20 Major Companies in the Japanese Electric and Electronics Industry: Technological Innovation Creates the Future

The Japanese electric and electronics industry is known for its world-leading technological capabilities and innovation. This article carefully selects 20 major companies representing this industry, thoroughly explaining each company’s business activities, strengths, achievements, and future outlook.

Comprehensive Electric Manufacturers

Hitachi, Ltd. is a leading Japanese comprehensive electric manufacturer with a wide range of business domains, including information and communication systems, social infrastructure, power and energy, industry and distribution, mobility, and life. Founded in 1910 by Namihei Odaira, it initially started as a repair shop for electric motors. It subsequently expanded its business from heavy electrical equipment to home appliances and information systems, forming a massive conglomerate. Its headquarters is located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, and its corporate philosophy is “Contributing to society through the development of superior, original technology and products.”

Hitachi’s strengths are its diverse business operations, especially in social infrastructure and IT solutions. It focuses on providing digital solutions using the IoT platform “Lumada.”

It has a large number of achievements, including railway systems such as the Shinkansen, construction of power plants around the world, and construction of large-scale IT systems. In recent years, cases using “Lumada” have been increasing, contributing to improved productivity in manufacturing and the realization of smart cities in urban development.

It aims to contribute to solving social issues by promoting the social innovation business. Utilizing digital technologies such as IoT, AI, and big data, it contributes to the sophistication of social infrastructure, the efficiency of industry, and the improvement of people’s quality of life, and is actively promoting global expansion. It is expected to support social infrastructure with a wide range of business domains and high technological capabilities, promote social innovation using digital technology, and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

Panasonic is a comprehensive electronics manufacturer that operates a wide range of businesses, from home appliances to housing equipment, automotive equipment, and B2B solutions. Founded in 1918 by Konosuke Matsushita as Matsushita Electric Appliance Manufacturing Works, it aims to realize “a better life” and provides products and services that are close to people’s lives. Its headquarters is located in Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture.

Panasonic’s strengths are its wide range of business operations, including home appliances, housing equipment, automotive equipment, and B2B solutions. In particular, its automotive battery business has greatly contributed to the spread of electric vehicles.

It has produced numerous hit products, such as the “VIERA” flat-screen TV, the “LUMIX” digital camera, and the “Strada” car navigation system. In recent years, it has focused on expanding its automotive battery business and strengthening its B2B solutions business.

Under the slogan “Update Your Life,” it aims to provide products and services that enrich people’s lives. Utilizing technologies such as IoT and AI, it creates new value in fields such as smart homes and smart cities and is expected to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

Mitsubishi Electric is a comprehensive electric manufacturer that operates a wide range of businesses, including heavy electrical machinery, FA equipment, information and communication equipment, and home appliances. It is one of the core companies of the Mitsubishi Group and has a strong presence in the social infrastructure field.

Mitsubishi Electric’s strengths are the high technological capabilities cultivated in the heavy electrical machinery field and the comprehensive capabilities that cover a wide range of business domains. In particular, it has high competitiveness in the FA equipment and automotive equipment fields.

It has a track record with a wide range of products, including artificial satellites, electrical components for railway vehicles, elevators for buildings, and air conditioners. In recent years, it has focused on strengthening its solutions business utilizing AI technology.

It is expected to contribute to solving social issues by fusing the basic technologies that support social infrastructure with advanced technologies such as AI.

Toshiba is a comprehensive electric manufacturer that operates businesses such as energy, social infrastructure, electronic devices, and digital solutions. In 1875, Hisashige Tanaka founded Tanaka Seisakusho, and in 1890, Ichisuke Fujioka founded Hakunetsusha. The two companies merged in 1939 to become Tokyo Shibaura Electric (later Toshiba). It operates a wide range of businesses, from heavy electrical equipment to home appliances and semiconductors. Its headquarters is located in Minato-ku, Tokyo.

Toshiba’s strengths are its energy business and social infrastructure business.

