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Companies Japanese people are most proud of

66 Comments

Market researcher Risk Monster has released the results of its first ever “Companies the Japanese Can be Globally Proud Of” survey. Conducted Feb 25 to 27, the survey received valid responses from 1,000 men and women between the ages of 20 and 69. A total of 200 companies with annual sales of at least 250 billion yen and a minimum of 5,000 employees were targeted by the survey.

Coming in at number one was Toyota Motor Corp which grabbed the top response rate of 58% (multiple responses possible.)

Rounding out the top 10 were:

-- No. 2, Sony, 43.2 % -- No. 3, Honda, 39.5% -- No. 4, Panasonic, 35.6% -- No. 5, Nissan, 33.5% -- No. 6, Canon, 32.0% -- No. 7, Toshiba, 28.9% -- No. 8, Bridgestone, 28.1% -- No. 9, Nintendo, 27.8% -- No. 10, Hitachi, 27.0 %

By industry, 19 of the top 20 companies were in manufacturing:

-- Automobiles, 3 (Toyota, Honda, Nissan) -- Electrical machinery/devices, 8 (Sony, Panasonic, Canon, Toshiba, Hitachi, Fujitsu, Sharp, Nikon) -- Chemical, 2 (Fuji Film, Shiseido) -- Other, 6 (Bridgestone, Nintendo, Toto, Ajinomoto, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Yamaha)

The only non-manufacturer cracking the top 20 was shipping company Yamato Transport, known by many in Japan simply as “Black Cat” transport.

Based on the findings, Risk Monster said, “This outcome is the result of the high level of confidence placed in the technical capability of the Japanese manufacturing sector and the quality of its products.”

Top reasons given by respondents for their choices included “technical capability,” “development capability,” and “global market share.” “Performance overseas” also ranked high.

When looking at the top-ranking companies, almost all had high sales volumes and large domestic market shares.

Source: Yahoo! Japan News

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Rounding out the top 10 were:

—No. 2, Sony, 43.2 % —No. 3, Honda, 39.5% —No. 4, Panasonic, 35.6%

These three will be Chinese owned in the next 10 years.

-9 ( +10 / -19 )

No. 2, Sony, 43.2 %, No. 3, Honda, 39.5%, No. 4, Panasonic, 35.6%

Sony at No.2? They've been loosing money for 4 years and they made money this year by selling assets not by making products. They haven't a hit product since the PS2. Panasonic at No.4? They are loosing money too, when was the last time you saw a cool Panasonic product?

I guess making money is not a criteria to be proud of a company in Japan.

9 ( +15 / -6 )

Uniqlo...? No, wait for next survey.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Wait! Did they forget sharp corp? Since Panasonic and Sony is on the list.. Lol.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

And no Olympus? Are they not a company of great integrity and high ethics?

8 ( +14 / -6 )

Looks like a list from the eighties.

16 ( +17 / -1 )

For heaven's sake man, the word is spelled "losing."

5 ( +9 / -4 )

Sony?????? No.2???? They got be joking!!

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

While Yamato is super well known/rightfully well regarded inside Japan, outside, Nittsu is #6 freight forwarder in the world, a prestigious position indeed.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

panasonic? you can sell all the stock and all materials and you they would owe.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Sony, Panasonic are all going hill like that Boeing 787!! While Samsung, Apple are just taking over the world!!

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

DAISO???

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Notice there was no Olympus on there.....!

What about Bandai? That`s THE Japanese toy company. I would have thought Namco Bandai would be right up there. Or maybe Sanrio, now Kitty has gone global?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Bridgestone is Japanese company? I didn't know that.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Was this an open or closed questionnaire? Dentsu should be in there too...it has a good reputation in and out of Japan, despite some unsavoury connections. But knowing typical Japanese market research, its name was probably not included as an option...

2 ( +2 / -0 )

"Based on the findings, Risk Monster said, “This outcome is the result of the high level of confidence placed in the technical capability of the Japanese manufacturing sector and the quality of its products.”

