Japan is one of the world’s foremost technology leaders, boasting a large economy that thrives from sectors including manufacturing, aerospace and healthcare. A substantial portion of Japan’s workforce is employed within the manufacturing industry, ensuring companies in areas like transportation and production machinery also have a solid footing in the country.
As a key member of the international trade system, Japan’s top exports include automobiles, auto components and electronics. Alongside building high-tech items like robotics and hybrid cars, the country is well-known for innovating industries such as agriculture and services like banking, IT, telecommunication and transportation.
As global digitalization continues, Japanese businesses in segments like electronics and automotive are fueling growth and incorporating advancements like AI and automation capabilities. Learn more about some of the companies shaping Japan’s bustling business scene and sizable economy.
Top Companies in Japan
- ANA Group
- Takeda
- Rakuten
- Nissan Motor Corporation
- Mitsubishi Corporation
- Sony
- Wasabi Technologies
- Tripadvisor
- Nikon
Companies in Japan to Know
PayPay is a fintech company operating a mobile app that allows consumers to make cashless payments using their smartphones. The company has a user base of more than 60 million people and over 1,000 staff members across 50 countries.
Mitsubishi operates eight business groups and is known mainly for its automotive manufacturing business, Mitsubishi Motors. The car retailer builds gas-powered, hybrid and electric compact cars, crossovers and SUVs. The company’s other functions span energy, materials, minerals, urban infrastructure development, food and power.
Nomura offers financial services in the areas of wealth management, investment management and wholesale, or global market and investment banking. The company’s integrated network spans around 30 countries and regions to connect individuals, institutions, corporations and governments to Asian markets.
Nikon specializes in optoelectronic products for businesses and consumers. Its products include cameras and lenses, sport optics and more as well as professional tools like biological microscopes, x-ray and CT systems, robot vision and surveying instruments. The electronics manufacturer focuses on applied optics and precision technologies as its core tech functions.
Wasabi develops cloud storage solutions with the goal of making storage simpler, faster, and more affordable and secure. Its hot cloud storage platform helps businesses store data like x-rays, surveillance videos, financial data and media workflows. Wasabi also offers business resilience solutions like cyber resilience, security and compliance.
Qualtrics develops solutions to help organizations with frontline workforces, like those in healthcare, education, financial services and government, deliver enhanced experiences for employees and customers alike. The company serves over 19,000 business clients to help them improve net promoter scores and customer voice amplification.
Integral Ad Science provides advertising, publishing and media companies with a media measurement and optimization platform, equipping them with actionable data to help ensure ads reach the right audiences. Its solution leverages insights, machine learning and AI to provide advertisers with real-time data they can use to understand their digital media platforms at a deeper level.
Nissan is an automotive manufacturer that sells vehicles under the Nissan and INFINITI brands. The company operates in the Japan-ASEAN, China, Americas and AMIEO regions. The company aims to ensure all its new vehicle offerings in key markets are fully electric by the early 2030s.
Sony is an entertainment giant with a multinational conglomerate footprint. Several businesses in spaces like gaming and interactive entertainment, semiconductor manufacturing, music production, financial services and more operate under the Sony brand. The company is primarily known for its Sony Electronics subsidiary which provides consumer products like TVs, headphones and speakers, and professional products for sectors like cinematography and healthcare.
Mizuho is a financial services company providing integrated financial and non-financial solutions. Serving over 20 million retail customers across Japan, Mizuho’s solutions combine banking, securities and asset management capabilities. Aside from its Japan headquarters, the company has 109 offices to provide corporate and investment banking services to customers worldwide.
Maxar Intelligence operates a constellation of advanced commercial Earth observation satellites in orbit, enabling it to provide precise geospatial insights based on high-resolution images. The company serves organizations in sectors like telecommunications and defense with services including mission systems engineering, product design, spacecraft manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing.
SmartHR provides companies with solutions to streamline their HR and labor processes. Its platform collects and analyzes employee data, allowing companies to digitize processes like employment contracts, onboarding procedures and year-end tax adjustments. SmartHR also offers a talent management system, aiming to help improve decision-making for HR teams.
Tripadvisor specializes in travel guidance, operating a software platform that helps users plan and book trips. Its app helps travelers discover places to stay, things to do and places to eat based on guidance from those who have previously visited their destination. Tripadvisor’s services are available in 43 markets and 22 languages.
Toshiba is an electronics manufacturer with several subsidiaries across industries including building solutions, retail and printing, energy systems, electronic storage solutions and more. The company is striving to create a sustainable future and works to prioritize life, safety and compliance. Its businesses focus on energy, social infrastructure, electronic devices and digital solutions to help support modern life and society.
Snowflake is an enterprise AI company offering a global network to help organizations mobilize their data. Its AI Data Cloud product connects organizations to the data and applications most critical to their business, allowing them to collaborate with partners and customers, integrate external applications and more. The company serves clients in sectors like advertising, healthcare, financial services and retail.
TEKSystems provides solutions to help organizations adapt and optimize their applications. Its offerings span tools for improving tech ROI, like AI, machine learning and automation, cloud, digital and data as well as application innovation services. It also provides tools for driving business growth, improving customer experiences and mobilizing talent.
All Nippon Airways is an international airline that focuses on providing hospitality and comfort to passengers. The ANA Group leverages its global network and customer platform to operate air transportation and other businesses. Alongside its core airline business, the company works to prioritize safety and security through its brands ANA, Peach and AirJapan. ANA Holdings is responsible for managing resource allocation and managing the independent companies under its umbrella.
Rapyuta Robotics specializes in autonomous machinery to help streamline work that can be monotonous, dull or dangerous for humans. Its offerings include a picking assist robot and an autonomous forklift to collaborate with warehouse associates. Rapyuts also provides a modular solution for automated storage and retrieval.
Rakuten is a marketplace platform offering a broad range of services including e-commerce, travel, banking, e-money, media, online marketing and professional sports. The company offers more than 70 different services. It provides drone delivery, allows businesses to implement loyalty programs, enables organic agriculture practices and more.
Takeda is a pharmaceutical company working to deliver life-transforming treatments in areas including gastrointestinal health, rare diseases, oncology, vaccines, neuroscience and plasma-derived therapies. The company aims to improve patient experiences and develop advanced treatment options through a diverse therapeutics pipeline.
