Jiyu-Kobo

Jiyu-Kobo is a Japanese type design company established in 1989 by former employees of Shaken. It has developed numerous typefaces including Hiragino families and Yu Mincho. In 2019 it became part of the Morisawa group, and in 2025 it was absorbed by Morisawa Inc.

Jiyu-Kobo was founded in 1989 by three individuals: 鈴木勉, 鳥海修, and 片田啓一. The company initially worked on contract for Dainippon Screen Manufacturing, developing the Hiragino typeface families. After the death of 鈴木勉 in 1998, 鳥海修 became president. The company developed its own typefaces such as Yu Mincho and Yu Gothic, some weights of which were adopted as standard fonts in Windows. In 2019, it became part of the Morisawa group. In 2025, it was absorbed by Morisawa Inc., which continues to sell the fonts.

1. 字游工房｜JIYUKOBO
2. 字游工房｜JIYUKOBO | 会社案内