Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of an ox: The ambition behind KINCHO's trademark
KINCHO's predecessor, "Ueyama Shoten," was founded on January 8, 1885.
2026 marks our 141st anniversary. While keeping "pyrethrum" as our origin, we will continue to challenge ourselves to develop innovative products with the spirit of "better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of an ox" embodied in our chicken mark.
Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of an ox
The meaning of the chicken, KINCHO's symbol, is "better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of an ox." This is a phrase from the Chinese historical record "Records of the Grand Historian," meaning it is better to be the leader of a small group than the follower of a large one. It expresses the founder's determination to always be number one in terms of quality, trust, and management as the pioneer of the industry. It was registered as a trademark in 1910.
Since our founding, KINCHO has continued to provide products that support people's comfortable, enriched, and healthy lives under the spirit of "better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of an ox" and the motto "Quality first, then and now."
Starting with the invention of the "Kincho Uzumaki" mosquito coil using pyrethrum, we have consistently created products ahead of their time, such as "Kincho-l," liquid mosquito repellents, and "Mushikonars" and "Shinkatori," which require neither fire nor electricity.
Only the power of nature can counter the power of nature.
KINCHO's origin is "pyrethrum."
Ever since founder Eiichiro Ueyama obtained pyrethrum seeds in 1886 and worked tirelessly to encourage their cultivation, the natural power of "pyrethrum" has countered the natural threat of pests.
Focusing on "pyrethroid," an insecticidal ingredient created by inheriting the characteristics of this harmless pyrethrum, KINCHO always pursues product development that never separates "effectiveness" from "safety."
We are a group of experts who control the relationship with insects. Our goal is by no means the "extermination" of insects. We aim to realize a life where insects, people, and the Earth can coexist by understanding insect ecology well. Based on solid scientific evidence, we want to continue providing reliable quality without forgetting respect for all life and the environment.
Knowing pests is the foundation of everything
Insects are the most successful creatures on Earth. It is said that more than 400 million years ago, insects had already gained wings and were flying leisurely through the sky where neither birds nor bats existed yet. Insects with remarkable adaptability have expanded their influence not only in the air but also into the soil, water, and human living spaces.
Among them, a very small number are "pests" that harm people and human life. Since the birth of humanity millions of years ago, we have been exploring how to deal with "pests."
By knowing pests and products well, let's make good use of insecticides and insect repellents to lead a comfortable life undisturbed by insects.
With the ambition of our founding in our hearts
With the ambition of our founding in our hearts, KINCHO will continue to make efforts to develop innovative products and contribute to the lives of people around the world. Please look forward to KINCHO this year as well.
