Founded in Osaka in 1906 by Rihachi Mizuno, Mizuno Corporation has grown into a global powerhouse in sports equipment and sportswear. From its humble beginnings as Mizuno Brothers, Ltd., selling Western sundries and baseball gear, the company quickly established itself as a leader in the Japanese sports market. By the early 20th century, Mizuno had expanded into manufacturing baseballs and gloves, setting the stage for its eventual dominance in various sports, including tennis, golf, skiing, and track and field. This rich history is not only reflected in the quality and performance of Mizuno products but also in the evolution of its iconic logo.

Mizuno’s dedication to innovation and quality is evident in its logo changes over the decades. Each iteration of the logo captures a snapshot of the brand’s evolution, from the intricate, detailed designs of the early 1900s to the sleek, modern aesthetics of today. Understanding these logos is crucial for vintage clothing enthusiasts and collectors, as they offer a glimpse into the brand’s storied past. The logos serve as time capsules, encapsulating the spirit and technological advancements of each era.

As Mizuno expanded its operations globally, opening factories in Germany, France, China, and beyond, its logo continued to evolve, reflecting both the brand’s heritage and its forward-thinking approach. The post-WWII era, for instance, marked a return to simplicity and functionality in Mizuno’s branding, mirroring the period’s broader socio-economic conditions. Similarly, the dynamic and energetic designs of the 1960s and 1970s logos align with Mizuno’s growing emphasis on athleticism and innovation.

For those looking to identify vintage Mizuno products, the logos are a vital tool. From the bold, simple designs of the 1980s to the diverse and colorful tags of the 1990s and beyond, each tag tells a story. These identifiers not only help in authenticating vintage Mizuno items but also offer a window into the brand’s rich history and the technological advancements that have shaped its journey. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to vintage fashion, understanding Mizuno’s logos and tags can enhance your appreciation of this iconic brand.

Y2K Mizuno Running Commercial

How to tell if Mizuno is vintage from the logo

Mizuno, a renowned sports equipment and sportswear company, has undergone several logo changes since its inception. These logos reflect the brand’s evolution and are key indicators for identifying vintage Mizuno products. Here is a detailed look at the different Mizuno logos through the decades.

1906 Mizuno logo

• This is the original Mizuno logo from the company’s founding year.
• The design features intricate details typical of early 20th-century logos.
• The text is stylized with a classic typeface, giving it a vintage look.

1906 to 1917 Mizuno logo

• The logo during this period retained the original elements with minor refinements.
• The intricate detailing was simplified slightly for easier reproduction.
• The classic typeface remained, emphasizing the brand’s heritage.

1917 to 1920 Mizuno logo

• Introduced a more structured and symmetrical design.
• Focused on creating a strong brand identity with bold lines.
• The logo included additional decorative elements around the text.

1920 to 1935 Mizuno logo

• The logo underwent significant changes, adopting a more modern aesthetic.
• Simplified design elements for a cleaner look.
• Introduction of new typeface styles reflecting the design trends of the time.

1935 to 1947 Mizuno logo

• This era saw the logo becoming more streamlined and contemporary.
• The use of geometric shapes and bold lines became prominent.
• The typeface was further modernized to appeal to a broader audience.

1947 to 1960 Mizuno logo

• Post-WWII era logo, marked by a return to simplicity and functionality.
• Focus on readability and brand recognition with a straightforward design.
• Minimal decorative elements, reflecting the austerity of the period.

1960 to 1973 Mizuno logo

• The logo from this period features a more dynamic and energetic design.
• Introduction of new graphic elements symbolizing motion and progress.
• The typeface was updated to a more modern, sans-serif style.

1973 to 1981 Mizuno logo

• This logo emphasized boldness and athleticism, aligning with the brand’s sports focus.
• The design was compact and efficient, suitable for various applications.
• Included strong, angular elements reflecting the brand’s innovative spirit.

1981 to now Mizuno logo

• The current logo maintains the core elements introduced in the early 1980s.
• The design is sleek and modern, with a focus on simplicity and brand recognition.
• Continuous use of the logo has helped establish Mizuno’s global brand identity.

How to tell if Mizuno is vintage from the tags

The evolution of Mizuno tags over the decades reflects the brand’s growth and adaptation to changing trends in sportswear and casual fashion. From the bold, simple designs of the early years to the more intricate and varied tags of recent times, each era’s tags offer clues about the garment’s age and authenticity.

Struggling with vintage tags or labels? Upload a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll help you out!

1980s vintage Mizuno tags

• Bold lettering with simple designs.
• Tags often include “JASPO” size indicators.
• Presence of the Mizuno logo with minimal additional text or imagery.
• Tags might have been manufactured in Japan or the USA.

1990s vintage Mizuno tags

• Introduction of more color and design elements.
• Tags often feature the Mizuno logo prominently.
• Inclusion of additional branding elements like “The World of Sports.”
• Variety in tag sizes and materials, reflecting the expanding product range.

2000s vintage Mizuno tags

• Tags become more diverse in design and color.
• Continued use of the Mizuno logo with the addition of performance-related text.
• Introduction of tags indicating “Made in China” or other manufacturing locations outside of Japan.
• Emphasis on functionality and technology, often highlighted on the tags.

2010s vintage Mizuno tags

• Modern layouts with a variety of colors and materials.
• Detailed size indicators, sometimes with international sizing standards.
• Tags often emphasize Mizuno’s technological advancements in sportswear.
• Presence of specific product lines or collaborations highlighted on the tags.