TOKISTAR lighting system and BioMetal shape memory alloy actuator

1971

Toki Corporation was first established in Shimbashi, Minato-Ku,Tokyo.
Started by providing information services about new international technologies and materials.
Sold miniature lamps, liquid crystal displays and special films as a sales agent.

1972

Started sales of bowling supplies for American Bowling
Services, Inc.

1973

Started technology consulting services for development and planning of new products, at the request of various companies.

1974

Our technology consulting services become increasingly successful.

1977

Exported miniature lamps for digital watches, crystal oscillators, and liquid crystal displays to Asian countries.

1980

Delivered miniature lamps to TIVOLI lighting in the USA.

1981

Developed “Tokistar Tapelight" a flexible low-profile cable with transparent sockets and miniature lamps.
Patented in Japan, USA, and Canada, and began production and sales.

1982

Headquarters transferred to Ebisu-nishi, Shibuya-ku in November.

Expanded into Las Vegas and Atlantic City casino market with our decorative lighting products.

1983

Commissioned Waseda University Iguchi Laboratory (by Prof. Nobuhiro Iguchi) to research the shape memory alloy actuator.

First time exhibiting at the Japan Shop Tradeshow.

1985

Founded Toki American Technologies Inc, in Irvine California, USA.

1986

Release of shape memory alloy robot "DH-101."
Our shape memory alloy wire is sold as "BioMetal Fiber.

First delivery of the "Outdoor Tapelight" to a famous theme park in Florida, USA.

Relocated to expanded headquarters in Higashioi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo.

1987

Founded TOKI EUROPE GmbH in West Germany Bairuhaimu City (1991 Closed).
Started partnership with Pennwalt Ltd. in the USA about Piezo Film Sensors, and carried out sales agency business for Japanese market.

1989

Reorganized Toki America technologies into TOKISTAR LIGHTING INC.
Opened up marketing channels in the lighting field across the USA.

1991

Established TOKI PRODUCTS in Toyohashi, Aichi, Japan to facilitate production and distribution capabilities.

1993

Founded Shanghai Tokistar Electronics Co., Ltd, in Shanghai, China.

Won a "Takagi Award" for the research achievements of micro-robot by Japan Society for Precision Engineering, Precision Measurement Technology Foundation.

1996

In-house CAD-CAM prototype system "T's CAM SYSTEM" started to be sold to universities and research institutes as a 25th anniversary project.
Held 25th anniversary party in Mauii, Hawaii.

1997

Launch of "Advantage Xenon", an indirect lighting fixture and the unbreakable "Exhibitor" light bulb.

1999

Relocation of headquarters in Omori-kita, Ota-ku, Tokyo.

Release of the "LED Tapelight" in the LED lighting fixture market.

2000

Provided LED Tapelight for the Tokyo Takarazuka Building.

2001

Set up a BioMetal Division and embarked on a full-scale business operation.
Advantage Xenon wins a Good Design Award.

Received ISO 9001 certification.

2004

Application product of BioMetal won a "Commissioner of the Patent Office Award."

Delivered LED signboards to Dior and Bulgari flagship stores and All Nippon Airways-related facilities.

2005

Joint research with Tohoku University research group for "Development of Nanotechnology for Artificial Esophagus for food swallowing."

Release of "TokiLeds", a full-range viewing LED.

2006

Established “North Kanto Engineering" in Moka-city, Tochigi, Japan, to enhance product testing capabilities.
Release of "Kinetic TokiLeds" with self-actuated flashing or cross-fading effects.

2008

BioMetal technology wins a "Japan Society for Precision Engineering Technology Award."
Sega Toys Inc. launches a toy "Pekoppa" using BioMetal as its driving mechanism.

Delivered "Exhibitor LEDs" to a famous theme park hotel.

2009

Release of "Gradient" and "Tokilux" lighting systems.

Sega Toys Inc. launches a toy "Hanappa" using BioMetal as its driving mechanism.

2010

"Kinetic TokiLeds" are featured in Vancouver Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony.

Patented Peristalsis Technology of Artificial Esophagus with the use of BioMetal in collaboration with Tohoku University.
Release of Indoor Free Flight capacitor airplane "U-den".

Delivered TOKILUX to Hakuho-Kan in HAPPO-EN. Its lighting design was awarded the highest special honor from Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.

2011

Release of Reveler.

2012

Delivered "Gradient" to Tokyo Station Building.

Held 40th anniversary party in Hong Kong.

2013

Release of low-profile "Advantage XF" and "Advantage KC (Kelvin-Changing) LEDs."

In September, President Naomitsu Tokieda retires.
October of the same year, Naotsuna Tokieda is appointed as the new President.

2014

Headquarters relocation to Heiwajima, Ota-ku, Tokyo.
Dimming circuit technology for variable color temperature wins a "39th Invention Governor of Tokyo Prize."

Biometal Papillon displayed in "GINZA MEKIKI HYAKKAGAI" store in the department.