90th and Beyond

Q1

Is it true that Bridgestone Founder Shojiro Ishibashi once managed a Japanese-style confectionary store?

A1. It is False! (Your answer is "TrueFalse.")

In 1906, Shojiro Ishibashi, then age 17, took over the management of Shimaya, a clothing tailor shop, from his father, together with his an older brother. He later transformed this tailor shop into a company specializing in Japanese-style tabi socks, which he succeeded in growing in terms of both scale and sales by implementing various management reforms. In 1922, this company began producing Jika-tabi, traditional Japanese socks with rubber soles that are used as work shoes. This is the origin of Bridgestone’s tire manufacturing operations.

Q2

Was Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, the company merged with Bridgestone in 1988, an older company than Bridgestone?

A2. It is True! (Your answer is "TrueFalse.")

Firestone Tire & Rubber Company was founded by Harvey Firestone in 1900, 31 years prior to the establishment of Bridgestone. Born on a farm in the U.S. state of Ohio in 1868, Firestone first studied agriculture. Later, he became aware of the potential of rubber products, leading him to begin producing tires in 1903. It is also said that Firestone emphasized the importance of the development of society and the happiness of employees. This belief is shared by Bridgestone founder Shojiro Ishibashi.

Q3

Was it in 1950 that Bridgestone began selling golf balls?

A3. It is False! (Your answer is "TrueFalse.")

Bridgestone sold its first golf ball in 1935. Convinced that golf would take off as a form of recreation in Japan, Shojiro Ishibashi dispatched young engineers to the United Kingdom in 1932. There, they studied the golf ball manufacturing technologies that were later used to commence domestic production of golf balls. Golf was a lifelong hobby of Ishibashi as well.

Q4

Is it true that 2.5 meters is the largest diameter for tires for construction and mining equipment produced by Bridgestone?

A4. It is False! (Your answer is "TrueFalse.")

Bridgestone manufactures tires for construction and mining equipment with diameters of approximately 4 meters, among the largest in the world. Producing tires that support giant construction and mining equipment requires exceptional technological capabilities to achieve the necessary levels of durability and safety.

Q5

Is it true that the Bridgestone Wind Symphony Orchestra has won more than 30 gold awards in competitions arranged by the All Japan Band Association?

A5. It is True! (Your answer is "TrueFalse.")

The Bridgestone Wind Symphony Orchestra is comprised of employees from Bridgestone Kurume plant and Tosu plant. Established in 1955 by Bridgestone founder Shojiro Ishibashi, this top-level band boasts a long tradition of excellence. The Bridgestone Wind Symphony Orchestra has received a total of 35 gold awards in competitions arranged by the All Japan Band Association, the first of which was received in 1970. Other honors include a cultural award received from Kurume City as well as recognition as an organization that has made outstanding cultural contributions by Japan's Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in 2003.
up together with around 140,000 employees.

Q6

Did Bridgestone once own a tanker vessel named Bridgestone Maru?

A6. It is True! (Your answer is "TrueFalse.")

Bridgestone Liquefied Gas Co., Ltd., was established in 1960 for the purpose of performing import sales of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Bridgestone Maru, the world’s first low-temperature LPG carrier, was christened in the following year of 1961, after which it was used to transport LPG between Japan and the Middle East. Bridgestone withdrew from the LPG business in 1991.

Q7

Did Bridgestone produce motorcycles in the past?

A7. It is True! (Your answer is "TrueFalse.")

Today, Bridgestone manufactures and sells bicycles. As a spinoff from this bicycle business, the Company produced motorcycles in the 1950s and 60s. However, the later popularization of light automobiles in Japan shrunk the domestic motorcycle market, prompting Bridgestone to withdraw from the motorcycle business in 1971. The Company would then go on to focus on restructuring its bicycle business.

Q8

Does Bridgestone do business in more than 100 countries and regions worldwide?

A8. It is True! (Your answer is "TrueFalse.")

Bridgestone is currently developing its business in more than 150 countries and regions worldwide. The Company began eying overseas expansion when it was established in 1931. Today, we are supporting customers around the world from the ground up together with around 140,000 employees.