List of Japanese Electronics Companies | 9 Amazing Japanese Electronics Brands

Japan is known for its technology and innovation. So here’s a list of Japanese electronics companies that you can trust to buy your favorite electronics gadgets!

Discover the powerhouses of innovation with our guide to the best Japanese electronics companies. These industry leaders have not only shaped technological progress with their cutting-edge products but also hold esteemed reputations for quality and reliability.

Explore the giants that continue to revolutionize the electronics landscape, both in Japan and across the globe.

Some of the major Japanese electronics companies are Akai,Canon, Casio, Citizen, Fujifilm, Fujitsu, Hitachi, JVCKenwood, Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Mitsubishi, Nikon, Nintendo, Olympus, Panasonic, Pioneer, Ricoh, Seiko Group, Sharp, Sony, TDK,Toshiba, and Yamaha

• Related: Best Japanese Amplifiers
• Related: Best Japanese Dehumidifiers for Wet Laundry

Best Japanese Electronic Brands

Sony

Founders: Masaru Ibuka, Akio Morita

Website: www.sony.com

Sony is a Japanese multinational multi industry company that has its headquarters in Minato, Tokyo. It was formerly known as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo, Ltd. The company built Japan’s first tape recorder called the Type G. 

It is believed that Sony’s TR-63 radio “cracked open the US market and launched the new industry of consumer microelectronics”. Sony Corporation of America was founded in 1960 and it played a huge role in improving the “made in Japan” perspectives that America had. 

Sony has been known for creating their own in house standards for recording and storage technologies. While the company is most commonly associated with video game consoles under the name PlayStation, it is also the owner of the largest music entertainment business in the world alongside gaming and television entertainment. 

Some of the popular electronics by Sony are:

• Televisions
• Digital cameras
• Smartphones
• Headphones
• PlayStation
• Speakers
• Home Theatre

Canon

Founder: Goro Yoshida, Saburo Uchida, Takeo Maeda

Website: https://global.canon/en/ 

Canon is a Japanese multinational corporation with its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. It specializes in industrial, optical and imaging products, such as cameras, scanners, printers, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. 

If you have ever looked into buying a camera, you would have definitely come across the Canon name. It has become one of the most popular and trusted brands when it comes to cameras.

Some of the popular electronics by Canon are:

• Copiers and printers
• DSLR cameras
• Camcorders
• Broadcasting equipment
• Professional displays
• Projectors
• Lenses
• Digital cameras

Hitachi

Founder: Namihei Odaira

Website: www.hitachi.com

Hitachi Ltd. is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation with its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Hitachi’s first product was Japan’s first 4-kilowatt induction motor that was produced to be used in copper mining. 

Hitachi has carved a niche for itself in the world of electronics and provides and manufactures a number of services and products. It also has subsidiaries which include Hitachi Vantara, Hitachi Metals, Hitachi Rail, and Hitachi Astemo.

Some popular products and services that are provided by Hitachi are:

• Automotive systems- drive control, car information systems, electric powertrain systems
• Construction machinery- hydraulic excavators, forestry equipment, mechanical and hydraulic cranes, wheel loaders
• Defense systems- military vehicles, crisis management, satellite image processing systems
• Digital media and consumer products- air conditioning equipment, optical disc drives, white goods (refrigerators, washing machines, etc)
• Electronic systems and equipment- particle therapy equipment, cell culture equipment
• Information and telecommunication systems- ATMs, servers, outserving services, software
• Power systems- power grids, nuclear and hydrogen power generation systems
• Social infrastructure and industrial systems- elevators, escalators, railways vehicles and systems

Panasonic

Founder: Kōnosuke Matsushita

Website: www.panasonic.com

Panasonic Corporation is a major Japanese multinational electronics company with its headquarters in Osaka, Japan.

It was started in 1918 as a lightbulb socket manufacturer and was formerly known as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. By the late 220th century, it became the world’s largest maker of consumer electronics like refrigerators, TV's, washing machines, etc. 

Panasonic is a popular sponsor for many sports persons and clubs. In football, Panasonic sponsors Marco Reus, a player for Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund and Germany. z

It also owns Panasonic Wild Knights (a rugby club base) and Gamba Osaka (a club from the J. League). Panasonic is the official partner and sponsor of AFC Champions League and Major League Soccer. 

Some popular products manufactured by Panasonic are:

• Television
• Headphones
• Soundbars
• Home Cinema Systems
• Washing machines
• Refrigerators
• Hair dryers

Nikon

Chairman: Makoto Kimura

Website: nikon.com

Nikon Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation with its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. It specializes in optics and imaging products.

Nikon was established in 1917 when three leading optical manufacturers came together to form a fully integrated optical company.

Some of Nikon’s popular products are:

• Cameras
• Camera lens
• Binoculars
• Microscopes
• Ophthalmic lenses
• Measurement instruments
• Rifle scopes

Nintendo

Founder: Fusajiro Yamauchi

Website: ninetendo.co.jp

Nintendo is a Japanese multinational consumer electronics company that is based in Kyoto, Japan. It dates back to 1889 when it used to produce hanafuda or Japanese playing cards and was known as Nintendo Karuta. 

