SAGAMI HISTORYSAGAMI — Our History & Future

The Beginning of Sagami —
The Future of Condoms,
Pioneered by Saku Matsukawa

In the 1930s, amid the turbulence that lingered after the war, a pioneering female entrepreneur successfully developed Japan’s first latex condom. That woman was Saku Matsukawa, the founder of Sagami Rubber Industries.

Inspired by American women's rights advocate Margaret Sanger's speech proclaiming "Every woman has the right to control her own body" and "The decision to bear children should be up to women themselves", Ms.Saku envisioned contraceptives as tools to "protect futures".

Witnessing mothers and children struggling in poverty, she recognized how condoms could grant freedom of choice to all.

In 1934, she established a small factory and began manufacturing and selling Japan's first latex condom.

Pushing a cart filled with conviction, she visited pharmacies one by one to sell her products. Despite facing deep-rooted societal prejudice that initially made sales nearly impossible, her unwavering determination and superior product quality gradually earned recognition,ultimately becoming state-approved supplies.

Global Contribution Through Condoms.

Saku's vision extended far beyond Japan.

In 1966, Sagami condoms were selected by the United Nations and international aid organizations as relief supplies for developing countries.

We also established overseas production bases, and today, our products are distributed in more than 80 countries and regions worldwide.