The current corporate profile reports four domestic subsidiaries, 21 overseas subsidiaries, ¥11.373 billion in capital, and ¥39.0 billion in consolidated sales for the fiscal year ended March 2026.[3]

While fundamentally a sewing-machine company, describing Janome solely as a sewing-machine brand overlooks a significant portion of its modern operations. Its business activities are broadly divided into three categories:

1. Home-use equipment
2. Sewing machines
3. Computerized sewing machines
4. Embroidery machines
5. Sergers/overlock machines
6. Long-arm quilting machines
7. Accessories and software
8. Industrial equipment
9. Servo presses
10. Desktop robots
11. Cartesian/orthogonal robots
12. SCARA robots
13. Automatic screw-feeding equipment
14. Other factory-automation equipment
15. IT-related and other businesses

Janome classifies its manufacturing activities across these three fields: home-use equipment, industrial equipment, and IT-related business.[4]

The company’s industrial division is notable because it evolved from technologies originally developed for sewing-machine manufacturing. Expertise in precision mechanisms, motors, motion control, production engineering, and automation was successfully transferred from consumer sewing machines to industrial factory equipment.[5]

The name Janome (蛇の目) literally translates to “eye of the snake” in Japanese. This distinctive name originated from the round bobbin used in the company’s early sewing machines, whose circular shape resembled a snake’s eye. Consequently, the machines became associated with the term Janome, which was officially registered as a trademark in 1935.[6]

Pronounced roughly as ja-no-me, the name reflects a direct conceptual link: round bobbin → resembles a snake’s eye → 蛇の目 (Janome) → brand name. This origin also explains why the visual identity of early Janome machines frequently incorporated circular or “snake-eye” motifs.[7]

Janome’s history began in Tokyo in 1921. On October 16, 1921, Yosaku Ose and his partners established the Pine Sewing Machine Factory in Takinogawa, Tokyo. The venture aimed to produce sewing machines domestically for the Japanese market, reducing reliance on expensive imported models.[8]

Its early product was the Model 53, Pine 500 type, a small hand-cranked machine. Historical records describe it as one of Japan’s first domestically produced sewing machines, featuring a simple mechanical design operated by a hand crank.[9]

During the early 20th century, domestic production offered Japan the opportunity to make sewing machines more accessible while building local manufacturing expertise. Janome thus became integral to the development of Japan’s own sewing-machine manufacturing industry rather than merely entering an existing market.

The Pine era

In 1929, the company established Pine Sewing Machine Co., Ltd. It introduced the Model 30, Pine 100 type, described by Janome as Japan’s first standard domestic sewing machine for home use. This model utilized a vertical half-turn shuttle mechanism that improved operating efficiency.[10]

This period marked the company’s transition from small-scale domestic production toward standardized consumer sewing machines.

Adoption of the Janome name

In 1935, the corporate name changed to Teikoku Sewing Machine Co., Ltd. That same year, “Janome Sewing Machine” was registered as a trademark, and the company began selling machines under the Janome identity.[11]

In 1936, the company completed the Koganei Factory, described as Japan’s first facility dedicated to the mass production of sewing machines.[12] This represented a major transition from a small domestic manufacturer to a standardized mass producer.

After World War II, Janome contributed to standardizing domestic sewing-machine dimensions. In 1948, company representative Masuzou Maeda participated in efforts that established standardized dimensions for Japanese household sewing machines, resulting in the HA-1 type category.[13]

In 1949, the company changed its name to Janome Sewing Machine Co., Ltd., formally incorporating the brand into its corporate identity. In 1954, it adopted the name Janome Sewing Machine Manufacturing Co., Ltd.[14]

The 1950s were also significant for industrial design. The Model 320, designed by industrial designer Jiro Kosugi, won first place in the second Mainichi Industrial Design Competition. Janome considers this a pivotal moment in the development of sewing-machine design competitions in Japan.[15]

A key milestone in Janome’s international growth occurred in 1960 with the acquisition of New Home Sewing Machine Co. in the United States.[16] New Home had a long American history dating back to 19th-century manufacturers and had been associated with the New Home brand for much of the previous century.[17]

This acquisition provided Janome with an established presence in the American market. Today, the New Home heritage is integrated into the organization through Janome America. This move was instrumental in transforming Janome from a Japanese manufacturer into an international sewing-machine company.

