Kumpoo (Chinese: 薰风, Japanese: 薫風) is a sporting-goods company primarily known for its badminton equipment. The brand traces its origins to Japan but is currently owned and operated by the Chinese firm Guangzhou Sobey Sports Co., Ltd.1 Kumpoo manufactures rackets, shoes, strings, shuttlecocks, apparel, bags, and accessories, while also expanding its product line into tennis and pickleball.

The company’s identity reflects a blend of Japanese sporting heritage and modern Chinese manufacturing and research capabilities. Founded in Japan in 2001, the brand later expanded its operations into China, where it is now headquartered.2

Founding and Early Years

Kumpoo was established as a Japanese badminton brand in 2001. The initial objective was to make badminton equipment more accessible by developing proprietary technologies rather than relying solely on established manufacturers’ methods. This Japanese origin remains a key part of the brand’s perception in Asia, even after its operational center shifted to China.

In 2006, Guangzhou Sobey Sports Co., Ltd. was founded, becoming the central entity behind Kumpoo’s subsequent international development.3

Expansion into China

Kumpoo officially entered the Chinese market in 2007. This move marked the beginning of its transformation from a primarily Japanese operation into an international badminton company with significant presence in China.4

Sponsorships and International Growth

Between 2008 and 2014, Kumpoo increased its visibility through tournament sponsorships, including backing 14 events associated with the World Chinese Badminton Federation Championship.5

Notable sponsorship milestones include:

• 2009: Sponsorship of Thai badminton star Boonsak Ponsana, a world-class men’s singles player, which enhanced the brand’s profile among serious players.7
• 2010–2013: Title sponsorship of the Macau Open Badminton Grand Prix Gold and the Macau badminton team.6
• 2012: Title sponsorship of the 41st World Morning Cup Badminton Tournament in Malaysia.7
• 2013–2017: Title sponsorship of the Anhui Provincial Badminton Team.6
• 2014: Equipment sponsorship of the Finnish Championship, furthering its international reach.7

Name Origin

The name “Kumpoo” derives from the Japanese term 薫風 (Kumpū), which refers to a pleasant breeze blowing through fresh green foliage in early summer. The company uses this metaphor to represent bringing a fresh, new wind to the sport of badminton.2

Philosophy

The core corporate slogan is “Take the Challenge.” This philosophy emphasizes challenging conventional badminton technology by introducing new materials, designs, and approaches to the sport.8

Kumpoo is often described as a Japanese-founded brand that is now Chinese-owned. It is affiliated with Guangzhou Sobey Sports Co., Ltd., based in Panyu District, Guangzhou, China.2 However, a separate organization, Kumpoo Sports Co., Ltd., continues to operate in Funabashi, Chiba, Japan, selling Kumpoo products in that market.9 Consequently, consumers may encounter references to both “Kumpoo Japan” and “Kumpoo China / Guangzhou Sobey,” depending on the region.9

Badminton remains the core of Kumpoo’s business, though the catalogue has expanded significantly.

Rackets

Kumpoo produces rackets for various skill levels and playing styles, including offensive, speed, all-round, beginner, intermediate, and professional categories. Current technologies featured in their rackets include Kevlar material, graphene frames, hexagon shafts, titanium wire, inner foaming shafts, energy-core shafts, and Super Fine Shaft technology.8 Recognizable racket families include the Hyper Shot, Shura, Shanhai, Houyi, Asura, K520, AK series, Lorie, and Angel lines. Specific model availability varies by market.4

Shoes

Footwear is a major segment for the brand, offering options focused on stability, lightweight performance, speed, all-round play, casual use, and junior sizes. Technologies employed include ACF, FITGO, Duo Power Midsole, Leoboom Midsole, Muscle Pillar, UHMWPE, and Supercritical foaming.8 Kumpoo operates its own shoe factory, allowing for greater control over manufacturing and research and development compared to relying entirely on third-party OEM production.9

Strings

The string range is divided into the K series, JS series, and other variants. The Japanese division emphasizes internal string development.9 In January 2026, during its 25th-anniversary event, Kumpoo announced a high-end string facility in Japan and unveiled the JS-57S, described as the world’s thinnest badminton string.8

Shuttlecocks

Kumpoo produces traditional badminton shuttlecocks and has recently developed synthetic alternatives. At its 2026 anniversary conference, the company presented its first self-developed synthetic shuttlecock.8

Apparel and Accessories

The product lineup includes tournament shirts, shorts, casual sportswear, socks, bags, backpacks, grips, towels, headbands, and protective accessories.8 The brand has also engaged in collaborations such as B.DUCK × KUMPOO and Crying Center × KUMPOO.8

Other Sports

Beyond badminton, Kumpoo has launched a Tennis Series and a Pickleball Series, which includes paddles, balls, and apparel.8

A distinguishing feature of modern Kumpoo is its emphasis on vertical integration. The company controls several key facilities, including its own shoe factory, a badminton string factory in Japan, and a badminton racket research and production center.9 This strategy focuses on managing the entire process from research and development and material sourcing to manufacturing and finished product assembly, aiming to compete effectively in the higher end of the badminton market.9

In January 2026, Kumpoo celebrated its 25th anniversary. The company used this occasion to showcase several technological advancements:8

• A 3D-printed titanium badminton racket
• KH-G805 LITE PRO professional badminton shoes
• Self-developed synthetic shuttlecocks
• JS-57S badminton string

The introduction of the 3D-printed titanium racket highlights an effort to differentiate through unique materials and manufacturing techniques rather than competing solely on price.8

The global badminton equipment market has traditionally been dominated by Yonex, Victor, and Li-Ning. Kumpoo positions itself as a challenger in this space, describing itself as the “world’s fourth ranked international professional badminton brand.”5 While this is a marketing claim rather than an independent industry ranking, it reflects the brand’s growth beyond its earlier image as a smaller specialist manufacturer.5

Kumpoo generally targets players seeking advanced specifications at a lower price point than the top-tier brands, combining value with performance.8

Kumpoo maintains a substantial presence in Southeast Asian markets, including Vietnam. Distributors in these regions carry the full range of products, from rackets and shoes to apparel and accessories.6 The brand leverages its dual Japanese-Chinese identity in these markets, appealing to the large recreational and club-player base in countries where badminton is popular.6

1. Kumpoo – Take the Challenge
2. Kumpoo 薫風スポーツ
3. CÔNG TY TNHH THỂ THAO LÊ THẮNG
4. Kumpoo Badminton (薰风) — Shura II, Shanhai NEW, JS strings decoded
5. Kumpoo brand profile: how the ‘fourth major badminton brand’ built a credible flagship line
6. Giới thiệu về hãng thể thao Kumpoo
7. Kumpoo Store – Vợt cầu lông chính hãng
8. 薰风体育 – 勇于挑战
9. Твоя экипировка для Бадминтона