It has numerous achievements, including the construction of Japan’s first nuclear power plant, railway systems such as the Shinkansen, and the development of social infrastructure around the world.

It is concentrating management resources on four key business areas: energy, social infrastructure, electronic devices, and digital solutions, and is promoting businesses that contribute to solving social issues. As a comprehensive electric manufacturer with a long history and achievements, it is expected to develop businesses that contribute to solving social issues.

Sony Group is a global entertainment company that operates a wide range of businesses, including entertainment, electronics, imaging & sensing solutions, and finance. In 1946, Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita founded Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K. Starting with the development of transistor radios, it has produced numerous hit products such as audio equipment, video equipment, and game consoles. Its headquarters is located in Minato-ku, Tokyo.

Sony Group’s strengths are its entertainment business and image sensor business.

It has produced global hit products such as Walkman and PlayStation, and its image sensors are widely used in devices such as smartphones.

It aims to fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology. It is focusing on strengthening its entertainment business, expanding its imaging & sensing solutions business, and developing new technologies. As a global company leading the world in entertainment and technology, it is expected to develop businesses that provide people with emotion and joy.

Home Appliance Manufacturers

Sharp is an electric manufacturer that manufactures home appliances such as the “AQUOS” LCD TV and electronic components. Founded in 1912 by Tokuji Hayakawa as Hayakawa Metal Industry, it is known for the invention of the Ever-Ready Sharp Pencil. It subsequently expanded its business to home appliances and electronic components. Its headquarters is located in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture.

Sharp’s strength is its LCD technology.

The “AQUOS” LCD TV has led the flat-screen TV market, and it is also developing a solar cell business.

Under the slogan “Be Original,” it aims to create new value with unique technology. It is focusing on fields such as smart homes and smart offices using AIoT (AI + IoT). As an electric manufacturer aiming to create new value with unique technology, it is expected to develop businesses using AIoT.

Daikin Industries is known globally as a specialized manufacturer of air conditioning equipment. It manufactures commercial air conditioners, residential air conditioners, and chemical products. Founded in 1924 as Osaka Metal Industries, it initially started with the manufacture of aircraft radiators. It subsequently grew into a specialized manufacturer of air conditioning equipment. Its headquarters is located in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture.

Daikin Industries’ strength is that it boasts the world’s top share in commercial air conditioning equipment and has strengths in refrigerant technology. In recent years, it has applied the technology cultivated in the air conditioning business to develop chemical and hydraulic equipment businesses, and in particular, it has world-class technological capabilities in the fluorochemical field.

It supplies air conditioning equipment to office buildings, commercial facilities, and factories around the world, focusing on the development of energy-saving air conditioning equipment and contributing to global environmental protection. Its fluorochemical products are used in a wide range of fields, including semiconductor manufacturing, automobiles, and medical care.

It is further strengthening its global expansion and aiming to expand its air conditioning business. It is promoting technology development that contributes to reducing environmental impact, contributing to the realization of a sustainable society, and is also focusing on the development of smart air conditioning systems using AI and IoT. As a specialized manufacturer of air conditioning equipment, it is expected to lead the world, focus on environmental technology development, contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, and develop the technology cultivated in the air conditioning business in a multifaceted manner to create new value.

Information and Communication Equipment Manufacturers

NEC is an information and communication equipment manufacturer that develops network solutions, IT solutions, and social infrastructure-related businesses. Founded in 1899 as Nippon Electric Company, it initially started with the manufacture of telephones. It subsequently expanded its business to communication equipment, computers, and information systems. Its headquarters is located in Minato-ku, Tokyo.

NEC’s strengths are its network technology and AI technology. Under the brand message “Orchestrating a brighter world,” it aims to create social value. In particular, in recent years, it has focused on solving social issues using biometric authentication technology and AI technology.

It has numerous achievements, including communication infrastructure development, large-scale IT system construction, and the provision of solutions using AI.

