Karimoku Furniture Inc. – Furnishing the Future
“As a furniture manufacturer, our approach is quick delivery of high-quality products.” Japanese firm Karimoku Furniture Inc. is embracing traditional standards and modern technology, having pioneered e-commerce channels to help mitigate retail lockdowns. With seven factories and 26 showrooms across Japan, the company is now keen to strengthen sustainability as well as sales. President Masatoshi Kato is seeking to develop new and exciting global partnerships, saying that his firm “is pleased to announce the launch of our new product line in collaboration with British design firm Foster + Partners. Featured in the restaurant Four Twenty Five in New York City and designed by Norman Foster, it has been receiving […]
NutsRV Co., Ltd. – The Revolution of RV Builders
For many people, an RV is the ideal combination of leisure and travel. While sleeping, cooking and roaming on your own wheels is popular in Europe and the U.S., less can be said for other parts of the world. Kenji Araki, president of NutsRV, is working to bring innovation to this market in Japan, building the culture from the ground up. After starting out in Japan’s custom car scene, Araki first encountered an RV at an exhibition in Germany nearly three decades ago. He saw their potential in Japan, where they were rare at the time. “Japan has long life expectancies and high amounts of savings. This creates huge market […]
Laplace Co., Ltd. – Breathing New Life Into the Manufacturing Sector
Tohoku, Japan’s northeastern hinterland, is home to rural landscapes, rich traditions and the production facilities of many of the world’s strongest companies. While many leading brands may be headquartered in Tokyo, they come to the Tohoku region to manufacture their products, benefiting from centuries-old traditions of craftsmanship. For over 150 years, Laplace, an industrial tool and component trading company, has been shaping the future of Japanese manufacturing. The company, based in Sendai and now led by its sixth-generation President Ariki Inoue, is proud to fly the flag for its corner of Japan. Founded during the Meiji era of industrialization, the company has been pivotal in connecting parts suppliers with discerning […]
CBC Co., Ltd. – Shaping the Future, Together
Trading companies operate in a highly competitive environment in Japan. In the words of Masataro Doi, president of specialist solutions provider CBC, firms like his must be “hunters—constantly on the move.” Founded in 1925, at a time when Japanese demand for industrial materials was soaring, the company was an early proponent of overseas expansion, with its network today spanning Asia, Europe and the Americas. Today, CBC stands as one of Japan’s largest owner-operated, privately held family enterprises. “I took over the family business, and continuing our legacy is a huge responsibility,” Doi said, reflecting on the company’s achievements. “I am committed to pushing boundaries, taking inspiration from my father Utaro […]
Sanshin Electronics Co., Ltd. & REALTEK Semiconductor Japan Corp. – The Power of Partnership
Successful overseas expansion requires strong local partners. When Delicia Cheng, president of the Japanese arm of Taiwanese chip giant Realtek, was tasked with growing sales, she knew she could rely on industry leader Sanshin. “Using Sanshin’s integration, we build entire solutions for customers,” she notes. Over time, Realtek and Sanshin have built an alliance that leverages Realtek’s chip design expertise with Sanshin’s local market insight, bringing cutting-edge technology to leading consumer products. From early work on audio codecs and advanced chips for game consoles—“sought-after-areas” as Sanshin CEO Toshiro Suzuki describes—the two companies have since expanded into high-growth sectors. “Data centers and automobiles are strong drivers for the future,” says Suzuki. […]
Tokyo Measuring Instruments Laboratory Co., Ltd. – TML Works to Capture the Sensor Market
Data is the life force behind today’s economy, helping companies improve efficiency and make better decisions. In large-scale infrastructure projects such as bridges, tunnels and dams, data analysis also plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, with measurements taken in real time, 365 days a year. Japan’s susceptibility to a wide variety of natural and weather events has led to a thriving industry for heavy-duty sensors, helping to manage the constant risk of earthquakes and typhoons. Building systems capable of handling such tasks is no easy feat—and it’s something that Tokyo Measuring Instruments Laboratory (TML) has built a successful business around. While the word “sensor” may evoke images of delicate […]
Tokyo Medical University – Shaping a New Era of Healthcare
Founded in 1916 by students and intellectuals seeking an “ideal medical education,” Tokyo Medical University (TMU) has upheld that vision for over 100 years, blending academic rigor with practical training to support the local community. With Japan’s medical system consistently ranking best for patient outcomes, TMU President Keisuke Miyazawa, an expert in hematology and oncology, takes pride in the university’s service. “Physicians and nurses who dedicate themselves to serving patients embody a noble profession, and I consider them precious assets to society,” he said. “With a strong ratio of around 1.56 students per teacher, TMU enables students to develop solid clinical competencies under careful guidance.” As the country faces imminent […]
AZAPA Co., Ltd. – Connecting the Best of the Best
Out-of-the-box innovation is essential as society shifts toward a greener and smarter future. With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), and advancements in autonomous driving, automobiles are a major focus of this shift. It comes as no surprise that Japanese automakers, who produce approximately one-third of all vehicles worldwide, are at the forefront of vehicle innovation. Yasuhiro Kondo began his career as a software engineer working on vehicle design, from engine controls to mass-production systems. In 2008, he assembled an all-star team of engineers to establish AZAPA, a dedicated technology startup. Since then, AZAPA has grown to become a domestic leader in designing automotive systems that balance functionality and performance. […]
Hongo Co., Ltd. – Nature-Powered Nutrition
Supplements are everywhere today. For many consumers, the question is no longer whether to take them, but where they can find reliable sources with safe ingredients. Emerging as a leader in Japan’s $1.4 billion (221 billion yen) health supplement market, Hongo is championing the “preventive medicine” approach, with products accessible for all. Drawing on his experience in youth sports coaching, company CEO Satoshi Murata aims to move beyond the stereotype that protein is only for bodybuilders. “Our NEXT-18 protein contains the nutrients necessary during growth, supporting juniors on their journey to becoming top-level athletes,” he said. Many of Hongo’s products are inspired by Japan’s renowned “superfoods.” Fucoidan, for instance, is […]
Midori Anzen Co., Ltd. – More Than Just Safety
Anshin anzen, literally “safe and secure,” is a common business philosophy in Japan, one that extends from how food is produced to how medical products are marketed. While some might view it as a simple buzzword, for safety equipment provider Midori Anzen, it is truly the foundation of its business. Whether serving construction sites or R&D laboratories, the company applies this principle to every task at hand. With its direct, client-first approach, Midori Anzen has become a trusted partner for a wide range of personal protective equipment (PPE). In fields where there is little room for compromise, their commitment to detail has paid off. “Our staff are the first people […]
