Relocating to Japan for work can be a big challenge, as there is a significant cultural shift from the Western world – this can impact both your personal and professional life. The language barrier can also make it difficult to communicate with others. Therefore, it is important to research potential employers and find an established and stable company that you feel comfortable with.
Fortunately, Japan is home to many of the world’s major companies in regard to revenue. These companies are not only familiar in Asia but also household names with their products/services present on many high streets. According to Forbes’ list of Global 2000, the top 10 biggest companies in Japan are as follows.
Mitsubishi Corporation
Global Rank: No. 112
Market Value: $41.6 billion
Mitsubishi Corporation is one of the four major constituent firms of Mitsubishi and the biggest trading company in Japan. It has a wide range of business interests, including machinery, chemicals, energy, and food. In 2021, it had profits of about $3.1 billion and assets of more than $179.7 billion!
Mitsubishi Corporation is a powerful and diversified company that is involved in many different industries. It is a major player in the Japanese economy and has substantial resources at its disposal. The company is well-positioned to continue being successful in the future.
KDDI
Global Rank: No. 106
Market Value: $72.1 billion
Founded in 1953, Kokusai Denshin Denwa was originally a state-owned enterprise – in 2000, KDDI was set up through the merger of KDD with IDO Corp and DDI Corp. Based in Tokyo, the telecommunications giant generated $6.2 billion in gains from about $49 billion in sales in 2021.
The brands operated by the company have au by KDDI, which is the second largest wireless carrier in Japan with more than 60.4 subscribers, and au HIKARI. Further, the company has a brand called FIFTH, which operates in sectors like finance, marketing, education, and media. The group has a strong presence in Japan – it is constantly expanding its reach to new markets.
Japan Post Holdings
Global Rank: No. 87
Market Value: $34.8 billion
Japan Post Holdings is a large conglomerate responsible for four main business areas in Japan, including post office services and mail delivery. The company also has interests in logistics, banking, and insurance and is, therefore, quite diverse. Japan Post Holdings plays an important role in the country’s economy and infrastructure and is committed to providing reliable and efficient services to its customers.
As of April 2021, the Japanese government owned 57% of Japan Post Holdings, becoming the majority shareholder. However, by the end of the year, the Japanese government fully privatized the company. Although they no longer own shares in Japan Post Holdings, they still hold the biggest stock share in the firm.
The last reported year showed that Japan Post Holdings made gains of $4.2 billion from over $106 billion in sales. Furthermore, the company’s assets are valued at an impressive $2.9 trillion. Consequently, the Japanese government still has a large influence on the company, even after privatization.
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group
Global Rank: No. 85
Market Value: $48.9 billion
One of the world’s biggest financial institutions, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, has resources of more than $2.2 trillion. It was set up in 2002 and is recorded on both the New York and Tokyo stock exchanges. The group employs more than 86,400 people in its various global workplaces. In the most recent year for which results are available, it made profits of about $4.9 billion and is still expanding rapidly through acquisitions.
Honda Motor
Global Rank: No. 82
Market Value: $52.8 billion
Honda is one of the biggest players in the automotive industry, with the likes of Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Toyota, with a large share of the global market for motorcycles and automobiles. The company has been successful for many years – this is reflected in its astounding revenue for 2021, which amounted to $121.8 billion.
Honda is known for its quality products and its commitment to innovation; these factors have no doubt contributed to its continued success in the marketplace. With a strong presence in both developed and emerging markets, Honda is well-positioned to maintain its position as a leading player in the automotive industry for years to come.
In recent years, Honda has become growingly involved in robotics research and artificial intelligence, as well as the manufacturing market. Last year, the company made a profit of $3.9 billion; its assets are now estimated at over $201 billion. With its continued dedication to innovation, Honda is sure to remain a leading force in the automotive industry for years to come!
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group
Global Rank: No. 52
Market Value: $69.7 billion
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group is one of the major banks in the world, with a vast array of assets and capabilities. The bank was created through a merger between Mitsubishi and United Financial of Japan in 2006, creating a powerful financial institution. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group has a strong global presence and offers a variety of services to its clients; what’s more, the bank is a major player in the global economy and has a large impact on the financial world.
Mitsubishi UFJ has assets totaling more than $3.4 trillion – the company has a wide range of subsidiaries involved in asset management, securities, and equity globally. Further, Mitsubishi UFJ also has significant stakes in other financial institutions such as Morgan Stanley, Toyota, Chase Bank, and Nippon. The company reported profits of about $5.2 billion in the last reported year!
