Asia-Pacific · Holding Company
LIXIL Corporation
🇯🇵 Japan · Last reviewed by Justin Orloff
Quick Facts
founded
2011 (group formation); constituent brands from 1952 onwards
hq
Tokyo, Japan
primaryMaterials
Aluminium sash profiles, aluminium-resin composite, uPVC
glazingPartner
AGC, NSG and others specified per project
marketTier
Mass Market to Premium
Brand at a Glance
- Country: Japan
- Founded: 2011 (merger)
- Key brands: TOSTEM, Shin Nikkei, Toyo Sash (all now LIXIL)
- Primary materials: Aluminium sash, aluminium-resin composite, uPVC
- Market coverage: Mass residential through premium commercial, Japan and international
- Website: lixil.com
Product Range
- TOSTEM-branded aluminium sash
- Shin Nikkei systems
- LIXIL composite windows
- TOSTEM Thailand product range
Why This System
LIXIL's market dominance in Japan means cleaning teams will encounter its products across almost every property category. Understanding the group structure helps identify which care protocol applies - TOSTEM aluminium sash, composite systems, and Shin Nikkei commercial facades each have different surface characteristics. The merger brought together brands that had competed on different quality tiers. TOSTEM aluminium sash is a mass-market product with a durable but standard powder coat. Shin Nikkei commercial systems were engineered to higher tolerances. A one-size cleaning approach does not serve both equally.
Step 1 of 2: Manufacturer Recommendations
Official Care Guidance
Step 2 of 2: The Orloffs Protocol
The Orloffs Protocol
This is how I clean LIXIL Corporation windows. The tools and technique below come from 25 years of daily professional work on the glass. Every step has been tested on real installations and adapted specifically for LIXIL Corporation systems.
Pro Tools
My daily tool list. This is what I carry to every job.
Pro Tips
- LIXIL group windows appear under multiple brand names - TOSTEM, Shin Nikkei, and Toyo Sash labels may appear on older installations even though the manufacturer is now LIXIL
- For composite LIXIL residential windows, follow the same two-material protocol as YKK AP composite systems - aluminium exterior gets powder coat care, resin interior gets solvent-free only
What NOT To Do
- Do not use abrasive pads on powder-coated aluminium frames
- Do not use solvent-based products on composite frame profiles
- Do not pressure wash into frame joints or weep holes
- Do not leave cleaning solution to dry on frames in direct sun
Bundle Kits and Tool Recommendations
Bundle Kit
Tool Recommendations
pH-neutral glass cleaning concentrate
View on Amazon [coming soon]Microfibre T-bar applicator
View on Amazon [coming soon]Professional squeegee with fresh rubber
View on Amazon [coming soon]Cleaning Frequency
Clean every 4–8 weeks depending on environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Field Notes
“In Japanese residential work, the window is almost certainly a TOSTEM product under the LIXIL umbrella. See the TOSTEM guide for the full sash-specific protocol. On commercial work involving Shin Nikkei-origin curtain wall, treat as a standard commercial aluminium facade - pH-neutral glass cleaner, no abrasives on the frame, and check for any specialist glass coatings before cleaning.”
Justin Orloff
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