20 Leading Japanese Non-Ferrous Metal Companies: The Unsung Heroes Supporting Japan’s Industries

Japan’s non-ferrous metal industry provides essential materials for various industries that form the foundation of modern society, including electrical and electronic equipment, automobiles, construction, and aerospace. This article carefully selects 20 major companies representing Japan’s non-ferrous metal industry, providing detailed explanations of each company’s business activities, strengths, achievements, and future prospects.

JX Metals Corporation, a core company of ENEOS Holdings, is a comprehensive non-ferrous metal company engaged in an integrated business from resource development, smelting, metal processing, and development/manufacturing of high-function materials, mainly focusing on copper. Especially in copper smelting, it boasts the top domestic share and has greatly contributed to Japan’s industrial development through the stable supply of resources.

JX Metals’ strengths lie in its integrated system from resource development to final products, in addition to its advanced technological capabilities and global business development. Especially in the electronic materials business, such as high-purity metals and thin-film materials for semiconductors, it contributes to the high performance of information and communication equipment. In recent years, it has also been strengthening its development in materials for next-generation automobiles and the environment/energy fields.

As a future outlook, in order to respond to the severe business environment such as fluctuations in resource prices and the rise of Chinese companies, it is promoting the development of high value-added products, strengthening overseas expansion, and strengthening resource securing. It also emphasizes contributing to a recycling-oriented society and is working to expand its recycling business.

Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, a member of the Mitsubishi Group, is a comprehensive materials manufacturer that develops businesses such as cement, metals, and processing. In the non-ferrous metal business, in addition to smelting and processing copper and aluminum, it also develops recycling businesses for rare metals and precious metals.

Mitsubishi Materials’ strengths lie in its diversified business development and especially its strength in environmental recycling technology. It possesses advanced recycling technologies, such as metal recovery technology from urban mines, and contributes to the effective use of resources and the reduction of environmental impact.

As achievements, the cement business has contributed to Japan’s infrastructure development, and the metal business has contributed to various industries. In recent years, it has been contributing to the realization of a resource-recycling society through its environmental recycling business.

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd., a member of the Sumitomo Group, is a comprehensive non-ferrous metal company engaged in resource development, smelting, and electronic materials. It has strengths in resource development of gold, copper, nickel, etc., and is actively working on overseas mine development.

Sumitomo Metal Mining’s strengths are its abundant experience and achievements in resource development and advanced technology in the electronic materials business. It has strengths especially in fields such as battery materials and functional powders, and contributes to the high performance of information and communication equipment and automobiles.

As achievements, it has contributed to the stable supply of metal resources necessary for Japanese industry through resource development. In recent years, it has been focusing on expanding the battery materials business and is expected to contribute to the spread of electric vehicles (EVs).

UACJ Corporation, established in 2013 through the merger of Furukawa-Sky Aluminum Corp. and Sumitomo Light Metal Industries, Ltd., boasts the top domestic share in aluminum rolled products. It provides aluminum products to a wide range of fields, including beverage cans, automobile parts, and aircraft parts.

UACJ’s strengths are its advanced aluminum rolling technology and wide product lineup. It is especially strong in the development of high-strength aluminum sheets that meet the lightweighting needs of automobiles, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.

As achievements, its products are used in various fields such as beverage cans, automobile parts, and aircraft parts, providing aluminum products that meet lightweighting needs.

As a future outlook, it will promote increasing production capacity and developing high value-added products to respond to the expansion of aluminum demand. It will also strengthen global expansion and aim to strengthen competitiveness in overseas markets.

Nippon Light Metal Holdings Co., Ltd. is a corporate group engaged in aluminum smelting, processing, and sales. It provides aluminum ingots, rolled products, and castings.

Nippon Light Metal Holdings’ strengths are its integrated system from aluminum smelting to processing. This realizes thorough quality control and strengthens cost competitiveness. With a wide product lineup, it responds to various needs such as construction, transportation equipment, and electrical equipment.

