On March 1 , 1931 , the founder , Shojiro Ishibashi , made the Tabi Socks tire Division independent and established the Bridgestone Tire Co. , Ltd. in the city of Kurume , Fukuoka Prefecture . One year later on March 1 , 1931 , the founder , Shojiro Ishibashi , made the `` Tabi '' Socks Tyre Division independent and established the Bridgestone Tire Co. , Ltd. in the city of Kurume , Fukuoka Prefecture .