During the 1960s, Janome focused on making sewing machines easier to operate. In 1961, it introduced the Model 560, a fully automatic zigzag sewing machine that used cams to automate pattern sewing instead of requiring manual manipulation of multiple controls.[18]

In 1963, Janome was listed on the First Section of the Tokyo and Osaka Stock Exchanges.[19] The following year, in 1964, the company completed a technical research facility in Hachioji and introduced the Model 670 “High Dream” in connection with the Tokyo Olympics. This model featured lightweight alloy die-cast construction and a more automated operating system.[20]

The research infrastructure established during this era laid the groundwork for Janome’s later development of computerized sewing machines and industrial machinery.

Janome achieved a major technological milestone in 1979 with the introduction of the Memory 7, described by the company as the world’s first programmable computerized sewing machine.[21]

Unlike traditional mechanical machines, the Memory 7 used electronic control to determine stitch patterns and functions. This innovation helped establish the direction for modern computerized sewing. Janome subsequently developed the Memory Craft family, which remains one of the company’s best-known premium sewing and quilting lines, combining mechanical sewing capability with sophisticated electronic control.

During the 1980s, Janome began applying its accumulated manufacturing and motion-control technologies to industrial machinery.[22] A notable development was the JP-20 Electro Press, introduced in 1984, which is identified as an important breakthrough in its industrial-equipment business.

This diversification followed a logical progression: sewing machine engineering → precision mechanical components → motors and motion control → electronics → manufacturing automation → industrial machinery.

Today, Janome’s industrial portfolio includes servo presses, desktop robots, Cartesian robots, and automatic screw-feeding systems.[23] These are used for applications such as pressing, joining, dispensing, screw fastening, PCB processing, and other automated manufacturing tasks.[24]

Janome has developed manufacturing capabilities beyond Japan. Its production network has included facilities in Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand, which the company describes as important manufacturing locations for its sewing-machine products.[25]

Although Janome’s identity is Japanese, modern products are produced through an international manufacturing and supply network. The company maintains subsidiaries and operations worldwide, with its current corporate profile listing 21 overseas subsidiaries.

The modern Janome catalog extends well beyond traditional mechanical sewing machines.

Sewing machines

Products range from straightforward domestic machines to advanced computerized models. Typical functions include straight stitching, zigzag stitching, decorative stitches, automatic buttonholes, speed control, needle-position control, computerized stitch selection, automatic thread functions, and programmable sewing functions.

Embroidery machines

Janome manufactures computerized machines designed specifically for machine embroidery, including models with sophisticated digital capabilities.[26]

Sergers and overlock machines

These machines are designed for finishing fabric edges and producing professional-quality seams.

Quilting machines

Janome is prominent in the quilting market, offering products such as the Horizon Memory Craft series and long-arm quilting machines.[27]

Accessories and software

The company also sells presser feet, needles, hoops, extension tables, machine bags, quilting accessories, embroidery software, and other sewing accessories.[28]

Janome’s offerings can be understood through several overlapping segments:

• Entry / basic sewing: Mechanical or simpler computerized machines.
• Intermediate sewing: More stitches, automation, and convenience functions.
• Advanced sewing: Computerized controls, larger workspaces, and sophisticated feeding systems.
• Quilting: Specialized high-performance machines with large sewing areas.
• Embroidery: Computerized embroidery and combination machines.
• Professional / industrial: Specialized sewing and manufacturing equipment.

Specific lineups vary by country; a model available in Japan, the United States, or Europe may not be available in all markets.

