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Our History

Rooted in centuries old Japanese medicine expertise, our dynamic history of promoting health and wellness shows how combining time-tested tradition and cutting-edge technology produce innovative products that help improve people’s lives.

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Our Story

As a descendant of one of the families entrusted to continue the craft of “medicine ball” making, our founder, Mr. Shoichi Inagaki opened a small pharmaceutical company in 1958. Upon steady growth, this company was incorporated as Umeken Co. Ltd. with Mr. Hidekazu Sakamoto in 1978. In 1997, Umeken began expanding into the United States and then to Canada in 2012.

1998

California Operations

Established California operations in Koreatown, Los Angeles

1997

2000

200 Distributors

Peak of 14 retail stores and a network of 200 distributors throughout the US.

2000

2003

HQ moved to Garden Grove, CA

To accommodate expanded operations and a new nationwide telemarketing division.

2010

International Business Expansion

New peak of 25 retail stores and a network of 350 distributors nationwide. Began a partnership with Hyosung Lohas Co. Ltd. to establish Umeken.co.kr. Started in-flight duty-free sales in Asiana Airlines and Air Busan.

2010

2011

Partnership with 99 Ranch Market

Established partnership with 99 Ranch Market, the largest Chinese market chain in America, to open Umeken stores in Seattle, Dallas, and Houston.

2012

Expansion into Canada

Established Umeken Canada, Inc. based in Toronto.

2013

Umeken Club Bonus Dollar

Launched ‘Umeken Club Bonus Dollar’ rewards program that earns ‘bonus dollars’ upon any purchase.

2014

Umeken in New York

Opened Umeken store in Flushing, NY.

2015

Umeken flagship store in CA

Opened Umeken flagship store in Westfield Santa Anita Mall.

2015

2016

Release of new products

Launched upgraded best-selling Koso Ball EX, Okinawa Zedoary, and Asian beauty products.

2018

Launched L&B Cosmetics

Started premium functional cosmetics line, Umeken L&B - first ever to combine LPS and Bidens Pilosa as active ingredients.

2019

Amazon storefront and online expansion

Opened online storefronts on Amazon and Walmart.

2020

COVID-19 Immune Boost Campaign

Organized Immune Boost Campaign during COVID-19 pandemic. Supported local communities by donating over 10,000 free immunity-boosting products and hand sanitizers.

2021

SBS-Umeken Invitational Golf Tournament

Hosted SBS-Umeken Invitational Golf Tournament in Southern CA. Successful Koso Ball 7-Day Trial campaign in Canada. Launched Friend Referral Program. More YouTube video production and ad placements.

2022

Continuous expansion in USA and Canada

Expanded to more Asian communities in the USA and Canada.

2022

2022

25-year Anniversary in USA

Celebrated 25-year Anniversary of USA Operations. Launched new diabetic support product, Bidens Pilosa Tabs. Participated in ‘Cosme Osaka Expo’ as Exhibitor.

Our Purpose

Every Umeken team member is motivated by the greater purpose of improving people’s health. We are passionate in diligently working to select the best natural ingredients - combining traditional expertise and innovative research. So that we can confidently offer the highest quality and safest health products to you.

our-purpose
icon-1 Creating products you can trust

Our products are reviewed and cleared by the Food and Drug Administration.

icon-2 Selecting the best natural ingredients

We grow our own raw materials and ingredients in our farms in Okinawa.

icon-3 Manufacturing according to the highest standards

We manufacture our products in Japan, adhering to the country’s strict food standards.

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