As achievements, its products are used in various fields such as construction, transportation equipment, and electrical equipment.

DOWA Holdings Co., Ltd. is a corporate group engaged in smelting, environmental recycling, and functional materials. In the non-ferrous metal business, it has strengths in smelting and recycling copper, gold, silver, etc., and possesses advanced recycling technologies, especially metal recovery technology from urban mines.

DOWA Holdings’ strengths are its contribution to the realization of a resource-recycling society through the fusion of three businesses: smelting, environmental recycling, and functional materials. In addition to advanced recycling technology, the functional materials business provides high-function metal powders and compounds, contributing to the development of a wide range of industries.

As achievements, it has contributed to the stable supply of non-ferrous metal resources through the smelting business. In the environmental recycling business, it contributes to the effective use of resources and the reduction of environmental impact.

As a future outlook, it will promote the expansion of the environmental recycling business and contribute to a resource-recycling society. It will also strengthen the functional materials business and focus on developing high value-added products.

Furukawa Co., Ltd., a member of the Furukawa Group, develops non-ferrous metal businesses and machinery businesses. In the non-ferrous metal business, it is engaged in smelting copper, zinc, etc.

Furukawa Co.’s strength is the synergy effect of the non-ferrous metal business and the machinery business. By utilizing the metals obtained from smelting in the machinery business, it provides high value-added products.

As achievements, it has contributed to the supply of metal resources necessary for Japanese industry through the non-ferrous metal business.

Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd., a member of the Mitsui Group, develops smelting, processing, and functional materials of non-ferrous metals, mainly focusing on zinc. Especially in the copper foil business, it boasts one of the world’s top shares and greatly contributes to the miniaturization and high performance of electronic devices.

Mitsui Mining & Smelting’s strength is its advanced copper foil manufacturing technology, especially its world-class manufacturing technology of ultra-thin electrolytic copper foil. This greatly contributes to the miniaturization and high performance of electronic devices such as smartphones and personal computers.

As achievements, it has contributed to Japan’s industrial development through the stable supply of zinc. In the copper foil business, it has greatly contributed to the development of the electronic device industry.

Toho Zinc Co., Ltd. develops smelting and processing of non-ferrous metals, mainly focusing on zinc, and has one of the top domestic shares in zinc smelting.

Toho Zinc’s strengths are its zinc smelting technology cultivated over many years and its diversified development, which also handles smelting of lead and cadmium. Zinc is widely used for rust prevention plating of steel, etc., and contributes to the maintenance of social infrastructure.

As achievements, it has contributed to the supply of metal resources necessary for Japanese industry through the stable supply of zinc.

As a future outlook, in order to respond to fluctuations in resource prices and environmental problems, it will promote the advancement of smelting technology and efforts to reduce environmental impact. It plans to focus especially on improving recycling technology and developing smelting processes with low environmental impact.

Fujikura Ltd. manufactures electric wires, optical fibers, and electronic components. In the non-ferrous metal business, it handles electric wire materials mainly using copper and provides products to a wide range of fields, including information and communication, energy, and automobiles.

Fujikura’s strengths are its manufacturing technology of electric wires and optical fibers cultivated over many years and its diverse product groups that apply these technologies. Especially in optical fiber technology, which is indispensable for constructing information and communication infrastructure, it has high competitiveness and contributes to the development of high-speed communication networks. In recent years, it has also been focusing on developing aluminum electric wires that contribute to the lightweighting of automobiles and products for the renewable energy field.

Proterial, Ltd. (formerly Hitachi Metals, Ltd.) is a materials manufacturer producing specialty steel, magnetic materials, and electric wires. In the non-ferrous metals sector, the company focuses on copper-based wire materials and copper alloys.

Proterial’s strength lies in its advanced materials technologies, particularly in the manufacturing of specialty steel, magnetic materials, and electric wires. By integrating these technologies, the company’s products are used in high-performance components across various sectors, including automotive, industrial machinery, and electronics. Recently, Proterial has focused on developing high-performance magnetic materials for vehicle electrification and high-strength specialty steel for the aerospace industry.

