Some of the biggest companies in the world are based in and began in Japan. From the world's largest automobile manufacturers like Toyota and Honda to leading electronics companies and trendy Japanese clothing brands, Japan has had a huge impact on the global business and consumer market. But which are the best Japanese brands available to consumers?
We've assembled the largest and most popular Japanese companies and brands for your perusal. Do you think Japanese entertainment brands like Sony and Nintendo are the greatest brands Japan has to offer? Or do you prefer their top quality automobiles? If we're talking Japan, you can't forget about the food and major companies like Ajinomoto and Kikkoman are listed here, along with the best whiskey in the world, which just happens to be Japanese. Who knew?!
Of course, Japan is also know for its leading photography companies like Nikon, Canon, and Olympus. Japanese fashion brands have also been taking the world by storm, with exports like Uniqlo and BAPE.
Which Japanese companies and brands from Japan do you think are highest quality and all around best? Vote below and if any of your favorite Japanese companies are missing, be sure to add them for others to vote on!
ToyotaMotor Vehicles and Passenger Car Bodies, Automotive industry - The world's leading auto manufacturer, valued at $35 billion.
3
134 47
Honda Motor Company, LtdTruck, Aerospace, Aviation - Automobiles, generators, lawn mowers, and personal watercraft.
4
170 67
Sony CorporationConsumer electronics, Motion Picture and Video Production, Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing - Home of PlayStation, Sony is valued at $8.4 billion.
5
101 36
Panasonic CorporationConsumer electronics, Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing, Home appliance - Valued at $5.8 billion, Panasonic is the world's fourth largest television manufacturer.
6
80 30
Canon Inc.Photography, Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing, Photographic Equipment and Supplies - Leading company in cameras, printers, and photography accessories. Valued at $11 billion.
7
96 42
ToshibaSemiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing, Electronic Computer Manufacturing, Computer Storage Device Manufacturing - Founded in 1875, Toshiba produces electronics, appliances, IT, and communication equipment.
Sharp CorporationConsumer electronics - Sharp produces televisions, home appliances, mobile phones, and other electronic equipment.
10
79 41
Suzuki Motor CorporationAutomotive industry - In addition to cars, Suzuki also makes ATVs, wheelchairs, and outboard marine engines.
11
60 27
Nikon CorporationPhotographic and Photocopying Equipment Manufacturing, Photographic Equipment and Supplies - Maker of optics and imaging products as well as photography equipment.
12
72 36
SubaruManufacturing, Motor Industry, Automotive industry - Famous for those hatchbacks, the car company is part of Fuji Heavy Industries.
13
65 32
Mitsubishi GroupPetroleum industry, Fossil fuel, Automotive industry - Spread out into many sectors including auto, mining, financial services, and more.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Financial Services, Motor Vehicles and Passenger Car Bodies, Automotive industry - Auto maker selling cars under the Nissan, Infiniti, Datsun, and NISMO brands.
16
56 27
HitachiSpecial Industry Machinery, NEC, All Other Industrial Machinery Manufacturing - Highly diversified company operating in 11 business segments, including electronics.
17
54 27
DaikinManufacturing, Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing, Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment - An air conditioner manufacturer headquartered in Osaka keeps things cool during summer.
18
43 24
BridgestoneManufacturing, Tire Manufacturing (except Retreading) - Best known for their automotive tires, they also manufacture golf products and bicycles.
19
43 25
UniqloFashion, Clothing, Retail - Stylish (but consumer friendly priced!) casual wear and high quality clothing.
20
45 29
Konica MinoltaConsumer electronics, Electronics industry - The photography company merged with Japanese company Minolta in 2003 to form Konica Minolta.
21
38 26
Shiseido The fourth largest cosmetics company in the world with an estimated brand value of $2 billion.
Olympus CorporationPhotographic and Photocopying Equipment Manufacturing, Photographic Equipment and Supplies, Electronics industry - Optics and photography company currently partnered with Sony and Mitsubishi.
24
32 22
ShimanoCycling - The $800 million company specializes in cycling components, fishing, and rowing equipment.
25
30 23
Kikkoman Best known for their soy sauce they also make alcoholic beverages such as shochu and sake.
ASICSSports equipment, Sportswear - Best known for their running shoes which consistently rank among the top performance footwear.
28
21 16
Komatsu LimitedMining, Manufacturing - Construction, mining, and military equipment company valued at $1.9 billion.
29
28 24
AjinomotoDry, Condensed, and Evaporated Dairy Product Manufacturing - The food and chemical company is the world's largest producer of the artificial sweetener aspartame.
30
24 22
RicohPhotography, Office Machinery Manufacturing, Office Machines - Ricoh primarily manufactures copiers, cameras, printers, and production printing products.
31
24 23
Suntory One of the oldest distillers in Japan is still making some of the country's best alcohol.