It aims to contribute to solving social issues by promoting DX (Digital Transformation). Utilizing technologies such as 5G, AI, and IoT, it contributes to the sophistication of social infrastructure, the efficiency of industry, and the improvement of people’s quality of life, and is actively promoting global expansion. As a company that supports social infrastructure with information and communication technology and aims to create social value, it is expected to promote DX and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

Fujitsu is an information and communication equipment manufacturer that develops IT services, platform solutions, and device solutions. In 1935, the communication equipment division of Fuji Electric Manufacturing (now Fuji Electric) became independent and was founded as Fuji Telecommunications Manufacturing. It subsequently entered the computer business and grew into an information and communication equipment manufacturer. Its headquarters is located in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Fujitsu’s strengths are its IT service business and platform solutions business.

It has numerous achievements, including the construction of large-scale IT systems, the provision of cloud services, and the development of the supercomputer “Fugaku.” In recent years, it has focused on research and development of AI technology and quantum computer technology.

It aims to contribute to solving social issues with technology. Utilizing technologies such as AI, cloud, and quantum computers, it contributes to the sophistication of social infrastructure, the efficiency of industry, and the improvement of people’s quality of life, and is actively promoting global expansion. As a company that supports society with IT services and platform solutions and aims to solve social issues, it is expected to focus on research and development of cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the creation of a future society.

Electronic Component Manufacturers

Murata Manufacturing is a manufacturer that manufactures electronic components, including ceramic capacitors. Its products are used in a wide range of fields, including smartphones, automobiles, and industrial equipment. Founded in 1944 by Akira Murata as Murata Manufacturing, it started with the development and manufacture of ceramic capacitors. It subsequently grew into a comprehensive manufacturer of electronic components. Its headquarters is located in Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Murata Manufacturing’s strength is its ceramic technology, especially its focus on the development of miniaturized and highly functional electronic components.

Its products are used in a wide range of fields, including smartphones, automobiles, and industrial equipment, and many of its products have a world-leading share.

To respond to market growth in IoT, 5G, and the electrification and autonomous driving of automobiles, it is promoting the development of high-performance electronic components and is actively promoting global expansion. As an electronic component manufacturer that supports the evolution of electronic devices with high technological capabilities, it is expected to contribute to the development of IoT, 5G, and the automotive fields.

TDK is a manufacturer that manufactures electronic components and magnetic application products, including ferrite cores. Its products are used in a wide range of fields, including smartphones, automobiles, and industrial equipment. Founded in 1935 as Tokyo Denki Kagaku Kogyo K.K., it is known for the invention of the ferrite core. It subsequently expanded its business to magnetic tapes and electronic components. Its headquarters is located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo.

TDK’s strength is its magnetic material technology.

Its products are used in a wide range of fields, including smartphones, automobiles, and industrial equipment, and many of its products have a world-leading share.

To respond to market growth in DX, IoT, and the electrification and autonomous driving of automobiles, it is promoting the development of high-performance electronic components and magnetic application products and is actively promoting global expansion. As an electronic component manufacturer that supports the evolution of electronic devices with magnetic material technology, it is expected to contribute to the development of DX, IoT, and the automotive fields.

Kyocera is a manufacturer that manufactures electronic components, information and communication equipment, and fine ceramic products based on ceramic technology. Founded in 1959 by Kazuo Inamori as Kyoto Ceramic Co., Ltd., it started with the development and manufacture of fine ceramics. It subsequently expanded its business to electronic components and information and communication equipment. Its headquarters is located in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Kyocera’s strength is its ceramic technology.

Its products are used in a wide range of fields, including smartphones, automobiles, and industrial equipment, and it also develops solar power generation systems.

To respond to market growth in IoT, 5G, and the electrification and autonomous driving of automobiles, it is promoting the development of high-performance products and is actively promoting global expansion. As a manufacturer that develops a wide range of businesses based on ceramic technology, it is expected to contribute to the development of IoT, 5G, and the automotive fields.

