About Yasutomo

The Yasutomo History

Yasutomo and Company was established in June, 1954 by Mr. Ben Yasutomo. A man of vision, Mr. Yasutomo believed that "global marketing" was possible back in the 1950’s because he recognized that consumers in both the USA and Japan wanted products from the other’s country. He decided to set up an office in San Francisco, strategically located to develop commerce between the two countries. The initial goal was to supply stationery and artist materials from Japan to the USA and to distribute American candy and snack food products to Japan.

In the early stages, Yasutomo imported gift and paper products from Japan, and soon expanded into asian art supplies. In the 1960’s, Yasutomo introduced the Pentel Sign Pen to the USA market. The world’s first fiber-tipped pen was well received and was even used by then President Lyndon B. Johnson in the White House. After achieving success in the art supply and office products markets, Yasutomo added several innovative writing instruments and stationery products under the NIJI and Y & C brand names. These products include the GRIP pens and pencils; Stylist pens for designers; PermaWriters for artists and crafters; FabricMate markers for wearable art enthusiasts; Silverado brushes for painting; Fold'ems origami paper; and recently the Gel Xtreme roller pens have been taking the market by storm. These products mentioned are only a few of the 1500 items currently offered by Yasutomo.

After fifty years of experience, Yasutomo continues to source quality art supplies, writing instruments and craft materials from all over the world. Our goal remains to supply unique, affordable, and safe products.