Looking ahead, Proterial aims to develop high value-added products and strengthen its global presence. The company is particularly focused on developing materials that meet the needs of vehicle electrification, lightweighting, and autonomous driving.

Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., a core company of the Furukawa Group, manufactures electric wires, optical fibers, automobile parts, etc. In the non-ferrous metal business, it handles electric wire materials mainly using copper and provides products to a wide range of fields, including information and communication, energy, and automobiles.

Furukawa Electric’s strengths are its electric wire and optical fiber technology cultivated over many years and its diverse business development that applies this technology. It has greatly contributed especially to the development of information and communication infrastructure and power infrastructure. In recent years, it has also been focusing on aluminum electric wires that contribute to the lightweighting of automobiles and product development for next-generation automobiles.

As a future outlook, it will promote the development of high-function products to respond to market trends such as the sophistication of the information communication market and the sophistication of energy infrastructure. It aims especially to develop products that contribute to reducing environmental impact and strengthen competitiveness in the global market.

Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., a member of the Sumitomo Group, manufactures electric wires, optical fibers, automobile parts, etc. In the non-ferrous metal business, it handles electric wire materials mainly using copper and provides products to a wide range of fields, including information and communication, energy, and automobiles.

Sumitomo Electric Industries’ strengths are its advanced electric wire and optical fiber technology and the research and development capabilities that support it. It possesses world-class technology especially in superconducting technology and optical fiber technology and greatly contributes to the sophistication of social infrastructure. In recent years, it has also been focusing on aluminum electric wires that contribute to the lightweighting of automobiles and product development for next-generation automobiles.

Daikin Industries, Ltd. manufactures aluminum ingots, alloys, etc. Its characteristic feature is that it actively develops the aluminum recycling business.

Daikin Industries’ strengths are its manufacturing technology of aluminum ingots and alloys and its abundant experience and achievements in the aluminum recycling business. Through the recycling business, it contributes to the effective use of resources and the reduction of environmental impact, contributing to the realization of a circular economy.

As achievements, it provides aluminum products for automobile parts, industrial machinery parts, etc.

As a future outlook, it will promote increasing production capacity and developing high value-added products to respond to the expansion of aluminum demand. It will especially focus on expanding the recycling business and aim to further contribute to a resource-recycling society.

Ryobi Limited manufactures die-cast products, printing equipment, etc. In the non-ferrous metal business, it handles die-cast products of aluminum, magnesium, etc., and provides products to a wide range of fields, including automobile parts and electrical equipment parts.

Ryobi’s strength is its advanced die-casting technology, especially its strength in magnesium die-cast products that meet lightweighting needs. This contributes to the lightweighting of automobiles and improved fuel efficiency.

As achievements, it provides die-cast products for automobile parts, electrical equipment parts, etc.

As a future outlook, it will promote the development of high value-added products to respond to market trends such as the transformation of the automotive industry and the growth of the electrical equipment market. It plans to focus especially on technology development that responds to the electrification and lightweighting of automobiles.

Ahresty Corporation manufactures aluminum die-cast products, etc. It has strengths especially in large die-cast products for automobile parts.

Ahresty’s strengths are its manufacturing technology of large die-cast products and its advanced casting technology and die technology. This enables it to manufacture parts with complex shapes such as automobile engines, transmissions, and chassis with high precision.

As achievements, it provides die-cast products for parts such as automobile engines and transmissions, contributing to the lightweighting of automobiles.

As a future outlook, it will promote the development of high-strength and high-function die-cast products to respond to the needs of the automotive industry such as electrification and lightweighting. It plans to actively work on introducing new materials and new manufacturing methods to respond to the transformation of the automotive industry called CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electric).

Sankyokogyo Co., Ltd. manufactures aluminum building materials, exterior products, etc. It provides products to the construction field such as houses and buildings.

