Kewpie began with one man’s curiosity and conviction. When Toichiro Nakashima encountered orange marmalade and mayonnaise abroad—delicious and nourishing new foods unknown to Japan at the time—he sensed their potential to make everyday life a little tastier. That early vision continues to inspire Kewpie today.
OVER A CENTURY
OF KEWPIE
Taste Born and Reborn.
In the 1920s, Western flavors flourished in Tokyo, so in 1925, Toichiro Nakashima launched Japan’s first mayonnaise, Kewpie. A condiment that captured the spirit of a modern, open Japan. Then later, when wartime scarcity made ethical production impossible, he chose to stop production rather than compromise his standards, but in 1948, Kewpie returned as a symbol of resilience and integrity—a spirit that continues to define it today.
Dialing in Flavor.
As Kewpie’s popularity grew, so did innovation. To make every squeeze easier, the company developed the now-familiar plastic bottle—but with it came a new challenge: oxygen—freshness’s greatest enemy. Solving it demanded creativity in both process and design, and Kewpie never stopped moving forward. In pursuit of perfection, Kewpie also mastered vinegar production—the key to unmistakable taste—founding its own vinegar company in 1962 to craft mayonnaise entirely from scratch.
Rich, Creamy Flavor.
Thoughtful Practice.
Kewpie’s yolk-only recipe delivers rich umami and depth—but it also left behind unused egg whites. From confectionery kitchens to new food technologies, every egg white found a purpose. What began as a small act of ingenuity has evolved into a lasting spirit of sustainability.
A New Taste for Japan.
In 1958, Kewpie introduced Japan’s first salad dressing—and with it, the idea of salad itself. From Caesar to Cobb, Kewpie has led the nation’s salad culture ever since, finding new ways to make vegetables simply more delicious.
Kewpie: It’s On
Kewpie’s journey abroad began in California in 1982, followed by Thailand, China, and beyond. Today, its mayonnaise and dressings are made for local tastes in more than 70 countries—each crafted with the same thoughtful care that started it all. After a century, Kewpie continues to contribute to the food culture and health of the world—sharing joy, flavor, and care wherever it goes.
Through a century of changing times, Kewpie’s purpose remains the same: to bring delight to every table.
Through great taste, empathy, and uniqueness—values that have guided Kewpie for generations—Kewpie is shaping a future where good food connects people and sustains the world we all share.
Kewpie’s Story