ACE
ACE is a Japanese luggage and bag company founded in Osaka in 1940 by Ryusaku Shinkawa. It makes suitcases, backpacks and bags under brands including Proteca and ACE, and owns Zero Halliburton.
| Founded | 1940, Osaka |
|---|---|
| Founder | Ryusaku Shinkawa |
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan |
| Key brands | Proteca, ACE, Zero Halliburton |
| Website | ace.jp |
What is ACE?
ACE is a luggage and bag maker from Japan. It was founded in 1940 by Ryusaku Shinkawa as a small bag manufacturer in Osaka and is now based in Harajuku, Tokyo. It is one of Japan's leading luggage companies.
Products and positioning
The company makes suitcases, totes, holdalls, backpacks and Boston bags. Its portfolio includes:
- Proteca, its premium suitcase line made in Akabira, Hokkaido
- ACE, its namesake bag and luggage brand
- Zero Halliburton, acquired after 2006
- The Kanana Project
Proteca production in Japan covers moulding polycarbonate shells, bending frames and final assembly. Products go through extensive durability testing, and Proteca carries a three-year free repair service. ACE has also made bags under licence for brands such as Adidas and Champion.
Distribution
ACE sells through around 100 shops worldwide, including a Proteca flagship in Hibiya, Tokyo, and through Japanese department stores such as Mitsukoshi and Takashimaya. It has expanded across Asia with a subsidiary in Singapore.
Why it matters
ACE shows how a Japanese manufacturer shifted from licensing towards its own brands while keeping production in Japan as a quality argument.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Zero Halliburton?
Zero Halliburton is owned by ACE, the Japanese luggage company founded in Osaka in 1940.
Where are Proteca suitcases made?
ACE makes its Proteca suitcases at its factory in Akabira, Hokkaido, Japan.