Our History
Rooted in centuries old Japanese medicine expertise, our dynamic history of promoting health and wellness shows how combining time-tested tradition and cutting-edge technology produce innovative products that help improve people’s lives.
Our Story
As a descendant of one of the families entrusted to continue the craft of “medicine ball” making, our founder, Mr. Shoichi Inagaki opened a small pharmaceutical company in 1958. Upon steady growth, this company was incorporated as Umeken Co. Ltd. with Mr. Hidekazu Sakamoto in 1978. In 1997, Umeken began expanding into the United States and then to Canada in 2012.
1998
California Operations
Established California operations in Koreatown, Los Angeles
2000
200 Distributors
Peak of 14 retail stores and a network of 200 distributors throughout the US.
2003
2003
HQ moved to Garden Grove, CA
HQ moved to Garden Grove, CA
To accommodate expanded operations and a new nationwide telemarketing division.
2010
International Business Expansion
New peak of 25 retail stores and a network of 350 distributors nationwide. Began a partnership with Hyosung Lohas Co. Ltd. to establish Umeken.co.kr. Started in-flight duty-free sales in Asiana Airlines and Air Busan.
2011
2011
Partnership with 99 Ranch Market
Partnership with 99 Ranch Market
Established partnership with 99 Ranch Market, the largest Chinese market chain in America, to open Umeken stores in Seattle, Dallas, and Houston.
2012
2012
Expansion into Canada
Expansion into Canada
Established Umeken Canada, Inc. based in Toronto.
2013
2013
Umeken Club Bonus Dollar
Umeken Club Bonus Dollar
Launched ‘Umeken Club Bonus Dollar’ rewards program that earns ‘bonus dollars’ upon any purchase.
2014
2014
Umeken in New York
Umeken in New York
Opened Umeken store in Flushing, NY.
2015
Umeken flagship store in CA
Opened Umeken flagship store in Westfield Santa Anita Mall.
2016
2016
Release of new products
Release of new products
Launched upgraded best-selling Koso Ball EX, Okinawa Zedoary, and Asian beauty products.
2018
2018
Launched L&B Cosmetics
Launched L&B Cosmetics
Started premium functional cosmetics line, Umeken L&B - first ever to combine LPS and Bidens Pilosa as active ingredients.
2019
2019
Amazon storefront and online expansion
Amazon storefront and online expansion
Opened online storefronts on Amazon and Walmart.
2020
2020
COVID-19 Immune Boost Campaign
COVID-19 Immune Boost Campaign
Organized Immune Boost Campaign during COVID-19 pandemic. Supported local communities by donating over 10,000 free immunity-boosting products and hand sanitizers.
2021
2021
SBS-Umeken Invitational Golf Tournament
SBS-Umeken Invitational Golf Tournament
Hosted SBS-Umeken Invitational Golf Tournament in Southern CA. Successful Koso Ball 7-Day Trial campaign in Canada. Launched Friend Referral Program. More YouTube video production and ad placements.
2022
Continuous expansion in USA and Canada
Expanded to more Asian communities in the USA and Canada.
2022
2022
25-year Anniversary in USA
25-year Anniversary in USA
Celebrated 25-year Anniversary of USA Operations. Launched new diabetic support product, Bidens Pilosa Tabs. Participated in ‘Cosme Osaka Expo’ as Exhibitor.
Our Purpose
Every Umeken team member is motivated by the greater purpose of improving people’s health. We are passionate in diligently working to select the best natural ingredients - combining traditional expertise and innovative research. So that we can confidently offer the highest quality and safest health products to you.
Creating products you can trust
Our products are reviewed and cleared by the Food and Drug Administration.
Selecting the best natural ingredients
We grow our own raw materials and ingredients in our farms in Okinawa.
Manufacturing according to the highest standards
We manufacture our products in Japan, adhering to the country’s strict food standards.