Kenji Yamazaki, the first president, establishes Kirihara Shoten Limited. Its business publishing focuses on English educational materials for high schools and universities.
1985
Kirihara Shoten publishes its first workbooks containing questions which frequently appear on university entrance exams. The books Sokusen Zemi, Daigaku Nyushi Eigo Hinshutsu Mondai Souenshu become best sellers and lead to the success of many trendsetting products.
1992
All Kirihara Shoten textbooks pass the government screening of English textbooks for high schools for the first tme.
1997
All Kirihara Shoten textbooks pass the government screening of Japanese textbooks for high schools once again, establishing Kirihara Shoten as a major textbook publisher in Japan.
1999
Sogo Eigo Forest (grammar book for comprehensive English) is published and becomes a bestseller after gaining overwhelming support in high schools.
2000
The company becomes a subsidiary of Pearson plc., Pearson Kirihara K.K.
2006
Longman English Japanese Dictionary is published.
2010
Pearson Education Japan merges with Kirihara Shoten. Company name is changed to Pearson Kirihara K.K.
2013
Pearson transfers ownership to Senior Managers through an MBO and the company is reestablished as Kirihara Shoten K.K.
2015
Releases Forest of Kirihara, Free student app.
2017
Kirihara Shoten celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
Sogo Eigo FACTBOOK is published.
Kirihara Shoten acquires FEA (Firstwellness English Academy)English School .
The company becomes a subsidiary of Tosho Printing Co Ltd.