Over the years, Ninetendo evolved to become the world’s largest video game company by revenue. In 1977, Nintendo’s first video game console, the Colour TV- Game. With the release of Donkey Kong in 1981 and the Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Mario Bros. in 1985, Nintendo gained international recognition.

Nintendo has many subsidiaries in Japan and across the world. It has also partnered up with companies like The Pokemon Company and HAL Laboratory. 

Nintendo has used a red wordmark against a white background logo since the 1960s. This logo has undergone many variations and a white variant on a red background has been in use since 2015.

Some of the popular consoles by Nintendo are:

• GameCube
• Nintendo 64
• Super Nintendo Entertainment System
• Nintendo Switch
• Nintendo 3DS
• Game Boy Advance
• Nintendo Wii
• Game Boy/ Game Boy Color
• Nintendo DS

Casio

Founder: Tadao Kashio, Toshio Kashio

Website: https://world.casio.com/ 

Casio Computer Co. Ltd. is a Japanese multinational electronics manufacturing corporation with its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. It was founded in 1946 and is known for its watches, calculators, mobile phones, electronic musical instruments, and digital cameras. 

In 1957, Casio gave the world its first electric compact calculator. Casio has become a household name over the years because of its affordability and availability. 

Some of the popular products by Casio are:

• Scientific calculators
• Basic calculators
• Wrist watches
• Musical keyboards
• Digital cameras
• Pocket viewer
• Game consoles
• Data and video projector
• Mobile phones
• Cash registers

Fujitsu

Chairman: Masami Yamamoto

Website: www.fujitsu.com

Fujitsu Limited is a Japanese multinational information and communications technology equipment and services company. It was established in 1935 after it broke away from Fuji Electric Company and has its headquarters in Tokyo. 

Fujitsu has been named as one of the world’s most admired companies and a Global 500 company. It has various operations including Fujitsu Laboratories, Fujitsu Electronics Europe GmbH, Fujitsu Consulting, Fujitsu General, PFU Limited, Fujitsu Glovia, Inc, and Fujitsu Client Computing Limited.

Some popular products manufactured by Fujitsu are:

• Mobile phones
• Microprocessors
• Software (Interstage, Systemwalker)
• Notebooks
• PCs
• Services (Consulting, customer support, education services)

Fujifilm

Founder: Daicel Corporation

Website: www.fujifilm.com

Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, or simply Fuji, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate with its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. It is known for manufacturing optics, office and medical electronics, biotechnology, and chemicals. 

Over the years the Fujifilm instant camera has gained popularity, especially among youngsters. They are available across the world and is affordable.

Some popular products by Fujifilm are:

• Fujifilm photographic films
• Motion picture film stock
• Fuji Neopan Professional balck and white negative film
• Cameras and lens
• Photographic paper
• Flash memory
• Inkjet printer paper

List of Japanese Electronic Companies: FAQs

Are Japanese electronics good?

Yes, Japanese electronics are some of the best available products in the market. Japanese electronic brands have a good global reputation and is constantly innovating with new technologies.

What electronics should I buy in Japan?

Some of the best electronics to buy in Japan are: Cameras, Video Cameras, Computer, Rice Cookers, Electronic toilet seats, Apple Products, Headphones, Bluetooth/Wireless speakers

Is it cheaper to buy electronics in Japan?

Depending on exchange rates, some electronics may be cheaper to buy in Japan. The Japanese tax exemption on certain products for foreign visitors may also save you some money.

How many electronic companies are in Japan?

Japan is a nation that’s very well known for producing the best and top quality electronic products in the world. Most electronic companies started in Japan and have grown to be bigger brands now such as Sony, Hitachi, etc. According to Statista, there are over 1.2 thousand electronic information and communication companies in Japan as of 2019.

What is the biggest electronic company in Japan?

Japan is where the beginning of electronic goods took place. There are several Japanese electronic companies that are popular all over the world. The biggest electronic company in Japan is Sony. As of 2020, Sony owns assets that are worth nearly 23 trillion Japanese Yen followed by Hitachi which owns almost 9.9 trillion worth of assets.

Is Japan known for electronics?

Japan is prominent for its cutting-edge, innovative electronics produced by some of the largest and most renowned electronic giants in the world. Electronic conglomerates like Sony, Hitachi, Toshiba, Sharp, and Panasonic are some of the vast electronic companies that have produced the best electronic goods in the world.

Is Sony a Japanese company?

Sony is one of the largest companies in the world that produce consumer electronics, music, movies, and other ventures. Sony was founded by Ibuka Masaru and Morito Akio in 1946. Initially, it was named Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation and changed its name to Sony in 1958 and it reached the entire world by conquering the electronics market.

Is Panasonic popular in Japan?

Panasonic is one of the renowned electronic brands in Japan that produces high quality consumer electronic products. Panasonic is popular as just as other electronic giants such as Hitachi and Sony. Panasonic is also the third most venerable electronic brand in Japan that still has a decent market share.