Top 100 Companies in Japan by Sales in 2019

Japan prides itself in its well-developed free-market economy. Even though the 2008 crisis marked the beginning of the not-so-bright period for the country’s economic situation, further aggravated by a series of earthquakes, Japan is still standing strong and not surrendering its positions to no other. As of 2019, the country ranked 3rd by nominal gross domestic product, yet it slips to the 4th place once the GDP is measured in terms of PPP. 

Full of contrasts all worthy of admiration, Japan combines with excellence one-of-a-kind landscapes with its industrial regions. It surprises by such factors as being the least export-dependent country among the G7, yet one of the largest automobile-manufacturing countries in the world. It records relatively low levels of FDI while managing to maintain the status of one of the largest creditor nations. 

With this and a lot more of Japan’s peculiarities in mind, we decided to compile this list of top 100 companies in Japan by sales, and it further emphasizes the versatility of the country’s economy’s sides.

*All figures are in USD. B: Billions of USD

1.Toyota Motor Corporation – $280.5B

Toyota Motor Corporation (further Toyota) starts our top 100 companies in Japan by sales in 2019 with the imposing figure of $280.5B. Toyota is an esteemed automotive manufacturer – the largest one at home – headquartered in Aichi. Today, many of the Toyota models are deemed as one of the most practical cars around thanks to the hard work put in starting with the company’s foundation in 1924. In addition to the perceived practicality, Toyota is the global market leader of hybrid electric vehicles, which are paving the way to a greener environment.

2.Honda Motor Co., Ltd. – $142.4B 

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (further Honda) is a multinational conglomerate best-known as a producer of automobiles, motorcycles, and different equipment. Founded in 1946 as a long-life dream of a passionate mechanic, Honda has positioned itself quite proudly; from piston rings contracts to being the largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines by volume. The company is also an important force in the commitment to electric and alternative fuels exploring multiple economic and bio-friendly options. In 2019, Honda’s efforts amounted to $142.4B in sales.

3.Mitsubishi Group – $140.8B

Mitsubishi Group (further Mitsubishi) is a conglomerate doing business in various industries. While they are technically under the same banner and participate in business cooperation, the companies are formally independent. The main ones are MUFG Bank, Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. It started out as a shipping firm and diversified as needed to sustain its operations – coal-mining for fuel, shipyard for repairs, iron mill for shipyard supply, and so on. In 2019,  the “three diamonds” sales amounted to $140.8B.

4.Japan Post Holdings Co., Ltd. – $112.3B

Japan Post Holdings Co., Ltd. (further Japan Post) is a conglomerate with headquarters in Tokyo mainly dealing in postal and logistics business with a side of finance, banking, and insurance. It is a relatively new company, founded in 2006, but has developed a swift momentum ranking it 4th – $112.3B in sales – on our top 100 list. The group is made up of four main divisions: Japan Post, Japan Post Bank, Japan Post Insurance, Toll Group. They are the pioneers of Japan Post Holdings success. 

5.Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation – $109.6B

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (further NTT) comes in number five on the largest publicly traded companies in Japan that also reported $109.6B in sales as of 2019. NTT is a telecommunications company with the main office in Tokyo. At first, it was a state monopoly aimed at conquering the Japanese telecommunication systems which were operated by AT&T during the Occupation of Japan. It was later privatized to promote competition, but it remains an oligopoly on landlines. The five major companies leading on are: NTT East, NTT West, NTT Communications, NTT Docomo, and NTT Data.

6.Itochu Corporation – $103.1B

Itochu Corporation (further Itochu) is one of the largest so-called sogo shosha – companies trading a variety of products. What stands out is that its success is owed to the efficient management of business operations of textiles in China instead of being a descendent of a zaibatsu group. The business began in 1858 with door-to-door selling of linen followed by the opening of a drapery store. Its six major operational divisions have made sales worth $103.1B in 2019.