Memory Craft is one of Janome’s most important product families, associated with higher-end computerized sewing and quilting machines. The series embodies the company’s philosophy of combining computerized control, mechanical precision, large sewing spaces, advanced feeding systems, quilting functionality, embroidery capabilities (on appropriate models), and extensive stitch customization. Modern Memory Craft machines occupy the premium end of the Janome consumer lineup.[29]

Janome has developed a strong reputation among quilters. Its machines are designed to meet requirements distinct from ordinary garment sewing, including handling large fabric pieces, precise straight stitching, large workspaces, controlled fabric feeding, free-motion quilting, decorative stitching, high-speed stitching, and long-duration operation.

The Horizon series is particularly associated with high-end quilting and sewing. Additionally, Janome produces long-arm quilting machines specifically designed to handle large quilts.[30]

Janome leverages technologies derived from its sewing-machine manufacturing experience to produce industrial equipment. The current industrial lineup includes:

• Servo presses: Electrically controlled pressing equipment for precision manufacturing.
• Desktop robots: Compact programmable robots for dispensing, screw fastening, and PCB processing.
• Cartesian robots: Multi-axis industrial robots for controlled linear movement.
• Automatic screw feeders: Systems for supplying screws to manual or automated assembly operations.[31]

Consequently, Janome is accurately understood as a precision manufacturing technology company with sewing machines as its historical and most recognizable product category, rather than simply a sewing-machine brand.

Research and development has been central to Janome’s identity since the establishment of its technical research institute in 1964. The company describes this as a major foundation for its continuing development of high-quality, high-value-added sewing machines.[32]

Its modern R&D organization covers both home-use and industrial equipment, utilizing underlying technologies in mechanical engineering, electronics, control systems, precision manufacturing, and automation.[33]

On August 31, 2023, Janome announced the production of its 75 millionth sewing machine.[34] This milestone illustrates the company’s scale, evolving from the small Pine Sewing Machine Factory of 1921 to a manufacturer producing tens of millions of machines over more than a century.

For most of its modern history, the company was known corporately as Janome Sewing Machine Co., Ltd. In connection with its 100th anniversary, the official corporate name was changed to JANOME Corporation, effective October 1, 2021.[35] This change reflected the fact that industrial machinery and other activities had become significant enough that “Sewing Machine” no longer fully represented the business scope. Importantly, the JANOME brand itself remained unchanged.

Janome celebrated its 100th anniversary in October 2021, marking a century since the founding of the Pine Sewing Machine Factory in 1921.[36] The centenary history illustrates a progression from domestic mechanical sewing machines in the 1920s to mass production in the 1930s, industrial design and standardization in the 1950s, international expansion and automation in the 1960s, computerized sewing in 1979, industrial equipment from the 1980s onward, and advanced computerized sewing, embroidery, quilting, and factory automation in the 2000s–2020s.

Janome is generally regarded as one of the major Japanese sewing-machine manufacturers, alongside companies such as Brother and Juki. Its strengths are commonly associated with mechanical engineering, stitch quality, computerized sewing, quilting, embroidery, long-arm quilting, reliability, and premium home sewing equipment.

Janome describes itself as a leading manufacturer of household sewing machines, with international operations extending across numerous markets.[37] Distinctions between brands often relate to specific machine models and target users rather than universal superiority.

Comparison with peers

Janome is distinguished by several core attributes:

• Japanese engineering heritage: Over a century of manufacturing history originating in Japan.
• Sewing-machine specialization: Sewing remains at the heart of the company’s identity.
• Computerized sewing: The Memory 7 was a significant milestone in the history of computerized sewing machines.[38]
• Quilting: An extensive range of machines aimed at serious quilters.
• Embroidery: Computerized embroidery and combination machines form a key part of the modern lineup.
• Precision manufacturing: The industrial equipment business demonstrates engineering expertise beyond consumer sewing.
• Global reach: Products are sold internationally, supported by subsidiaries, distributors, and manufacturing operations in multiple countries.