Sankyokogyo’s strengths are its aluminum extrusion molding technology, surface treatment technology, and the development capabilities of building materials and exterior products with excellent design and functionality. With a wide product lineup such as windows, doors, sashes, carports, and terraces, it contributes to the creation of comfortable living environments.

As achievements, its products are widely used in the construction field such as houses and buildings.

As a future outlook, it will promote the development of high-function and high-design building materials and exterior products to respond to the needs of the construction market. It plans to focus especially on developing energy-saving and environmentally friendly products.

YKK AP Inc., a member of the YKK Group, manufactures building material products such as windows, doors, and sashes. It provides products to the construction field such as houses and buildings and has strengths especially in aluminum building materials.

YKK AP’s strengths are its aluminum extrusion molding technology, surface treatment technology, and the development capabilities of high-function building materials such as high airtightness and high heat insulation windows and doors. In addition to providing comfortable living spaces, it also contributes to energy saving.

As achievements, its products are widely used in the construction field such as houses and buildings.

Kaneka Corporation manufactures chemical products, resins, food, etc., but in the non-ferrous metal business, it handles copper foil, functional films, etc., and provides products to a wide range of fields, including electronic equipment and automobiles.

Kaneka’s strengths are its diverse material technologies, especially its advanced manufacturing technologies for high-function films and copper foil. By utilizing these technologies, it contributes to the high functionality of electronic equipment and the lightweighting of automobiles.

As achievements, copper foil is used in electronic equipment such as smartphones and personal computers.

As a future outlook, it will promote the development of high-function products to respond to market trends such as the growth of the electronic equipment market and the electrification of automobiles. It plans to focus especially on developing materials for next-generation electronic equipment and developing products that contribute to reducing environmental impact.

Nippon Denkai Co., Ltd. manufactures electrolytic copper foil. It has strengths in high-function copper foil for printed wiring boards (PCBs) and contributes to the miniaturization and high-density packaging of electronic devices.

Nippon Denkai’s strengths are its manufacturing technology of electrolytic copper foil, especially its development capabilities of high-function copper foil that supports high frequencies and fine circuit formation. This greatly contributes to the high performance of electronic devices such as smartphones, personal computers, and servers.

As achievements, high-function copper foil is used in electronic devices such as smartphones, personal computers, and servers.

The Japanese non-ferrous metal industry faces numerous challenges, including high dependence on overseas resources, intensifying competition from overseas companies (especially Chinese firms), the need to address decarbonization, and the promotion of DX (Digital Transformation). To overcome these challenges and achieve sustainable growth, the following initiatives are crucial:

• Securing Stable Resources: Ensuring a stable supply of resources through investments in overseas mines, advancement of resource recycling technologies, and resource recovery from urban mines. Addressing geopolitical risks is also essential.
• Developing High Value-Added Products: Strengthening the development of high-performance materials that meet the needs of growth sectors, such as vehicle electrification, lightweighting, autonomous driving, advanced information and communication equipment, and the expanding demand for renewable energy.
• Addressing Decarbonization: Contributing to the realization of a decarbonized society by reducing CO2 emissions in manufacturing processes, utilizing renewable energy, and improving recycling rates.
• Contributing to the Circular Economy: Enhancing metal recycling and reuse to contribute to the creation of a resource-circulating society.
• Promoting DX: Optimizing production processes and the entire supply chain by leveraging digital technologies such as AI, IoT, and big data to improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance quality.
• Optimizing Overseas Expansion: Accurately understanding the needs of overseas markets and optimizing global business development.

Individual Company Future Prospects (Revised Examples – Reflecting Research):

Based on the overall outlook above, individual company future prospects are rewritten. Based on the latest information from each company (mainly IR information, news releases, industry trends, etc.), the contents are made more specific and differentiated.

Nippon Denkai: Focus: Contributing to the miniaturization and high-density packaging of electronic devices by advancing electrolytic copper foil technology. Specific initiatives: Developing high-function copper foil compatible with high frequencies and fine circuit formation, and developing copper foil for next-generation semiconductor packages.

