Top 9 Major Pharmaceutical Companies in Japan

The Japanese pharmaceutical industry is highly competitive globally. Driven by innovative new drug development and the increasing medical needs of an aging society, it is expected to continue its steady growth.

This article introduces 9 major companies leading the Japanese pharmaceutical industry, outlining their corporate overview, business activities, main products, competitive advantages, and CSR activities.

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

• Founded: 1781 
• Market Cap (as of January 2, 2025): ¥6.5307 trillion
• Revenue (fiscal year ended March 2024): ¥4,263,762 million
• Employees: 49,281
• Main Products: Entyvio, Ninlaro, Takecab
• Business Description: Takeda is a global pharmaceutical leader focused on developing innovative medicines in gastroenterology, rare diseases, neuroscience, and oncology. 
• Competitive Advantages: Global R&D system, diverse product portfolio, strategic M&A, and utilization of digital technology.
• CSR Activities: Patient-centric healthcare, social contribution, and environmental protection based on the “Takeda-ism” philosophy. 

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

• Founded: 1925 
• Market Cap (as of January 2, 2025): ¥11.7097 trillion 
• Revenue (fiscal year ended March 2024): ¥1,111,367 million 
• Employees: 7,604 
• Main Products: Actemra/RoActemra, Hemlibra, Rituxan
• Business Description: A leading biopharmaceutical company in Japan, part of the Roche Group, with strengths in oncology, nephrology, and immunology. 
• Competitive Advantages: High R&D capabilities, collaboration with the Roche Group, and patient-centric approach.
• CSR Activities: Committed to “Sustainable Healthcare Centered on Patients” through activities like improving medical access and patient support. 

Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited

• Founded: 1915 
• Market Cap (as of January 2, 2025): ¥8.5864 trillion 
• Revenue (fiscal year ended March 2024): ¥1,601,688 million 
• Employees: 18,726 
• Main Products: Enhertu, Lixiana, Plavix
• Business Description: A pharmaceutical company with strengths in cardiovascular disease, oncology, and immunology, promoting innovative new drug development and global business expansion. 
• Competitive Advantages: Strong R&D capabilities, global expansion, advanced production technology, and effective marketing.
• CSR Activities: Focused on “Patient-Centric Healthcare” through activities like improving medical access and patient support. 

Astellas Pharma Inc.

• Founded: 2005 
• Market Cap (as of January 2, 2025): ¥2.7959 trillion 
• Revenue (fiscal year ended March 2024): ¥1,249,528 million 
• Employees: 14,484 
• Main Products: Xtandi, Betanis, Prograf
• Business Description: Formed through the merger of Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical and Fujisawa Pharmaceutical, Astellas focuses on urology, transplantation, and oncology. 
• Competitive Advantages: Unique drug discovery technologies, global expansion, strategic M&A, and open innovation.
• CSR Activities: Committed to “Sustainability” through activities like environmental protection and social contribution. 

Eisai Co., Ltd.

• Founded: 1941 
• Market Cap (as of January 2, 2025): ¥1.434 trillion 
• Revenue (fiscal year ended March 2024): ¥741.8 billion 
• Employees: 11,076 
• Main Products: Lecanemab, Lenvima, Aricept
• Business Description: Upholding the ” hhc (human health care)” philosophy, Eisai aims to realize patient-centric healthcare, focusing on neurology, oncology, and immunology. 
• Competitive Advantages: Unique drug discovery technologies, global expansion, ” hhc ” philosophy, and active social contribution.
• CSR Activities: Contributing to solving social issues based on the ” hhc ” philosophy, including countermeasures against neglected tropical diseases and global health initiatives. 

Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd.

• Founded: 1921 
• Market Cap (as of January 2, 2025): ¥4.8291 trillion 
• Revenue (fiscal year ended March 2024): ¥1.7666 trillion 
• Employees: 48,000 
• Main Products: Abilify Maintena, Rexulti
• Business Description: With pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals as its core businesses, Otsuka Holdings contributes to the health of people around the world under the corporate philosophy of “Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide.”
• Competitive Advantages: Diversified business, global expansion, strong R&D capabilities, and brand power.
• CSR Activities: Committed to solving social issues through environmental protection, social contribution, and health management. 

Shionogi & Co., Ltd.

• Founded: 1878 
• Market Cap (as of January 2, 2025): ¥1.9491 trillion 
• Revenue (fiscal year ended March 2024): ¥426,684 million 
• Employees: 6,082 
• Main Products: Xofluza, Tamiflu (co-developed with Roche), XOFLUZA (co-developed with PeptiDream)
• Business Description: A pharmaceutical company with strengths in the field of infectious diseases, known for developing “Shiomarin,” “Tamiflu,” and “Xofluza.” 
• Competitive Advantages: World-class R&D capabilities in infectious diseases, global expansion, advanced production technology, and effective marketing.
• CSR Activities: Committed to “fulfilling corporate social responsibility” through activities like infectious disease control and global health initiatives. 

Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

• Founded: 1717 
• Market Cap (as of January 2, 2025): ¥813,866.64 million 
• Revenue (fiscal year ended March 2024): ¥447.2 billion 
• Employees: 3,687 
• Main Products: Opdivo, Lenvima
• Business Description: A pharmaceutical company with strengths in the field of oncology, known for developing “Opdivo.” 
• Competitive Advantages: World-class R&D capabilities in cancer immunotherapy, global expansion, advanced production technology, and effective marketing.
• CSR Activities: Committed to “For Humanity in its Fight against Disease and Pain” through activities like cancer control and global health initiatives. 

Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.

• Founded: 2008 
• Market Cap (as of January 2, 2025): ¥1.2557 trillion
• Revenue (fiscal year ended March 2024): ¥442,233 million
• Employees: 5,974 
• Main Products: Crysvita, Poteligeo, Nesp
• Business Description: Formed through the merger of Kyowa Hakko Kogyo and Kirin Pharma, Kyowa Kirin focuses on nephrology, oncology, and immunology.
• Competitive Advantages: World-class R&D capabilities in biopharmaceuticals, global expansion, advanced production technology, and effective marketing.
• CSR Activities: Promoting “CSV Management” through activities like environmental protection and social contribution. 

This list offers valuable insights into the Japanese pharmaceutical landscape for foreign businesses. Each company possesses unique strengths and focuses on specific areas, presenting diverse partnership opportunities. By conducting further research and engaging with these companies, foreign businesses can effectively navigate the Japanese market and establish successful collaborations.