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone
Global Rank: No. 43
Market Value: $96.7 billion
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) is a Japanese multinational telecommunications company in respect of revenue, with numerous long-distance, mobile, and regional subsidiaries. Based in Japan, NTT has a global reach, providing innovative telecommunications services to customers around the world.
Although NTT is publicly traded on several stock exchanges, the Japanese government owns approximately one-third of the company. In the last year, NTT generated profits of about $8.3 billion and revenue of $110.3 billion. The company’s assets are valued at over $231 billion.
Sony
Global Rank: No. 35
Market Value: $137.3 billion
One of the world’s largest multinational conglomerates, Sony Corporation, has interests in a wide range of businesses, including entertainment, gaming, electronics, and music. The company is perhaps renowned for its consumer electronics products, specifically the PlayStation brand.
However, Sony also has a major film studio, Sony Pictures, responsible for popular franchises such as Men in Black, Ghostbusters, and Jumanji. Further, Sony Music is home to many well-known artists and bands, such as Céline Dion, the Foo Fighters, and One Direction.
Consequently, Sony’s reach is vast, and its influence is significant! The company’s net worth is an estimated $250.7 billion, and in 2021 alone, Sony generated profits of over $10 billion from sales of $79.7 billion.
SoftBank
Global Rank: No. 27
Market Value: $163.1 billion
SoftBank is a huge company with lots of different interests, such as technology, telecommunications, finance, media, and e-commerce. It was set up in 1981 by Masayoshi Son, a young entrepreneur, and has since grown massively. Nowadays, it owns stakes in loads of different businesses.
As well as being known for its great marketing schemes, SoftBank is also famous for its awesome employee benefits and perks program (something that’s not so common in Japan). In the last year, it made a profit of about $14.9 billion, and it has assets worth approximately $366.7 billion.
Toyota Motor
Global Rank: No. 12
Market Value: $219.2 billion
Toyota Motor is the world’s second major car manufacturer – it is a famous success story from Japan, as it was the first firm to produce over 10 million vehicles in one year. Further, Toyota is the market leader for hybrid electric cars; in addition, Toyota owns the luxury car brand Lexus. Toyota’s success is due to its innovative products and its commitment to quality!
Toyota is located in Toyota City, where its manufacturing plants and headquarters are located. With a strong focus on the future, Toyota remains the largest firm in Japan. In the last reporting year, Toyota generated profits of over $14 billion from sales of about $249.4 billion – it even holds assets worth approximately $561.9 billion. Toyota’s impressive accomplishments and bright future continue to solidify its position as a top company in the global market!
Final Thoughts
The above guide provides a list of some of the most stable and successful employers in Japan – these companies are great options to consider if you’re looking for a job in Japan. While it may be challenging to learn the language and adjust to the culture, doing so could lead to a very successful career at one of these top organizations.
FAQs
What are some of the challenges faced by major firms in Japan?
Major firms in Japan face a number of challenges, including the aging population, low birth rate, and shrinking workforce; they also have to compete with growing foreign firms and the rise of e-commerce. Further, major firms are being forced to restructure and become more efficient in order to stay competitive.
What is the future of the Japanese major firm market?
The Japanese major firm market is forecast to grow steadily in the next few years – this is due to a number of factors, including the aging population, increased investment in infrastructure, and rising demand from overseas markets. As a result, investors can expect good returns from firms operating in this sector.
What do these firms do?
The major firms in Japan are general trading companies that deal with a wide range of products and services. These companies usually have a large network of suppliers and customers around the world. Some of the services they provide include import/export operations, manufacturing, and investment banking.
What is the competitive landscape for these firms?
These firms compete in a highly competitive market where the barriers to entry are high. The industry is dominated by a few large players, and new entrants would face significant challenges in gaining market share. The firms compete primarily on the basis of price and quality, and they are all striving to increase their market share.
How have these firms succeeded in Japan?
These firms have succeeded in Japan because they offer high-quality products and services that appeal to the Japanese people. They are also very well-managed and have a strong focus on customer satisfaction. In addition, these firms are very successful in marketing their products and services to the Japanese public.
Can foreign companies compete in the Japanese market?
Yes, foreign companies can compete in the Japanese market. However, it is often difficult to do so because of the cultural and linguistic barriers as well as the competitive landscape. Additionally, most businesses in Japan are family-owned and -operated, so it can be difficult for outsiders to break into that market.
How popular are these firms in Japan?
The firms listed are all quite popular in Japan. Each one has a sizable market share and is well-known among consumers. They continue to dominate the industry, thanks to their quality products and commitment to customer satisfaction.
