Maruzen Company, Limited, was established in 1869 as Japan's first joint stock corporation. By importing Western publications and other goods, Maruzen took the lead in introducing to Japan information about overseas cultures. Today, Maruzen has earned a solid position as one of Japan's leading booksellers, and the company has also diversified into other areas. In information-related fields, Maruzen's business activities include providing multimedia information services, developing networks, marketing office automation equipment, and offering facilities development services. In addition, the company has a strong presence in lifestyle and culture fields, such as stationery and fashion apparel. Through its domestic network of 39 stores, 29 sale offices, and more than 70 sales outlets in universities and colleges and its overseas network of 4 offices, Maruzen is developing a diversified portfolio of business activities around its core operations in books and journals.