Shiseido began in Tokyo's Ginza district, becoming Japan's first Western-style pharmacy in 1871, when herbal medicine was the practiced norm. A chief pharmacist in a navy hospital at 23 years of age, founder Arinobu Fukuhara, aspired to establish a system of separating medical and dispensary practice because he was displeased with the inferior medicine on Japan's market. Fukuhara sought to combine Oriental style with Western learning. By 1878, Shiseido became a producer, seller and wholesaler of medicine with an extensive sales network, introducing Pepsin Indigestion Lozenges and Fukuhara Sanitary Toothpaste to the masses.
In 1987, Shiseido entered the world of cosmetics with the introduction of Eudermine, nicknamed Shiseido Red Water because of the moisturizing lotion's vivid red wine color. Shiseido aimed to use the same tactic as it had done in the pharmaceutical field by using scientific methods to develop high-quality cosmetic products, such as Shiseido body lotions, creams & oils. Shiseido began expanding its territory globally in 1962 by establishing Shiseido of Hawaii, Inc. Through forums, research and its expansion in the world's markets, Shiseido has maintained its leadership in the world of cosmetics.
Today Shiseido has expanded its offerings with such products as Shiseido shampoos and Shiseido whitening products reminiscent of its humble beginnings, but far advanced in its performance.