Rohm is a manufacturer that manufactures semiconductor products such as ICs, transistors, and diodes, and passive components such as resistors and capacitors. Founded in 1958 as Rohm Co., Ltd., it started with the manufacture of resistors. It subsequently expanded its business to semiconductor products and passive components. Its headquarters is located in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Rohm’s strength is its analog IC technology. In particular, it is focusing on next-generation power semiconductors such as SiC (silicon carbide) power devices.

Its products are used in a wide range of fields, including automobiles, industrial equipment, and home appliances, and in particular, it has a high share in semiconductor products for car electronics equipment in the automotive field.

To respond to market growth in the electrification and autonomous driving of automobiles and the automation of industrial equipment, it is promoting the development of high-performance semiconductor products and passive components, actively promoting global expansion, and strengthening product development and supply systems according to customer needs. As a manufacturer that supports the evolution of electronic devices with semiconductor products and passive components, it is expected to contribute to the development of the automotive and industrial equipment fields. In particular, its focus on next-generation power semiconductors is expected to play an important role in the future electrified society.

Alps Alpine is a manufacturer that manufactures electronic components, in-vehicle information equipment, and sensors. Its products are used in a wide range of fields, including automobiles, smartphones, and home appliances. It was established in 2019 through the management integration of Alps Electric and Alpine. Alps Electric manufactured electronic components, and Alpine manufactured in-vehicle equipment such as car audio. Its headquarters is located in Ota-ku, Tokyo.

Alps Alpine’s strengths are its sensor technology and human-machine interface (HMI) technology.

Its products are used in a wide range of fields, including automobiles, smartphones, and home appliances, and in particular, it has a high share in car navigation and infotainment systems in the automotive field.

To respond to the automotive CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electric), it is promoting the development of high-performance sensors, HMIs, and communication modules, and is also strengthening product development to respond to the expansion of the IoT market. As a manufacturer that contributes to a wide range of fields with electronic components, in-vehicle information equipment, and sensors, it is expected to contribute to the development of the automotive CASE and IoT markets.

Other Electric and Electronics Related Companies

Canon is a precision equipment manufacturer that manufactures cameras, printers, multifunction devices, and medical equipment. Founded in 1937 as Seiki Kogaku Kenkyusho, it initially started with the development and manufacture of cameras. It subsequently expanded its business to printers, multifunction devices, and medical equipment. Its headquarters is located in Ota-ku, Tokyo.

Canon’s strengths are its optical technology and imaging technology.

It has a high share in cameras, printers, and multifunction devices and also develops businesses in the medical equipment field.

It aims to develop new business domains based on imaging technology. It is promoting the strengthening of the medical business and entry into the industrial equipment field. As a precision equipment manufacturer that contributes to a wide range of fields with optical technology and imaging technology, it is expected to develop new business domains.

Ricoh is an office equipment manufacturer that manufactures multifunction devices, printers, projectors, and digital cameras. In 1936, the business division of the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research became independent and was founded as Riken Kankoshi Co., Ltd. It initially started with the manufacture of photosensitive paper. It subsequently expanded its business to copiers, printers, and multifunction devices. Its headquarters is located in Ota-ku, Tokyo.

Ricoh’s strength is that it provides solution services for offices.

It has a high share in multifunction devices and printers and also develops solution services for offices.

It is strengthening the provision of solutions that respond to changes in the office environment. It is promoting the expansion of the digital service business and the creation of new businesses. As a company aiming to transform into a solution provider that supports the office environment, the expansion of the digital service business is expected.

Omron is an electrical equipment manufacturer that manufactures control equipment, healthcare equipment, and social systems. Founded in 1933 as Tateishi Electric Manufacturing Co., it initially started with the manufacture of protective relays. It subsequently expanded its business to control equipment and healthcare equipment. Its headquarters is located in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Omron’s strength is its sensing & control technology. Under the concept of “Sensing & Control + Think,” it is promoting businesses that contribute to solving social issues.

