "BODY PAINT",

an automotive refinish paint, which maintains tremendous popularity as the only straight acrylic car paint.
BODY PAINT
1979

Launch of "QUICK ONE WAX",

which became a hit thanks to a commercial featuring Kanjuro Arashi (Kuramatengu). An advertising campaign was also made active.
QUICK ONE WAX

1980s

Year Products Introduction History of SOFT99 CORPORATION
1980

Launch of "BODY FRESH",

with a commercial starring OSUGI and PIKO.
BODY FRESH
Establishment of overseas department.
1983 New sales office in Sendai.
1984

Launch of "NEW SOFT99" series,

car waxes with a package featuring corporate identity.
NEW SOFT99
Corporate Identity introduction. Focuses on contributing to the creation of a "life culture "as theme and extends into non-car chemical related fields as well.
1985

Launch of "NEW BODY FRESH",

a car wax with ceramic powder formula of high-tech era.
NEW BODY FRESH
1986

Launch of "GLASS CLEANING TABLET",

with a commercial starring Toki Shiozawa. This foam glass cleaner quickly became a huge success.
GLASS CLEANING TABLET
1987

Launch of "HONEY KISS",

a car air freshener conceived of our female staff.
HONEY KISS

Launch of "TINET",

a tire chain with G-urethane, derived from space technology, with a commercial starring Ikuzo Yoshi.
TINET
1988

Launch of "KIZZ COLOR (PAINT FILM REPAIR TAC)",

an adhesive repair paint.
KIZZ COLOR
(PAINT FILM REPAIR TAC)
1989

Launch of "POWER WAX",

which gained attention with a commercial featuring ground-breaking CG and a unique anime character.
POWER WAX
Factory and distribution center transferred to Techno Park in Sanda, Hyogo.

1990s

Year Products Introduction History of SOFT99 CORPORATION
1990

Launch of "FUSSO COAT",

a coating that lasts for 90 days, which became a big hit with the popular phrase, "UN, SUGOI!", coined in a commercial by the motor journalist Aritsune Tokudaiji.
FUSSO COAT
New sales office in Northern Kanto.
1991

Launch of "GLACO".

Hugely popular glass coating brand's formation.
GLACO
Establishment of Ninety-Nine Asia Foreign Students Scholarship Fund. Philanthropic activities begun.
1993

Launch of "COLOR UP",

a paint color wax for scratched or color fading cars.
COLOR UP

Launch of "GLACO ROLL ON",

a renewed "GLACO" unified a bottle and applicator.
GLACO ROLL ON
Trade name changed to SOFT99 CORPORATION
1994

Launch of "KIZZ CLEAR",

a newly developed scratch removal wax without abrasive compounds.
KIZZ CLEAR

Vending machine for car care products appears.

It allowed users to get SOFT99 products at carwash locations.
Vending machine for car care products
Establishment of Shanghai SOFT99 Chemical Co., Ltd (current consolidated subsidiary) in Shanghai for manufacturing and selling car care products.
1995

Launch of "WATER BLOCK WAX",

a car wax with amazing water repellent and waterproof capabilities.
WATER BLOCK WAX

Launch of "ATELIER 99",

a DIY car repair products series. Theme is "EASY, CLEAN, FUN REPAIR."
ATELIER 99
1996

Launch of "GEKI GLOSS-SUPER CLEAR COAT",

a breakthrough coating agent that allows users to apply by hand.
GEKI GLOSS-SUPER CLEAR COAT
1997

Launch of "GLACO WIPER",

a wiper for water repellent glass.
"Revolutionary wiper unveiled" became a catch phrase.
GLACO WIPER
Shanghai SOFT99 Chemical Co., Ltd begun.
1998

Launch of "FUKUPIKA",

an original wax with wipe-only application. The commercial starring a Japanese anime character "Tensai Bakabon" had an immense response and was a big hit.
FUKUPIKA
Acquires all shares of a planning and sales company of plastic container, PANAX Co., Ltd.
Absorption-type Merger of NICOT Co., Ltd.
Takes over the business rights of SUNTRADE Co., Ltd.
1999

Launch of "BODY PAINT ORDER SHOP",

a car paint color order system at store.
BODY PAINT ORDER SHOP

Launch of "FUKUPIKA WET" (5sheets),

needless to say, a super hit product that allows users to wash and wax cars by just wiping with it.
FUKUPIKA WET (5sheets)
Obtains ISO9001 certification.
Launch of AION Co., Ltd, which took over the chemical products division from Kanebo, Ltd.
Acquires all shares of Amagasaki Driving School Co., Ltd.

