History of Marukai Corporation (LA Division) MARUKAI CORPORATION U.S.A. was founded in 1965 by MARUKAI CORPORATION, INC. (Head Quarter Osaka, Japan). Based in Los Angeles and Hawaii, the business began as an importer for Japanese food, household items, furniture, health foods, health and fitness items, and electronics. In 1982, utilizing the benefits as a trading company, Marukai opened the first retail shop "Membership Marukai Wholesale Mart" in Gardena, Los Angeles. Marukai established a unique purchasing logistics, strategy and inventory control which made it possible to provide our customers with great values on Japanese items. Since then, Marukai has been the LA area's price leader. In 1996, Marukai opened the "Marukai Forum" in Gardena, CA. The 45,000 sq. ft. shop offers Japanese food, household items, ceramics, health and beauty products, Japanese furniture, Kimono, and antiques, which offers one of the best selection in the entire US. Currently, there are 12 retail shops including membership and non-membership stores, 98cent PLUS stores and Asian furniture specialty shops. Marukai will continue to improve the shops to satisfy our clients and 80,000 members.