In October 1949, founder Noboru Inoue began manufacturing and selling zataku (traditional Japanese low tables) on a modest 860-square-meter site in Nippori, Tokyo—marking the humble beginnings of what would become Cleanup.
From these origins, the company evolved through key milestones, including the establishment of Inoue Shokutaku Co., Ltd., its transition to Inoue Kogyo Co., and the birth of the “Cleanup” trademark in 1961.
Over time, the business expanded from crafting furniture to developing water-related products—from stainless steel sinks to fully systemized kitchens. Today, this legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication continues to live on, carried forward as the company’s enduring DNA.
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- Established in Arakawa-ku, Tokyo, producing zelkova wood zataku tables.
- Renamed Inoue Industries Corp.; introduced stainless steel sink stands.
- Cleanup trademark launched; CSM sink stands with rice bins introduced.
- Opened Hisanohama Factory, Iwaki, Fukushima.
- Kitakyushu branch opened as the first sales facility.
- Yotsukura Factory opened in Iwaki, Fukushima.
- Cleanup Dealers Association formed (renamed Cleanup Partners Association in 1974).
- First showroom opened in Iidabashi, Tokyo.
- Cleanup Joban Kogyo Co., Ltd. established in Iwaki, Fukushima (now Yumoto Factory).
- Japan’s first systemized kitchen introduced—beginning of system kitchen innovation.
- Kashima Factory opened in Iwaki, Fukushima.
- Cleanup Stainless Processing Co., Ltd. established in Iwaki, Fukushima.
- Adopted stainless steel coloring technology from Inco Europe and Nippon Steel Corporation.
- Counter Kitchen introduced, predecessor to Clean Lady series, combining stainless steel quality with system kitchen design.
- Stainless steel sink stand with cabinets introduced—became a best-selling product.
- Cleanup Okayama Industry Co., Ltd. established in Katsuta-gun, Okayama.
- Trade name changed to Cleanup Corporation.
- Clean Lady introduced—first easy-installation system kitchen, best-seller with iconic slogan.
- Kashima System Factory opened in Iwaki, Fukushima.
- Matsunoyu & Takenoyu bath units introduced—Japanese design, compact comfort.
- New Cleanup Production System (CPS) adopted.
- Crate Factory opened in Iwaki, Fukushima.
- Honorary Chairman Noboru Inoue awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.
- Cleanup Research Institute opened in Iwaki, Fukushima.
- Universal design bathrooms introduced—slip-resistant floors, handrails, enhanced comfort.
- Compact kitchen “Colty” introduced—full functionality in minimal space for subkitchen use.
- Systemized kitchen “S.S.” introduced—sliding stainless steel cabinets, durable and highly hygienic storage.
- Clean Lady introduced—first system kitchen with Floor Container. New eye-level range hoods and sliding dishwashers launched.
- Shanghai Cleanup Co., Ltd. established—joint venture for systemized kitchen manufacturing and sales.
- “AQULIA” introduced—coordinated vanity and bath space with foot-massage water jets and slip-resistant grip-stone floors.
- Cleanup (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. established.
- Kanshanosato Iwaki opened by Cleanup Career Service Corporation in Iwaki, Fukushima.
- Tsuyama Factory established in Tsuyama, Okayama by Cleanup Okayama Industry Co., Ltd.
- S.S. & Clean Lady kitchens introduced with Super Silent e-Sinks—quiet, durable, and scratch-resistant. Later renamed Be Silent Sink.
- “Mizumawari-koubou” launched—a nationwide membership network.
- First automatic self-cleaning cooker hood introduced—bundled with S.S. and Clean Lady series.
- “Smile 20” launched—20-year long-term support program.
- Founder and Honorary Chairman, Noboru Inoue passed away at age 87.
- “Rakuera” introduced—furniture-style system kitchen, coordinated with flooring and living room design.
- “Hairo” systemized bathroom introduced—child-focused, family-oriented design.
- New corporate logo developed.
- Clean Lady introduced—standard stainless steel cabinets with enhanced hygiene and cleanliness.
- First participated as an exhibitor in Eco-Products 2011.
- Kitchen Town Cleanup Osaka opened—“showroom in the sky” (later renamed Cleanup Kitchen Town Osaka).
- Cleanup Foundation established in Iwaki, Fukushima—accredited as a public interest incorporated foundation in 2013.
- “Yuasis” introduced—new system bathroom replacing Hairo, designed in harmony with living interiors.
- Cleanup Kitchen Town Tokyo (Shinjuku Showroom) opened—an empathy-focused showroom experience.
- Clean Lady 32nd anniversary edition—Stream Flow Sink (standard), science-based water flow design.
- CENTRO introduced—next-generation stainless steel system kitchen, evolving from S.S. series.
- STEDIA introduced—evolution of Clean Lady stainless steel cabinet kitchen series.
- Cleanup Kitchen Town Yokohama opened—Yokohama Showroom experience space.
- “Hiroma” kitchen introduced—joint development with Hida Sangyo Co., Ltd.