Copper-Related: (Examples)

JX Metals: Focus: Securing stable metal resources (mainly copper), expanding the high-function materials business utilizing advanced smelting technology (especially for electronic materials and automotive materials). Specific initiatives: Investing in overseas mines, developing resource recycling technologies, developing high-function copper alloys for next-generation automobiles, developing materials for semiconductor packaging substrates.

Mitsubishi Materials: Focus: Expanding the environmental recycling business, developing high value-added products through collaboration between the cement and metal businesses. Specific initiatives: Advancing rare metal recovery technology from urban mines, developing CO2 emission reduction technologies, and promoting resource circulation by utilizing by-products in the cement manufacturing process.

Sumitomo Metal Mining: Focus: Promoting overseas mine development, expanding the battery materials business (especially related to nickel and cobalt). Specific initiatives: Developing nickel mines in Indonesia, developing materials for next-generation batteries (such as all-solid-state batteries), and developing battery recycling technologies.

Aluminum-Related: (Examples)

UACJ: Focus: Developing high-strength aluminum sheets to meet automotive lightweighting needs, strengthening global expansion. Specific initiatives: Developing high-strength aluminum alloys for automotive structural parts, strengthening partnerships with overseas automakers, and developing aluminum products using recycled materials.

Nippon Light Metal Holdings: Focus: Developing high value-added products utilizing the integrated aluminum system, strengthening the recycling business. Specific initiatives: Developing high-function aluminum products for aerospace and railway vehicles, and developing high-purity recycling technologies from used aluminum.

Daikin Industries: Focus: Expanding the aluminum recycling business, developing high value-added aluminum alloys. Specific initiatives: Expanding recycling bases, developing high-strength aluminum alloys using recycled materials, and developing melting technologies that contribute to reducing environmental impact.

Wire-Related: (Examples)

Sumitomo Electric Industries: Focus: Contributing to the sophistication of information and communication infrastructure and energy infrastructure, developing lightweight wires for automobiles, and developing products for next-generation automobiles. Specific initiatives: Developing optical fibers for 5G/Beyond 5G, developing submarine power cables, developing lightweight aluminum wires and wire harnesses for electric vehicles.

Fujikura: Focus: Contributing to information and communication infrastructure with optical fiber technology as the core, expanding into the renewable energy field. Specific initiatives: Developing ultra-high-speed optical fibers and optical transmission systems, developing submarine cables for offshore wind power generation, and developing connection cables for solar power generation.

Recycling/Diversified Development: (Example)

DOWA Holdings: Focus: Expanding the environmental recycling business, advancing rare metal recovery technology from urban mines, strengthening the functional materials business. Specific initiatives: Expanding waste treatment and recycling bases, streamlining rare metal recovery processes, and developing high-function metal powders and compounds.

Die-Cast Manufacturers: (Examples)

Ryobi: Focus: Developing die-cast products for automotive parts and electrical equipment parts, especially responding to lightweighting needs. Specific initiatives: Reducing the weight and increasing the strength of magnesium die-cast products, and developing structural parts for next-generation automobiles.

Ahresty: Focus: Developing large aluminum die-cast products for automotive structural parts, developing technologies for CASE. Specific initiatives: Developing high-precision die-casting technology for complex-shaped parts, and developing lightweight, high-strength, and electrification-compatible technologies using new materials and new manufacturing methods.

Material Manufacturers: (Examples)

Proterial: Focus: Developing high-function components that integrate material technologies such as specialty steel, magnetic materials, and electric wires, responding to the needs of vehicle electrification, lightweighting, and autonomous driving. Specific initiatives: Developing high-efficiency motors using high-function magnetic materials, developing lightweight structural parts using high-strength specialty steel, and developing materials for sensors for next-generation automobiles.

Kaneka: Focus: Developing high-function products utilizing diverse material technologies, responding to market trends such as the growth of the electronic device market and the electrification of automobiles. Specific initiatives: Developing materials for next-generation electronic devices, developing products that contribute to reducing environmental impact, and developing high-function films and copper foil.