The 30 most important Japanese companies

Looking for the most popular Japanese companies? You have come to the right place! Japan is one of the most developed first world countries on a business level.

Leaders in the automotive and technology market, there are dozens of Japanese companies that have become multinationals distributing its products and services globally.

If we suggest that you think of Japanese companies that sound familiar to you, surely you could list more than 5, and even more than 10 Japanese brands.

But you know which are the largest companies in Japan? Could you say which is the richest company in Japan and which one has the highest prospects in the world?

Much has changed in recent times where people's needs are not the same than a few decades ago.

Technological advances are at the forefront in developed countries, and businesses in Japan know a lot about this and continue to bet on technology and telecommunications to invest safely.

Let's see what the top Asian companies in Japan that are more publicly traded and continue to rise year after year unstoppably.

Some of them are very famous worldwide, but there are company names that will surprise you, and that little by little have crept into the top positions. Discover them!

Most popular sectors in Japan

The dream of many people around the world is move to Japan to work in one of the big companies in the country.

Japanese companies are famous for the large number of opportunities they offer their workers, improving both their professional and personal field.

Not in vain, the japanese are born workers who dedicate their lives to their work.

With good training and knowing the Japanese language, anyone can access the Japanese labor market, collaborating with large multinational companies that are always looking for workers from other countries.

In this sense, the sectors that have the most value worldwide in Japan are the following:

• Automobiles
• Technology
• Telecommunications
• Mining
• Engineering and construction
• Retail
• Logistics
• Banking

Within these sectors are the most famous Japanese companies that lead the market of the whole country.

If you also want to work sometime in one of the main Japanese companies, it is worth knowing which are the largest with the largest number of workers and higher annual turnover volume.

Top ten most important Japanese companies

Each year the Forbes Global list publishes a publication of the best companies in Japan according to their billed numbers.

Some of them are consolidated as leading companies that always occupy the first positions without the competition being able to unseat them.

These are the Japanese companies that top the ranking in the last 20 years:

Toyota Motor Corporation

World automotive leader in the world together with Volkswagen (from Germany), is the richest company in Japan that sells today all over the world.

It is currently the market leader in the production of hybrid electric cars, so it is estimated that it will continue to rise within the industry.

The company It is based in the Japanese city of the same name, Toyota, where are the main offices and manufacturing plants.

However, it has factories in other cities in Japan and around the world, making it one of the most recognized companies.

• Foundation: 1933
• Employees: 326,890
• Revenues: $ 275,288 million

Honda motor company

Toyota's number one competitor, Honda is one of the major automotive companies of the Japanese country.

While there are other Japanese companies that outnumber it when it comes to car exports, Honda is leader in the motorcycle market all over the planet.

For some years now, the company has focused on research on artificial intelligence and robotics.

Still has many projects in development. But it is estimated that thanks to its advances it will rise within the ranking of main industries in Japan and around the world.

• Foundation: 1948
• Employees: 181,876
• Revenues: $ 137,332 million

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group

Based in Tokyo, Mitsubishi is the largest commercial company in Japan, and of those that most hire foreigners.

Covering many sectors, such as automobile production, industrial machinery, chemical and agricultural products, food, and investments in gas and oil With the large exporters, they have a much more westernized company philosophy.

A few years ago Mitsubishi was a company famous for its cars, but today its income has diversified thanks to the incorporation of other companies.

Each year goes on increasing your capital and assets, valued at more than 150 million dollars so far.

• Foundation: 1870
• Employees: 350,000
• Revenues: $ 135,940 million

Japan Post Holdings

Also known as JP, the company in charge of postal mail management in Japan he is responsible for other very important business areas.

The diversification of this company has led it to invest in banking, insurance and logistics, making you earn billions every year.

There are many who have tried to buy this company to privatize it, but for the moment the Japanese government owns about 71%.

A great advantage for the Japanese is that proceeds are intended for public use, such as the repair and reconstruction of areas affected by environmental disasters, and other social issues in the country.