I guess the Japanese don't know that none of those apply to the rest of the world where their products are now seen as inferior, overpriced and outdated. Except for their cars, they still make great cars

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Proof that Toyota's PR and advertising machine keeps working on a gullible public.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

I would have put Yamaha in the top 10. Most people forget they have their foot in many things and are leaders hands down in music and sports equipment...

3 ( +3 / -0 )

They should also be more proud of Korg, Yamaha, Roland, Sega and Ricoh since these are companies who produce some outstanding products. Alas, if I ask the average Japanese if he knows Korg or Roland he will shrug.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Uniqlo definitely - something still relevant. The electrical goods manufacturers on this list are largely living on past glories. How about the watchmakers? Seiko, Citizen and Casio. Casio in particular for the G-Shock.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Sanryou & San-X

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Mt. Gox, 7-Eleven, Asics, Shimano, Rakuten, Nissin Foods, Fanuc, Komatsu, Shiseido, Denso

4 ( +4 / -0 )

This is a pointless survey.

Japan Inc needs to take heed of overseas markets, not the domestic.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Get Real, that's the problem, japan still insists on clinging to ancient business practices and archaic, decaying traditions, ignoring the west running business's the good old boy way. Most of their companies survive solely on their domestic market, Japan is still a very populous country, but in the next 20-30 years when their population collapses, that domestic demand will also evaporate.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

This survey shows many in Japan just cant see the writing on the walls..............

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Seiko, Yokohama Tires, Subaru, Nissin Foods, and Bandai should've been on the list somewhere.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

All top 10 make profits in USA. List sounds like top manufactures in USA. Sony? It is extremely profittable in USA now. it had 4 bad years but has been making tons of money with its entertainment business in USA. Olympus? Its medical device has been monopolizing in USA. IBridgestone? USA people don;t remember any US tire manufactures;s name now.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

A fair proportion of these companies are in a serious financial hole. at the moment, with no clear indicatioin that they will be able to dig themselves out again.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@ShiningfingerMay. 19, 2013 - 07:25PM JST

Seiko, Yokohama Tires, Subaru, Nissin Foods, and Bandai should've been on the list somewhere. ............................................................................................................................................ Your list, all are popular in USA. They are very profitable, Yokohama Tire has excelllent wall ad display in US Major Ball Game park, One thing is for sure. All Japanese companies have excellent TV ads while US companies's ads are bore.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

How the heck can you be proud of a COMPANY that you are not even personally involved with and had nothing to do with? This is nationalism at its worst.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

How the heck can you be proud of a COMPANY that you are not even personally involved with and had nothing to do with?

These companies are seen as national champions who brought Japan industrial prestige and economic clout. Without them, the Ginza would be a backwater, and the circumstances that see many of us living here might well not exist.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Without Japanese companies in USA provide jobs in USA. So, American people keep buying Japanese brand prodcts when they can afford. Japanese brand products are extremely cheaper here in USA. Also reliable.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

I meant Japanese companies in USA priovide jobs in USA.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

is this list from 1997?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I really like the Nissan Leaf (all electric) and especially the NV200 (e-NV200 all electric). Very forward thinking and alot of nay-sayers were against these vehicles. => It is really hard to change the way people think and going all electric is a challenge for most. But Nissan is determined to stick with it.

When the Toyota Prius (hybrid) came out I had my doubts also. The Toyota Yaris (all-gas) was similar and about 1/2 the price of the Prius. Now the Prius has quite a few models and you see many aftermarket add-on to get fuel economy way up there and even go all electric. Sort of like the Apple iPhone/iPad people have run with the concept and the product has become way more interesting and flexible to people's needs.

Your name is everything and internet feedback and energy is important.

