Our company began in 1923 when our founder, D.J. DePree, along with his father-in-law, Herman Miller, and others purchased the Star Furniture Company in Zeeland, Michigan. In the 1920s Herman Miller manufactured traditional home furniture. That direction changed in 1931 when DePree saw how contemporary furniture design addressed real needs.

This problem-solving approach proved to be pivotal in our history. During the three decades of his leadership, D.J. DePree transformed Herman Miller from a small residential furniture company to a recognized innovator in contemporary home and office furniture design.

His commitment to integrity in product quality and business relationships led DePree to cultivate partnerships with some of the period's most outstanding designers, including Gilbert Rohde, George Nelson, Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Girard, and Isamu Noguchi. By the early 1950s, although still a small company, Herman Miller had gained a worldwide following for its modern furniture designs.

March 1964
Herman Millar Japan Furniture Retail Ltd, is established as a subsidiary of ISETAN Co.,Ltd.
ISETAN Co., Ltd. established a subsidiary to sell Herman Miller furniture in Japan.

April 1964
Corporate name is changed to Modern Furniture Sales Co., Ltd.

July 1988
Herman Miller Japan Ltd. is established by Herman Miller, Inc.,U.S.

March 1989
Herman Miller Japan Ltd. merged Modern Furniture Sales Ltd.