Victas is a Japanese manufacturer of table tennis equipment best known for producing professional-grade blades, rubbers, balls, clothing, shoes, and related accessories. The brand is closely associated with the Japanese competitive table tennis scene and caters primarily to serious and elite players. While the modern Victas brand was established in 2011, the company’s corporate lineage extends back to 1931 when its predecessor began manufacturing celluloid table tennis balls. The business later operated as Yamato Takkyu before officially becoming VICTAS Inc. in September 2017 [1].

The company currently lists VICTAS and XIOM as its primary brands and maintains headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Its product portfolio encompasses the full spectrum of table tennis gear, including blades, rubbers, balls, apparel, footwear, tables, bags, and maintenance accessories [1].

Early beginnings and ball manufacturing

The company’s origins date to May 1931, when founder Noriyuki Suzuki established Suzuki Celluloid Industrial Works in Tokyo. The firm initially specialised in manufacturing and selling celluloid table tennis balls, including those intended for use as toys [1]. By the late 1930s, the business had expanded internationally. Following World War II, the corporate structure evolved through various consolidations that eventually formed the Yamato Takkyu lineage.

A significant milestone in this early era was the development of the Astor and TSP Astor balls. The company states that its ball was the first ITTF-approved ball manufactured in Japan, achieving international recognition [1].

Expansion into comprehensive equipment

By 1985, the company had developed into a comprehensive table tennis manufacturer, establishing the foundation for the modern organisation. Prior to this, it had already expanded beyond balls; the predecessor brand TSP introduced specialised table tennis shoes as early as the 1960s and became notable for combining performance features with colourful designs in an era of traditional attire [1].

The historical TSP brand, which stood for “Total Support for Players,” served everyone from beginners to elite internationals. Notably, TSP supplied clothing to the Chinese national team from 1981 to 1993, a historically significant partnership at the time. TSP also maintained a long-standing presence in major international competitions through its balls, apparel, and equipment [1].

Launch of the Victas brand

The Victas brand was launched in 2011 to create a distinct identity focused on premium, professional-specification equipment. This contrasted with the broader “support” identity of TSP. The inaugural Victas rubber was the short-pimple VO>101, followed by the V>01 series and VS>401. The new brand positioned itself around competitive performance and the next generation of elite players rather than general recreational support [1].

Corporate rebranding and integration

On September 1, 2017, Yamato Takkyu Co., Ltd. changed its corporate name to VICTAS Inc. Concurrently, the brand adopted the concept “I AM NEXT,” representing players striving toward their next victory rather than established champions. The visual identity was redesigned to feature an inverted-triangle motif cutting through the “V” of Victor, symbolising breakthrough and new paths [1].

In spring 2021, the TSP brand was fully integrated into Victas. This move transferred TSP’s technological heritage and product history under the Victas name, meaning the current entity represents a continuous lineage from 1931 rather than solely a post-2011 venture [1].

Victas operates as a full-line manufacturer covering the entire table tennis equipment ecosystem. Its official catalogue includes:

• Table tennis blades
• Rubbers
• Balls
• Apparel
• Shoes
• Cases and bags
• Tables and equipment
• Maintenance products
• Large-ball table tennis equipment
• Other table tennis accessories [1]

Blades

Blades are among the most recognisable products in the Victas lineup. The range covers offensive, all-round, defensive, carbon, inner-carbon, penhold, and Chinese-handle variants, alongside beginner and intermediate models. Notable series include SWAT, Athenes, Award, and Black Balsa. The company also produces signature models for players such as Koki Niwa and Koji Matsushita [1].

The association with Koki Niwa is particularly prominent; Victas has produced multiple Niwa signature blades in both carbon and wood versions, reflecting the brand’s commitment to elite player development [1].

Rubbers and the V>15 series

Victas maintains a substantial rubber portfolio catering to diverse playing styles. The V>15 family is arguably the most significant line associated with the modern brand. Its development marked a philosophical shift: rather than relying on developer preference or novelty, prototypes were tested extensively with top-level high school, university, and corporate team players to identify characteristics actually desired by high-level competitors [1].