Bridgestone had the big Ford Explorer recall issue about 10yrs ago. Tires blowing out on the flexy independent rear suspension or just people not putting air in tires. Not sure if it was even a tire or car design issue, but you could get nice tires for free back then.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Automakers ..... USA consumers know Japanese automakers replace any defect they can think before any accidenrt in entire USA. GM and ford? Maybe so many death and losing lawsuits by dead people's family and so many appealing loss. Japanese corporations have in-house trainings while US automakers have to rely on UAW rules. Paycheck? Japanese companies id USA pay a lot more than counterparts. So, this tend will follow many more years, with more Japanese companies move in every year. Japanese companies have choice of States in USA. Any of them are welcome to states.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

sony above Honda? when was the survey prodused?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

These companies are seen as national champions who brought Japan industrial prestige and economic clout. Without them, the Ginza would be a backwater, and the circumstances that see many of us living here might well not exist.

Well see here's the problem... companies are nothing more than organizations in a capitalist system which their sole purpose is to increase as much profits as possible. Actually companies are not even supposed have any "nationality". Japanese companies typically only hire Japanese. See where this is going? The fact that Japanese are proud of "their" companies says that well, they are nationalistic and jingoistic.

Japan has got capitalism all wrong. Basically in Japan, companies are there for nationalistic purposes, not true capitalist aims. It's basically what the Nazis did when they tried to take control of the big corporations. Big corporations are swallowed up by the nation for the purpose of achieving nationalistic aims of expanding their power and influence.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

In USA, there is no Japanese companies that hire only Japanese. For instance, could Toyota find Japanese people in Kentucky? They hire qualified people in each jobs and train them. They just make money. That is their purpose even USA companies are not profitable. They operate differently. Paychecks by Japanese companies are way better, too.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Fumi23: survey could be in first quarter of this year. Last Year, Sony was very profitable with its Sony Entertainment, CBS Sony, Sony CBS Sony Columbia. This survey must be on last year's result including worldwide operations of each companies. .

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Where's TEPCO?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Bridgestone is Japanese company? I didn't know that.

Yep! The company founder's name is Ishibashi, he translated that to English and reversed the order to make a company name he thought was cool.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Sorry, but IMHO what a useless survey. This is just another way for the Japanese to unnecessarily inflate their pride. I also see this on TV sometimes; Japanese products or Japanese companies doing 'extremely well', and becoming 'well-known' overseas for this and that.... but they're actually not well known at all (at least, the ones I see on TV).

One of the best characteristics of post-war Japan was that they quietly but surely worked their way to high levels of manufacturing and technology without bragging to themselves or others.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

One of the best characteristics of post-war Japan was that they quietly but surely worked their way to high levels of manufacturing and technology without bragging to themselves or others.

Sort of like YKK (Yoshida Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha). More likely than not when you look at the pull tab of a zipper, you'll see the letters YKK on them. They make an ubiquitous product, yet the company is hardly known.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Nikon?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@gaslow7: You are not only who wonder. USA people never doubt BridgeStone is USA tires competing against Japanese Yokohama Tire. .

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

@GetThem: These companies invested in USA, creating employments.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

One of the best characteristics of post-war Japan was that they quietly but surely worked their way to high levels of manufacturing and technology without bragging to themselves or others.''''''''''' when they see a new invention worth to market, instead of marketting, their stuffs analyze and create better invention. For example,LED HD TV, memoryboards, laptop, optical equipment, lists go on and on. After all, Japan is a country where copied Chinese Buddhism and Shintoism became as if Japanese religeon.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Taooch: It is this company''d businee to do all sort of survey to earn profit for stockholders. Only thing they have to worry is to select applicable people on survey.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

just because companies are not in the top 10 doesn't mean some of them dominate the market like zippers, lithium batteries, drill bits, bearings, electrical components, gyroscopes, lens, prisms, carbon fibre, synthetic polymers, fibre glass, specialized medical stuff, nano tech, ceramics, high tensile materials and so on. They will never become mainstream and most people will never know that they were an integral component of their household product, car, satellite or that it saved their life and something that even the Chinese could not copy if they wanted to. The best products are the ones you don't know about because they never breakdown.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