2000s

Year Products Introduction History of SOFT99 CORPORATION
2000

Launch of HOUSEHOLD DETERGENT "CLEANING WIPES",

a home care product series of new era, achieving "cleanliness with one wipe".
CLEANING WIPES
Moves to newly built head office in Tanimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka.
2001

Launch of "FUKUPIKA WET 12",

a great value for a great price.
It was a popular topic because it was possible to win a "smart".
FUKUPIKA WET 12
The Tokyo Stock Exchange 2nd section listing.

ISO 140001 certification for environmental management practices at Sanda Factory.
2002

Launch of "AUTHENTIC",

a high-end carnauba wax containing the message,"We want to make even the users' heart brilliant."
AUTHENTIC

Launch of "WATER REPELLENT GLACO WIPER",

a breakthrough wiper allowing for glass coating by just wiping.
WATER REPELLENT GLACO WIPER

Launch of "GLACO MIRROR COAT ZERO",

a water repellent coating agent for outside mirrors with leveraging Nano technology.
GLACO MIRROR COAT ZERO
2003

Launch of "G'ZOX" series,

which develops car supplement market of premium brand "G'ZOX"series.
G'ZOX series
Start of G'ZOX motor sport activity.
Acquires all shares of Nishimo Co., Ltd.
2004

Launch of "GLACO WASHER ECO"(2L).

Eco friendly bottle receives Daily Necessities and General Merchandise Packaging Category Award in Japanese packing contest.
GLACO WASHER ECO(2L)
50th anniversary of the founding.
2005

Launch of "Air Touch",

a repair product for minor scratches by just spraying. The commercial starring Moe Yamaguchi became popular.
Air Touch

Launch of "G'ZOX DETAILING PRO" body glass coating,

which became a hot topic among industrial car care product market.
High function glassy body coating.
G'ZOX DETAILING PRO body glass coat
Start of the New Midterm Management Plan called "Spiral Up '05".
2006

Launch of "SHAMPOO FOR GLASSES",

a cleaner achieving new style of glasses cleanliness, which beautifully cleans glasses with lather.
SHAMPOO FOR GLASSES
Start of G'ZOX Partner Program.
Launch of G'ZOX Technology Center.
2007

Launch of "GLACO WASHER ECO"

with a recycled plastic container,
which acquires eco-mark certification from Japanese Environment Association.
GLACO WASHER ECO

Launch of "TRIZ",

which achieves unparalleled scratch removal, gloss, antifouling and durability at a high level. Next generation silicon body coating agent.
TRIZ
2008

Launch of "Beautiful G'ZOX Hyper View",

a window coating agent displaying water repellency for long term periods.
Beautiful G'ZOX Hyper View

Launch of "cocotorico" Series,

car accessories and interior goods for women. They are sold only on an E-commerce "cocotorico".
cocotorico Series
Start of the New Midterm Management Plan called "Spiral Up NEXT".
2009

Launch of "CAR WASH LAB" Series.

Available only at SOFT99 official online shop "SOFT99 e-mono".
CAR WASH LAB Series

2010s

Year Products Introduction History of SOFT99 CORPORATION
2010

Launch of "CAR BODY REPAIR PATCH".

By just affixing directly over scratches found on wheels, super thin sheet hides scars easily.
CAR BODY REPAIR PATCH
2011

Launch of "TRIZ PREMIUM",

which achieves ultimate super shiny coating and smooth surface by a new formula which creates a thicker coating in a flash.
TRIZ PREMIUM
Start of the New Midterm Management Plan called "Spiral Up FINAL".
Establishment of R&D Center.

Official Facebook page.

Official Twitter account.
2012

Launch of "FLAME BOND",

A system called Surface Reformulation System is an adhesive fixing technology which enables sticking to non-adhesive materials.
FLAME BOND

Launch of "GLACO WASHER POUCH PACK 2L".

Eco friendly pouch pack reduces amount of garbage and CO2 emission.
GLACO WASHER POUCH PACK 2L
2013

Launch of "SMOOTH EGG" Series,

new total care system for cars with professional glass coating.
SMOOTH EGG Series

Launch of "NEW FUKUPIKA 12",

a fully-renewed FUKUPIKA. It has passed 15 years since it was launched. Its workability and performance has been extremely improved.
NEW FUKUPIKA 12
2014

Launch of "GLACO WIPERS" for imported vehicles and snow.

From the GLACO Wiper Series, the long-awaited import car and snow wipers arrived.
GLACO WIPERS for imported vehicles and snow.

Launch of "ANTI-FOG GEL FOR GLASSES"

Stops glasses steaming up when wearing a mask or scarf, or when entering warm places from the cold.
ANTI-FOG GEL FOR GLASSES
Start of the New Midterm Management Plan called "SOFT99 Drive".
2015

GLACO 'Roll On' renewal.