This process emphasised speed, spin, control, consistency, and suitability for modern attacking play. Consequently, the V>15 series serves as a benchmark for the company’s systematic approach to equipment development [1].

Balls

Ball manufacturing remains a core part of the company’s heritage. The technology has evolved from celluloid to 40 mm balls, then to plastic, and subsequently to ABS plastic following international regulation changes in the 2010s. Technology originally developed under TSP, such as the CP40+ 3-star ball used at the 2019 ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup in Yokohama, was carried forward into the Victas VP40+ 3-star line [1].

Apparel and teamwear

Victas is a significant table tennis clothing brand, inheriting decades of apparel development from TSP. The company has served as an official supplier for national teams including Japan, South Korea, and France. In 2017, Victas signed an official supplier agreement with the Japanese men’s national table tennis team. This partnership coincided with a period of major international success for Japanese men’s table tennis and the country’s preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, strongly associating the brand with elite Japanese competition [1].

Victas works with numerous high-level players and coaches. Notable figures associated with the brand include:

• Koki Niwa: Japanese international and Olympic medalist with multiple signature blades.
• Koji Matsushita: Japanese defensive specialist and former world-class player who also serves as company president.
• Various Japanese national team players and advisory staff.

For its 90th anniversary, the company released a collection featuring 14 limited-edition player-model blades, including models associated with Niwa and other advisory players [1].

The connection with Koji Matsushita underscores the brand’s technical breadth. His signature blades demonstrate that Victas supports modern defensive play alongside offensive and all-round styles, distinguishing it from manufacturers focused exclusively on attacking equipment [1].

The modern Victas identity centres on supporting the next generation of competitors. The “I AM NEXT” concept targets ambitious players aspiring to become champions. A parallel theme of continuous improvement—”today better than yesterday, tomorrow better than today”—guides product and service development toward the company’s centenary [1].

Victas occupies a distinct position in the global market by combining several key attributes:

• Japanese heritage: Roots dating to 1931 provide over nine decades of industry involvement.
• Professional orientation: Deliberate focus on elite competition and professional-quality specifications.
• Apparel strength: Significant teamwear legacy inherited from TSP, unlike brands focused solely on hardware.
• Systematic development: Emphasis on testing with high-level players rather than subjective design.
• National team visibility: Strong international recognition through partnerships with the Japanese national team [1].

While competing against brands such as Butterfly, Nittaku, Yasaka, DONIC, Andro, JOOLA, Xiom, Tibhar, and Stiga, Victas maintains a specifically Japanese identity rooted in national team competition and domestic manufacturing tradition.

TSP is not a competitor but a predecessor; Victas inherited its technology, products, and historical experience upon integration in 2021 [1].

VICTAS Inc. is headquartered in Japan with offices in Tokyo and Osaka. Its business encompasses the manufacturing and sale of table tennis equipment and apparel under the VICTAS and XIOM brands. The current company president is Koji Matsushita, linking executive leadership directly to the history of Japanese competitive table tennis [1].

• 1931: Suzuki Celluloid Industrial Works begins manufacturing table tennis balls.
• 1930s: Ball production expands to include overseas sales.
• 1950s: Corporate structure develops; business expands into broader equipment.
• 1960s–70s: TSP develops shoes, apparel, and other products.
• 1981: TSP begins supplying clothing to the Chinese national team.
• 1985: Company established as a comprehensive table tennis manufacturer.
• 1989: TSP yellow ball used at the first Japan Open played with a coloured ball.
• 1990s–2000s: Continued development of balls, apparel, footwear, and equipment.
• 2011: Victas brand launched.
• 2017: Yamato Takkyu renamed VICTAS Inc.; “I AM NEXT” concept adopted.
• 2017: Victas becomes official supplier to the Japanese men’s national team.
• 2018–19: Victas/TSP ball technology used in major international competition.
• 2021: TSP integrated into Victas; company celebrates 90th anniversary.
• 2020s: Continued development of professional blades, rubbers, balls, apparel, and equipment [1].

1. About Victas｜ | VICTAS table tennis supplies