• Foundation: 2006
• Employees: 245,472
• Revenues: $ 109,915 million

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation

Although it is a public company, it is listed on the most important stock exchanges like tokyo, New York or London with income that does not stop increasing every year.

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world, above other multinationals in the country.

Japan leads research in the telecommunications sector, achieving great advances with the minimum investment.

This leads the Japanese to obtain the higher profits within a field in constant advance and which still has a lot to exploit.

• Foundation: 1953
• Employees: 201,500
• Revenues: $ 109,447 million

SoftBank Group

What began decades ago as a small company in the world of finance, is today a Japanese multinational that is divided into various types of businesses.

SoftBank is a Japanese technology company, telecommunications, electronic commerce and other businesses that have not stopped expanding and absorbing other companies below it.

Although it is one of the best known companies, very few know that SoftBank's origin is in Japan.

It was founded in 1981 as a small computer parts store by entrepreneur Masayoshi Son, going from being a smaller family business to a renowned multinational.

• Foundation: 1981
• Employees: 62,710
• Revenues: $ 87,440 million

Sony Corporation

Sony is another of the Japanese electronic companies most famous around the world.

Although it has been a producer and distributor of many types of electronic devices, much of its fame comes from the PlayStation video consoles, the best sellers around the planet.

In addition to consoles, this Japanese technology company is credited with other great inventions such as the walkman, discman, camcorders, VHS players, DVD players, and consumer electronics, for sale at an affordable price.

Today also produces film and music, with great titles behind them like 'Men in Black', 'Ghostbusters' and groups like 'One Direction' or 'Foo Fighters'.

• Foundation: 1946
• Employees: 111,700
• Revenues: $ 75,972 million

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

Something less known to ordinary people is the name of the Japan's largest financial institution, and one of the most powerful in the world.

With only a few years old, it has managed to climb to the same level as the most important companies in the United States, positioning itself in the top positions of the Tokyo and New York stock exchanges.

This Japanese bank is based in Tokyo, although it also has subsidiaries and offices spread over major cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, and in other offices in different countries.

With more than 70,000 workers of all nationalities, it is one of the brands in Japan that is the most investing in international human capital, hiring experts of all nationalities.

• Foundation: 1996
• Employees: 72,913
• Revenues: $ 48.88 billion

Canon Inc.

In the world of photography, Japan has been one of the largest producers of cameras and lenses.

Canon is of the oldest companies which continues to stay at the top for around 80 years after its inception.

World leader in photography, photo cameras, video cameras, digital printers, scanners and other electronic items, is another of the recognized companies with which we have all had some type of contact at some time.

For this reason, and for staying on the crest of the wave year after year, you will find it anywhere directory of large Japanese companies.

• Foundation: 1937
• Employees: 160,000
• Revenues: $ 32,961 million

Nintendo

Another of the famous japanese companies of which we all know its country of origin in Nintendo.

Among all Japanese video game companies, This is the most mythical company, and with more years of history with classic video games of a lifetime such as Super Mario, Zelda or Donkey Kong.

Nintendo is one of the most beloved companies in Japan, which began as a small business dedicated to the manufacture of cards and board games, and which knew how to take advantage of the pull in the leisure and video games sector.

It is no wonder that many young Japanese and foreigners study hard to work in this Japanese corporation, due to the prestige offered to its workers.

• Foundation: 1889
• Employees: 6,413
• Revenues: $ 16,018 million

Other well-known Japanese companies

Nissan Motor Co.

One of the most important Japanese brands in the automotive sector, vehicle dealership worldwide, based in Yokohama.

Be part of the international alliance Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi since 1999.

Lexus

Leader in the manufacture of high-end vehiclesToday it is a private brand that was created in 1989 by Toyota.

Suzuki

Car manufacturing brand, specialized in all-terrain, compact vehicles, racing, motorcycles and outboard motors.

Mazda

Founded in 1920, it is one of the family businesses that has grown slowly but surely. Based in Hiroshima, sells cars in China, Europe, South America and North America.