2toshiko I beg to differ. It's been months since I've saw someone purchasing Japanese electronic gadget. Their products are EXTREMELY overpriced and how can you ever say that their products are extremely cheap? People will choose Phillip/Samsung/LG over any Japanese brands in household electronics. TVs? If you go into any electronic mall, first thing you will see is Samsung/LG TVs. Korean companies can offer same/if not better qualities of goods at a cheaper price. Reason why Sony is staying afloat is because of Japanese government's effort to keep it stay afloat and its great investment in entertainment industry. Bluray = Failed investment. Reason: Who the hell needs bluray when you can watch ANYTHING on the internet? Why pay another 100-300 dollars worth of stupid gadget to watch a movie?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

@John Master: I wrote about Japanese brand products in USA, So you are writing about USA situation, Have you drove on US highway to notice hardly anyone drive Ford or GM cars? Have you been to Fry and other electronic product specialized stores in USA to notice there hardly any US bramd products? Have you watched TV movies in USA? have you noticed Korean companies Japanese Tare sued for copyright infringement by APPLE, but it never sued Japanese similar makers in USA? I usually write in USA. USA is not a colony of Japan. Japanese goverment has no effort to Japanese companies' branch in USA . Again, I just wrote about USA situations. Japanese brand 70 inch diagonal Full HD slim screwen TVs are more than $1,000 but selling very well. There is no USA makers competing. I ask you, When, and which state in USA and writing your comment to dispute me? Or you are telling that USA is Japan's colony and Japanese government control USA marketing?

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

I meant Korean comoanies have been sued by Apple, etc for copyright infringement, but no Japanese companies had been sued. Japanese create new products without copying.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

@toshiko

Japanese create new products without copying

No, they don't. They simply IMPROVE pre-existing products like ALL other companies do.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

@Toshiko

Why would Apple sue Japanese companies when Japanese companies are no threat to their business? Sony Xperia? I haven't seen ANYONE using SONY smartphones for months now.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

@Toshiko I never said anything about cars. I do agree that Japanese CAR companies are riding strong wave in USA.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

@John Master Japanese electronics companies should have gotten out of consumer electronics a decade ago, but we cannot imaging the world without Japanese products in every room of every house. Consumer electronics have to go to China and S. Korea because it is very low margin. But Japanese companiesthat you never hear about are very strong in materials and high end components (circuits etc) and ultra-high precision production machinery. Those S. Korean products are packed with Japanese materials and components. And Samsung's major overseas R&D center is in Yokohama (Japan), staffed with Japanese engineers. That is where those super thin TVs are developed. M&C is very capital/knowledge intensive, and only Japanese can to that.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@John Master Don't forget all those products that say "made in China", "made in S. Korea", etc., that are actually Japanese owned. That way, when they are imported into the US, it does not contribute to the US trade deficit with Japan. Japanese got tired of dealing with US trade friction decades ago.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@gokai_wo_maneku

Are you sure? Not all of Korean high end products' components are made in Japan. Even if they are, some of those factories are probably owned by Samsung/Samsung affiliates.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

@gokai_wo_maneku

High end products are also made in South Korea as well. For example, South Korea is the NUMBER ONE manufacturer of all leisure/industrial/commercial ships.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I can't remember where I read it but something like 65% of global smart phone components are supplied by Japanese companies. For example, the iPhone is more than 50% Japanese.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@John Master It is just that I work in the Japanese electronics industry, and I see our contracts with Korean and Chinese companies (I can't say which ones: nondisclosure rules), and also due to cross-contracts, I see what Korean and Chinese companies other electronics firms we work with are supplying (I can't say which ones of those either). And there are a lot of contracts. Of course, we supply from Korea and China also.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Back on topic please.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@John Master That is not what is meant by "high end" in electronics, which is at issue here. High end refers to extremely capital and knowledge intensive materials and components. Japan has a big lead over everyong there. But you don't hear about those because the label on the product is Korean or Chinese. But break open your Samsung telephone and you'll see what I mean.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

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