Pearl Izumi is a company that produces sports apparel, primarily focusing on cycling. Pearl Izumi also has products in other sports including cross-country skiing, triathlon, duathlon, and running. With origins in Tokyo, Japan over 50 years ago, it began to be seen in the U.S. around 1981. It has sponsored many cycling teams, including the 1984 USA Olympic team. Pearl Izumi was purchased by Shimano for $70M in 2008. The name Pearl Izumi is derived from the gem "pearl" and an area of Japan known for its clear water "Izumi." Literally translated, the name means, "fountain of pearls."