Sumitomo's personality, found in the products and the daily operations of Sumitomo Tire, is shaped by a company history extending more than 350 years. The history of Sumitomo dates back to the early 17th century, when Masatomo Sumitomo (1585-1652) opened a book and medicine shop in Kyoto. Later in life, he created his Founder's Precepts, which laid out his business philosophy. The Sumitomo Business Principles, stressing integrity and sound management, were originally based on Masatomo's Precepts and have been a central force shaping the spirit of each Sumitomo company for more than 350 years. Sumitomo's initial mainstay business was copper mining. It later diversified into a variety of fields including finance, insurance, iron and steel, real estate, and trade. Today, Sumitomo is acknowledged as one of Japan's leading business groups.

Sumitomo's igeta ( ) symbol represents the freshness in spirit and substance, like the never-ending flow of a spring, that we at Sumitomo bring to the tire business. As an American company with roots in Japan, we continually demonstrate our ability to draw from the well of American and Japanese heritage, and bring forth fresh commitments to success.