Sustainable Japanese Soap for a Global Market

By Daniel de Bomford, Kyann Edouard

For more than 75 years, Pelican Soap has upheld the traditions of Japanese craftsmanship, earning a loyal following for its gentle, skin-first formulas. Operating its own factory in Japan, Pelican combines long-standing expertise with advanced technologies to create innovative soaps and body care products that other companies cannot replicate. “What enables us to meet such challenges is the tight integration of development and production,” says Nobukazu Shibui, president of Pelican Soap.

The company’s Keana Shirazu, a facial cleansing soap developed specifically for pore-related concerns, delivers the kind of mild, yet effective care that discerning consumers expect. The brand’s creativity shines in the Koisuru Oshiri Soap Scrub, a 3-in-1 exfoliating, cleansing and hydration scrub. Crushed into a fine scrub texture, it lathers richly, allowing it to function as both an exfoliant and a full-body cleansing soap. For seasonal care, the Koisuru Oshiri Hip Care Body Butter targets dryness commonly experienced in autumn and winter, delivered by a rich, moisturizing vegetable butter blend.

 “We design products for long-term, habitual use,” Shibui says. “Rather than chasing a quick, one-time sale, we focus on building trust so customers will keep using a product for ten years or more.