Hitachi

Chiyoda, Tokyo-based company that began nearly a century ago with the repair of electronic equipment to specialize in the production of consumer electronics and machinery for other factories.

Panasonic

Also founded at the beginning of the 20th century, specifically in 1918 in Kadoma, this multinational company today is one of the most important companies in technology and electronics.

Daikin

Known for its air conditioning and aerothermal equipment, this company founded in Osaka has several offices in important countries such as China, India, Southeast Asian countries, Australia, Europe and North America.

Fujitsu Group

Although it is known outside of Japan for its appliances and technological gadgets, it is a telecommunications company based in Tokyo, expert in supercomputers and business servers.

Rakuten

Founded in 1997, it became the largest online shopping mall in all of Japan, which today operates all over the world.

With a large number of services available to its customers, it also sponsors professional sports, as is the case of the FC Barcelona team, from Spain.

Fujifilm

No company name is as Japanese as this one camera company.

And it was one of the pioneers in 1934 together with Canon, in the development, production and sale of cameras and photographic images.

Uniqlo

Although it was founded in 1984, this japanese clothing brand It has not been released outside its home country until relatively recently.

The reception has been brutal, becoming a reference fashion brand within fast retailing.

JR

Corresponding to the acronym of 'Japan Railways', JR is the Japan's largest logistics company that moves millions of yen every year.

Not only does it have one large fleet of trainsIf not, it is also in charge of maritime transport within and outside the country. It sure sounds like you for him Japan Rail Pass.

Don Quixote Co.

Too known as Donki, is the largest discount store chain in Japan. Here you will find the best souvenirs to bring from your trip through the Japanese country.

Today it has more than 120 points of sale, with large spaces located in the best areas and malls.

Kirin Brewery Company

Above other Japanese beverage companies, Kirin forms part of the multinational Mitsubishi.

It produces and distributes beers, alcoholic beverages, coffee and soft drinks among other top-selling Japanese products. Do not miss what are the best japanese beers.

Kikkoman Corporation

Founded in 1917 in the city of Noda, Chiba, this company comes from the union of 8 family businesses specialized in the production of soy sauce since 1630.

Bridgestone

Principal tire manufacturer in Japan, and one of the largest producers in the world together with Michelin, the origin of this company dates back to 1931, in the city of Kurime, Fukoka.

Japan Airlines

Better known by the acronym JAL, it is the Japan's largest airline and one of the main in Asia.

Discover how to get cheap flights to travel to Japan through this link.

Tepco

Acronym for 'Tokyo Electric Power Company', it is the largest Kanto region power supplier and one of the most powerful in the country and in all of Asia.

After the decline in revenue from the loss of the Fukushima I nuclear power plant, Tepco has recovered with increased profits by contribute for renewable energies.

Komatsu Limited

In Japan, the mining sector continues to be one of the most important, and as the main producer of construction and mining equipment highlights the Komatsu company.

Together with Caterpillar, it is one of the most important in the world, with a broader market in areas such as China and the Middle East.

Mizuho Financial Group

Right behind Mitsubishi and SMBC, Mizuho is on the list of the largest banking business companies from Japan.

Today is nothing less than 14th banking institution at the world, according to the valuation of its assets in the market.

How to work in Japan?

Can work in one of these great Japanese companies It is a dream for many lovers of the Japanese country.

However, only more skilled and better trained workers has the opportunity to be hired by them, going through a rather tough selection process.

A good way to access the Japanese labor market is to study in one of its universities, or to combine a good university career with the Japanese language.

Through our blog Alternative Japan You have highly relevant information if you are interested in studying or working in Japan:

Besides these Japanese companiesThere are many other large companies in the country that are looking for profiles of all kinds to fill very good jobs.

Knowing the most important is the basis. But from there the opportunities are immense if what you want is to live a unique experience working in the Japanese country.

And you, did you know what the best japanese companies? We're waiting for your comments and opinions!

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