Even quicker and more convenient than the original, GLACO Instant Dry makes glass coatings even easier.
GLACO 'Roll On'

Launch of "FUKUPIKA 4.0"

The fourth generation of FUKUPIKA Wash & Wax appeared. It can even be used on ceramic coated vehicles.
FUKUPIKA 4.0

Launch of "GLACO BLAVE"

Motorcyclists love this GLACO that can be used on visors and plastic surfaces.
GLACO BLAVE
The GLACO series celebrates its 25th birthday, and the commemorative project "GLACO Ultra Vision" is launched.

Launch of SOFT99 official app.

Acquisition of all issued shares of Orange Japan Inc.
2016

Launch of "SMOOTH EGG Platinum Liquid" and "SMOOTH EGG Hydroflash".

Two new faces in the SMOOTH EGG series, one promotes beading, the other promotes sheeting to prevent watermarks.
SMOOTH EGG Platinum Liquid and SMOOTH EGG Hydroflash

Launch of PROSPEC series

A new brand was born to support the advancement of beautification business in a variety of automotive-related fields.
PROSPECシリーズ
99 Atelier celebrated its 20th birthday with a project launched in honour: "Retro Car Rebirth Project"
2017

Launch of ROOMPIA series

The lineup is a collection of products for realising a clean and comfortable car interior.
ROOMPIA series

Launch of 99 Atelier Restoration Kit series

Not quite 'repair', but more than a 'car wash'
99 Atelier Restoration Kit series

Launch of TOUCH UP AID series

Pen-type lubricants, degreasers, etc. that can be used for pinpoint treatment of small parts.
TOUCH UP AID series
Start of the New Midterm Management Plan called "SHIFT DOWN!!"

Official Instagram account.
2018

Launch of MaxWash series

Car wash supplies that make it easier to wash large or tall vehicles
MaxWash series

Launch of "FUKUPIKA GLASS GEL"

Brand new gel type glass cleaner that can be sprayed but does not drip or run
FUKUPIKA GLASS GEL
The FUKUPIKA series celebrated its 20th birthday with a sparkling promotion "Shine Your Golden Car Life", in which a lucky 9 people each received a 1-gram bar of solid 24k gold, imprinted with the FUKUPIKA logo.

Acquisition of all issued shares of Haneron Co., Ltd.
2019

Launch of "RAIN DROP"

A revolutionary coating agent that blows away the chores of car care by simultaneously coating the glass and body.
RAIN DROP

Launch of BodyDoctor series

Driving support cushion series using natural latex.
BodyDoctor series

Launch of "Hi-MOHS Coat - The Neo", and "Hi-MOHS Coat - The Glow"

This is the long-awaited evolution of Hi-MOHS Coat, the ultimate in both hydrophobicity and gloss.
Hi-MOHS Coat - The Neo and Hi-MOHS Coat - The Glow

Launch of "DRIVER COMPASS"

TPMS that works with an app and notifies the drive of tire abnormalities by sound and light.
DRIVER COMPASS
The company celebrates 65 years of progress, growth, and contribution to society.

Introduction of electronic certification system for G'ZOX coatings.

2020s

Year Products Introduction History of SOFT99 CORPORATION
2020

Launch of Perfect Foam Starting Set

A new style of washing! Professional-level foaming, achievable at home.
Launch of Perfect Foam Starting Set
Start of the New Midterm Management Plan called "Overtake!!"

Acquisition of all issued shares of Aztech Co., Ltd.
2021

Launch of "Fukupika Wash & Wax Gen.5"

The 5th generation wipe that can be used on both body and glass
Fukupika Wash & Wax Gen.5

Launch of "G-Jetter"

A foaming nozzle for Japanese hose attachments
G-Jetter

Limited production run of Glaco MAX, to celebrate 30 years of the Glaco brand

The biggest Glaco ever!
Glaco Roll On MAX
Official LINE account.
2022

Launch of "Glaco DX"

Concentrating 30 years of Glaco research into the most POWERFULLY repellent Glaco ever, with excellent durability!
Glaco DX

Launch of "RAIN DROP - Dry Wipes"

A convenient post-wash item
RAIN DROP - Dry Wipes

Launch of new brand "Sports Power"

First product: Sport eyewear rain-repellent "RainHopper"
Sports Power
Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market
Tokyo Stock Exchange listing transferred to new TSE Standard Market.

Creation of "Drapp" cloud service for vehicular asset management.

Full, company-wide ISO 140001 certification for environmental management practices.

Creation of indoor storage service "every-two" with support for package delivery.

Test launch of car-care product subscription service Subs99.
2023

Launch of DiGloss Kamitoré Wheel & Tire Cleaner

Ultra fast removal of stubborn dirt and stains
DiGloss Kamitoré Wheel & Tire Cleaner

Launch of DiGloss Black Devil Tire Wax

Carbon black and blackshine carnauba combine to create beautiful, natural black sheen for tyres
DiGloss Black Devil Tire Wax
Start of the medium-term management plan, "Evolve!!"