Janome’s stated philosophy centers on improving people’s lives through valuable products and services and contributing to society and culture.[39] Its corporate history reflects the combination of “craftsmanship” and “technology”, repeatedly adapting technologies developed for sewing machines to new applications. This makes Janome an example of a traditional manufacturing company that has evolved without abandoning its original technological foundation.

As of 2026, JANOME Corporation is headquartered in Hachioji, Tokyo. According to its latest corporate information:

• Founded: October 1921
• Established as current corporate entity: June 1950
• Headquarters: Hachioji, Tokyo
• Capital: ¥11.373 billion
• Consolidated sales, FY2026: ¥39.0 billion
• Consolidated employees: 2,424
• Domestic subsidiaries: 4
• Overseas subsidiaries: 21
• Listed: Tokyo Stock Exchange
• Securities code: 6445[40]

Its current businesses encompass household sewing equipment as well as industrial equipment such as servo presses and robots.[41]

[42]

Janome is a century-old Japanese precision-manufacturing company that began by making domestic sewing machines and evolved into a global manufacturer of advanced sewing, quilting, embroidery, and industrial automation equipment. Its history mirrors the technological evolution of sewing—from hand crank to mechanical, automatic, electronic, and computerized systems—while simultaneously extending precision-engineering expertise into presses, motors, robotics, and factory automation. This combination of traditional sewing craftsmanship and modern precision engineering defines what the Janome brand represents today.[43]

1. 企業情報 – 企業情報 | JANOME コーポレートサイト
2. ジャノメの歴史 – 企業情報 | JANOME コーポレートサイト
3. HISTORY | Janome – Global Site
4. ひとめでわかるジャノメ | ジャノメ株式会社
5. Corporate Philosophy
6. JANOME Lab – 企業情報 | JANOME コーポレートサイト
7. IRメール配信サービス開始のお知らせ – ニュース・トピックス | JANOME コーポレートサイト
8. About Janome – Janome
9. History – Janome
10. J A N O M E R E P O R T 2 0 2 4
11. 製品一覧｜株式会社ジャノメ 産業機器営業本部
12. 株式会社ジャノメ 産業機器営業本部
13. May 22, 2025
14. Homepage – Janome
15. Machines Archives – Janome
16. About Us – Janome
17. Company Name to Change to JANOME Corporation | Janome – Global Site
18. 100 Years | Janome UK & Ireland
19. About us – Janome
20. 企業理念 – 企業情報 | JANOME コーポレートサイト
21. Note: This document has been translated from the Japanese original for reference purposes only. In the event of any discrepancy
22. コーポレート・ガバナンス報告書 – IR情報 | JANOME コーポレートサイト
23. 訪問販売事業からの撤退について – ニュース・トピックス | JANOME コーポレートサイト
24. 「ジャノメ100年史」を掲載いたしました – ニュース・トピックス | JANOME コーポレートサイト
25. Janome celebrates the production of 70 Million Sewing Machines | Janome – Global Site
26. Historia | Janome Colombia
27. Company Story｜株式会社ジャノメ 創業100周年記念サイト
28. Company Overview | Janome – Global Site
29. JANOME コーポレートサイト
30. 国内拠点 – 企業情報 | JANOME コーポレートサイト
31. 事業・サービス | JANOME コーポレートサイト
32. お知らせ | 株式会社ジャノメ 産業機器営業本部
33. IR情報 | JANOME コーポレートサイト
34. 海外グループ会社 – 企業情報 | JANOME コーポレートサイト
35. NEWS & TOPICS | JANOME コーポレートサイト
36. 決算説明 – IR情報 | JANOME コーポレートサイト
37. JANOME コーポレートサイト
38. 決算短信 – IR情報 | JANOME コーポレートサイト
39. 有価証券報告書・半期報告書 – IR情報 | JANOME コーポレートサイト
40. IRカレンダー – IR情報 | JANOME コーポレートサイト
41. Consolidated Results Highlights | Janome – Global Site
42. 株式情報 – IR情報 | JANOME コーポレートサイト
43. JANOME コーポレートサイト