It has a high share in control equipment and healthcare equipment and also develops businesses in the social systems field.

It is expected to create new value in fields such as FA (Factory Automation), healthcare, and social infrastructure. In particular, in recent years, it has focused on developing solutions using AI and IoT.

Fujifilm is a chemical manufacturer that develops a wide range of businesses, including photographic film, digital cameras, medical equipment, and cosmetics. Founded in 1934 as Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., a joint venture between Dainippon Celluloid (now Daicel) and Mitsui Bussan, it initially started with the manufacture of photographic film. It subsequently diversified its business to digital cameras, medical equipment, and cosmetics. Its headquarters is located in Minato-ku, Tokyo.

Fujifilm’s strength is its diversified business development that applies the technology cultivated in photographic film.

It has acquired a global share in photographic film and also develops businesses in digital cameras, medical equipment, and cosmetics.

Applying the technology it has cultivated, it aims to grow in fields such as healthcare, high-performance materials, and documents. In particular, in recent years, it has focused on expanding its business into the biopharmaceutical field. As a chemical manufacturer that develops the technology cultivated in photographic film in a multifaceted manner, growth in the healthcare and high-performance materials fields is expected.

Foreign Companies (Companies Operating in Japan)

Intel is a semiconductor manufacturer known globally for its microprocessors (CPUs). Founded in 1968 by Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore, it has greatly contributed to the development of the computer industry through the development and manufacture of microprocessors. Its headquarters is located in Santa Clara, California, USA.

Intel’s strength is that it has the world’s top share in CPUs.

Its products are used in a wide range of fields, including personal computers, servers, and data centers, and have greatly contributed to improving computer performance.

To respond to market growth in data centers, AI, and autonomous driving, it is promoting the development of high-performance CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs and is also focusing on the miniaturization of manufacturing process technology. As a semiconductor manufacturer that supports the computer industry with microprocessors, it is expected to contribute to the development of the data center, AI, and autonomous driving fields.

Samsung Electronics is a South Korean comprehensive electronics manufacturer that manufactures a wide range of products, including smartphones, televisions, and semiconductors. Founded in 1969 as Samsung Electric Industries, it initially started with the manufacture of electrical equipment. It subsequently expanded its business to electronic devices and semiconductors. Its headquarters is located in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.

Samsung Electronics’ strength is that it has the world’s top share in smartphones and semiconductors. It is proactive in developing cutting-edge technologies and has quickly introduced folding smartphones and 5G-compatible devices to the market.

The “Galaxy” series of smartphones is a global hit product, and its semiconductor business also leads the world market. In recent years, it has also focused on fields such as AI, 5G, and IoT. In the second quarter of 2024, it achieved a significant increase in revenue and profit due to the recovery of the semiconductor market and strong sales of OLEDs, and in the third quarter, it recorded its highest ever sales.

It is focusing on fields such as AI, 5G, and IoT, aiming to create new value in fields such as smart homes, smart cities, and autonomous driving. To contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, it is promoting the development of environmentally friendly products. In the Japanese market, in addition to the development of the “Galaxy” series of smartphones, it also contributes to network infrastructure businesses such as 5G base stations. As a comprehensive electronics manufacturer that leads the world in smartphones and semiconductors, it is proactive in developing cutting-edge technologies and is expected to contribute to the realization of a future society.

The Japanese electric and electronics industry has long led the world economy and technological innovation. The 20 companies introduced this time are supporting our lives in a wide range of fields, including home appliances, information and communication, social infrastructure, and entertainment, by utilizing their respective strengths.

In particular, the development competition for cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, AI, 5G, and autonomous driving is intensifying, and the trends of each company in these fields will greatly influence the future of society. In addition, initiatives for the realization of a sustainable society are also becoming an important issue, and environmentally friendly technology development and business development are required.

The Japanese electric and electronics industry is expected to continue to innovate technologically and contribute to the realization of a richer future society.