Mikasa
ActiveOverview
Mikasa Corporation is a Japanese manufacturer of sports equipment, specializing in balls for volleyball, basketball, football, water polo, handball, and korfball, with products used in official competitions including as the exclusive supplier to the FIVB and official Olympic water polo ball since 1980. It also produces industrial rubber products such as bearings for marine vessels and pumps. The company operates worldwide through 80 regional distributors in over 120 countries, maintaining a focus on rubber-based sporting and industrial goods from its Hiroshima base.1236
History
Mikasa Corporation was founded on May 1, 1917, as Hiroshima Gomu Corporation by Masutaro Masuda in Hiroshima, Japan, initially producing rubber products like flip-flops and dodgeballs. It expanded into sports equipment, specializing in balls for various ball games. Key milestones include becoming the official Olympic water polo ball producer since 1980 and the exclusive game ball supplier to the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).134
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Volleyball Balls | Official FIVB and competition-grade | $40 - $150 |
| Basketball | Professional and recreational use | $30 - $120 |
| Water Polo Balls | Official Olympic supplier | $50 - $130 |
| Football/Soccer Balls | Match and training balls | $25 - $100 |
| Handball Balls | Competition standard | $40 - $110 |
| Beach Volleyball Balls | Official tournament grade | $35 - $120 |
Manufacturing
Products are manufactured in-house at facilities in Hiroshima, Japan, with a factory site of 9,710 square meters and total floor area of 14,800 square meters. The company produces rubber-based sports balls and industrial items like rubber bearings domestically, with ball business distributed worldwide.346
Notable Products
- Mikasa V200W Volleyball - Official FIVB beach volleyball used in world competitions.
- Mikasa MVA200 Olympic Volleyball - Indoor volleyball for international tournaments.
- Mikasa Water Polo Ball - Official Olympic model since 1980.
- Mikasa Basketball - Used in professional and official games.
- Mikasa Football - Soccer balls for matches and training.
Reputation
Mikasa is highly regarded by sports professionals and federations for its reliable, competition-approved balls, particularly in volleyball and water polo, due to consistent quality and official endorsements. Enthusiasts praise the durability and performance in official matches. Some note limited visibility outside core sports compared to larger global brands.123