Major Printing Companies in Japan
Introduction: Overview of the Japanese Printing Market
The Japanese printing industry currently holds a market value of 50 billion USD. While the industry has faced challenges due to the rise of digital media, it remains a significant sector with a strong focus on quality and technological innovation. The industry is comprised of over 28,000 companies, employing more than 312,000 people. In 2019, the commercial printing sector held the largest share of printing products’ production value, followed by the packaging printing sector.
Major Companies
Here are some of the major companies in the Japanese printing industry:
- Kyodo Printing Co., Ltd.
- Established: 1897
- Business: Kyodo Printing offers a wide range of printing and related services, including publication and commercial printing, data printing, IC cards, packaging, and digital content services. They are known for their integrated solutions and advanced technology.
- Strengths: Kyodo Printing has a strong reputation for quality and innovation. They have a diverse portfolio of products and services, and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Weaknesses: The company faces challenges due to the declining demand for traditional printing services.
- Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP)
- Established: 1876
- Business: DNP is one of the largest printing companies in Japan, with a diverse range of businesses including printing, packaging, decorative materials, electronics components, and information technology.
- Strengths: DNP has a strong brand reputation and a wide range of products and services. They are also a leader in technological innovation.
- Weaknesses: The company faces challenges due to the declining demand for traditional printing services and increasing competition from overseas companies.
- Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
- Established: 1900
- Business: Toppan is another major player in the Japanese printing industry, offering a wide range of printing and related services, including commercial printing, packaging, security printing, and electronics.
- Strengths: Toppan has a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. They have a global presence and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Weaknesses: The company faces challenges due to the declining demand for traditional printing services and increasing competition from overseas companies.
- NISSHA Co., Ltd.
- Established: 1946
- Business: NISSHA specializes in industrial materials, devices, and medical technologies. Their products include decorative films, molded parts, touch sensors, and medical devices.
- Strengths: NISSHA is a leader in innovation and technology. They have a strong focus on sustainability and a global presence.
- Weaknesses: The company faces challenges due to the cyclical nature of the electronics industry.
- Nippon Sohatsu Group
- Established: 2015
- Business: Nippon Sohatsu Group is a holding company that provides creative services, including printing, design, and marketing.
- Strengths: The company has a diverse portfolio of businesses and a strong focus on innovation.
- Weaknesses: The company is relatively new and faces challenges in establishing a strong brand identity.
- Asahi Printing Co., Ltd.
- Established: 1872
- Business: Asahi Printing specializes in packaging for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products.
- Strengths: Asahi Printing is a leader in the packaging printing market. They have a strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction.
- Weaknesses: The company faces challenges due to the increasing cost of raw materials.
- KYORITSU
- Established: 1950
- Business: KYORITSU specializes in the manufacture and sale of test and measuring instruments.
- Strengths: KYORITSU is a leading provider of electrical measurement technology products. They have a strong reputation for quality and innovation.
- Weaknesses: The company faces challenges due to the increasing competition from overseas companies.
- Kosaido HD
- Established: 1949
- Business: Kosaido HD is a holding company with businesses in ending-related services, information solutions, and human resources.
- Strengths: Kosaido HD has a diverse portfolio of businesses and a strong focus on customer satisfaction.
- Weaknesses: The company faces challenges due to the declining demand for traditional printing services.
- Takeda iP Holdings
- Established: 1946
- Business: Takeda iP Holdings is a holding company with businesses in printing, packaging, semiconductor masks, and real estate.
- Strengths: Takeda iP Holdings has a strong focus on innovation and technology. They have a diverse portfolio of businesses and a global presence.
- Weaknesses: The company faces challenges due to the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry.
- TAKAR＆COMPANY
- Established: 1960
- Business: TAKAR＆COMPANY is a leading provider of financial printing services. They also offer translation, website creation, and branding support.
- Strengths: TAKAR＆COMPANY has a strong reputation for quality and customer satisfaction. They have a long history of experience in the financial printing industry.
- Weaknesses: The company faces challenges due to the increasing competition from online printing services.
- Sun Messe
- Established: 1947
- Business: Sun Messe is a comprehensive printing company that offers a wide range of services, including package printing, sales promotion, and event planning.
- Strengths: Sun Messe has a strong focus on customer satisfaction and community engagement. They have a long history of experience in the printing industry.
- Weaknesses: The company faces challenges due to the increasing competition from online printing services.
- Sogo Shoken
- Established: 1970
- Business: Sogo Shoken is a sales promotion support company that offers services such as marketing research, advertising, and public relations.
- Strengths: Sogo Shoken has a strong focus on customer satisfaction and a deep understanding of the Japanese market.
- Weaknesses: The company faces challenges due to the increasing competition from online marketing companies.
- Mitsumura Printing Co., Ltd.
- Established: 1901
- Business: Mitsumura Printing is a printing company that specializes in art printing, commercial printing, and newspaper printing.
- Strengths: Mitsumura Printing has a long history of experience in the printing industry and a strong reputation for quality.
- Weaknesses: The company faces challenges due to the declining demand for traditional printing services.
- Nozaki Printing Paper Co., Ltd.
- Established: 1868
- Business: Nozaki Printing Paper is a comprehensive printing company that offers a wide range of services, including commercial printing, information technology, and packaging materials.
- Strengths: Nozaki Printing Paper has a long history of experience in the printing industry and a strong focus on customer satisfaction.
- Weaknesses: The company faces challenges due to the increasing competition from online printing services.
- Toin Corporation
- Established: 1972
- Business: Toin Corporation specializes in packaging, labels, and electronic device materials.
- Strengths: Toin Corporation has a strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction. They have a long history of experience in the packaging industry.
- Weaknesses: The company faces challenges due to the increasing cost of raw materials.
Future Prospects of the Japanese Printing Industry
The Japanese printing industry is expected to continue to face challenges due to the declining demand for traditional printing services and increasing competition from overseas companies. However, the industry is also expected to see growth in new areas such as digital printing, 3D printing, and functional printing. Technological innovation and a focus on sustainability will be key to the future success of the industry.
Conclusion
The Japanese printing industry is a mature and competitive market with a strong focus on quality and innovation. The industry is home to a number of major companies with a diverse range of businesses. While the industry faces challenges, it is also expected to see growth in new areas. Foreign companies considering entering the Japanese printing market should be aware of the competitive landscape and the need to offer high-quality products and services.
