It has been 130 years since the founder, Nasu Tosuke, went to Osaka and opened Nasto Shoten. Since that time, our merchandise has evolved from such items as Bizen textiles, to Sanada thread and school uniforms. At present, our focus is on towel production; our main product since the beginning of the Showa era. We have witnessed such dramatic events as the Meiji Revolution, WWII and the post-war recovery. We have come this far due to the patronage and trust of loyal clientele. There was great corraboration between the company and clients during this period; day to day helping each other. We are determined to continue working hard, and will maintain our relationships with our clients; asking for their continued patronage.

NASTO CORPORATION'S ROLE AS A TOWEL MANUFACTURER AND WHOLESALER

One of the roles of Nasto today is that of towel manufacturering and wholesaling. The corporation was originally established to be towel wholesalers in Senba, Osaka, but in recent years the company has been active in all aspects of the business. Market research, merchandise planning, manufacturing, stock maintainence, and distribution of goods were improved upon, and Nasto established manufacturing locations both domestically and abroad.

THE ROLE AS TOWEL DISTRIBUTORS

Besides the company headquarters, the sales division is also based at the Tokyo branch office. The headquarters is in charge of sales in the Greater Osaka area. They also oversee sales to textile specialty wholesalers and gift shops all over Japan. The Tokyo branch is in charge of sales to chain-stores and retailers. The distribution of goods to all of Japan, including the greater Osaka area, is handled by the distribution center at company headquarters, as well as two other large warehouse distribution centers. Distribution to retailers in the Tokyo metropolitan area is handled by the Tokyo Metropolitan distribution center.

MARKETING AND MANUFACTURING

Nasto's marketing group at company headquarters plans and designs it's products based on market research analysis. These products are manufactured domestically in two areas, both independent of Nasto, in Imabari, Shikoku, and Sensyu, Osaka. Goods are also manufactured abroad in Shandong and Jiangsu, China, in Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil and other locations. Nasto is focusing on becoming selfreliant in the planning and designing of their products. Every April and October, in Tokyo and Osaka, Nasto exhibits at trade shows where new products are introduced.

GLOBAL MANUFACTURING AND THE WORLD MARKET

Manufacturing in China is headed by the NASTEX INTERNATIONAL(Qingdao)Co.,LTD in Qingdao, Shandong, which manages any and all matters concerning the manufacturing, warehousing, exporting and other business activity regarding Nasto products. A subsidiary of Nasto Corporation, Qingdao Nasto Furingo Co., Ltd. also located in Qingdao, Shandong, is in charge of quality control (inspection of machinery and finished goods) and packaging the finished product. The two Qingdao offices, working jointly, strive to meet the needs of all customers. Today the company exports merchandise made in Japan to select Asian countries, but in the future it is expected that goods will be exported primarily from China to various new areas.