7.Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. – $96.3B

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (further Nissan) is yet another Japanese automobile powerhouse based in Yokohama. It was officially founded in 1933, but it all started with Kaishinsha Motor Car Work and their first car – DAT. Nissan is also part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, which has been a fruitful relationship in terms of business and management. The alliance ranks 3rd in the biggest automakers in the world, with Volkswagen Group and Toyota shortly ahead. In 2019, Nissan Motor reported $96.3B in sales.

8.ENEOS Holdings, Inc. – $95.5B

ENEOS Holdings, Inc. (further Eneos) is the largest oil and gas corporation in Japan operating quite the number of companies. It was established in 2010 through the joint share transfer by Nippon Oil Corporation and Nippon Mining Holdings, Inc. as such its products are fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and metals. Eneos’ overseas operations have reached countries on all the continents. In 2019, the company’s transactions generated $95.5B in sales.

9.SoftBank Group Corp. – $87.4B

SoftBank Group Corp. (further SoftBank) is a conglomerate holding company with the main office in Tokyo. As most holding companies, it owns multiple stakes in various technology, energy, and financial oriented businesses. SoftBank is also in charge of Vision Fund, the world’s largest technology-focused venture capital fund. The company was founded in 1981 by the 24-year-old software distributor, Masayoshi Son. Under his leadership they became valued at $3 billion 13 years later as the largest publisher of computer and technology magazines. As for 2019, Softbank piled up $87.4B in sales.

10.Hitachi, Ltd. – $82.9B

Hitachi, Ltd. (further Hitachi) is a multinational conglomerate headquartered in Tokyo. It is the parent company of the Hitachi Group and formed part of the Nissan zaibatsu. Hitachi was started in 1910 and invented Japan’s first 4-kilowatt induction motor. The conglomerate wide industries pool is supported by ten business segments from digital media and consumer products to defense systems. In 2019, Hitachi reached the sales mark of $82.9B.

11.Sony Corporation – $79.2B

Sony Corporation (further Sony) is a multinational conglomerate with the main office in Tokyo. Sony is the largest video game console company and second-largest video game publisher – in direct competition with Microsoft’s XBOX – thus the joy of gamers around the world. On other fronts, it leads the charge as a record company, comprehensive media company, and consumer and professional electronic products. It was rightfully dubbed as a “corporate octopus” for wide-reaching ventures away from its core businesses. All in all, 2019 has brought Sony $79.2B in sales.

12.ÆON Co., Ltd. – $78.9B

ÆON Co., Ltd. (further Aeon) is a company operating in the management of its group companies in regards to supermarkets and shopping centres. It was founded in 1758 and is headquartered in Chiba. Aeon operates through the following segments: General Merchandise Store, Supermarket, Health and Wellness, Financial Services, Development, Services and Specialty Store, International, and Other. In 2019, Aeon scored $78.9B in sales. 

13.Panasonic Corporation – $70.4B

Panasonic Corporation (further Panasonic) is an electronics company with the main office in Osaka. It was founded in 1918 with the first product being duplex lamp sockets. But has since widened its product portfolio and has reached into rechargeable batteries, automotive and avionic systems, home renovation and construction with the list going on. Additionally, they have provided sports sponsorships and somewhat invested in autoracing. Their effort, green electronic commitment and workplace efficiency has netted $70.4B in sales in 2019.

14.Mitsui Group – $65.5B

Mitsui Group (further Mitsui) is one of the largest corporate groups in Japan and the world. The major companies comprising the group can be categorized under financial services, real estate, retail, shipping, logistics among the most prominent. Mitsui was formally founded in 1876, but its origins go back to Mitsui Takatoshi, the fourth son of a miso and pawnshop business owner. In 2019, the Group has made $65.5B in sales.

15.Marubeni Corporation – $63.6

Marubeni Corporation (further Marubeni) is a general trading company headquartered in Tokyo. The business was established in 1918 as a separate entity sales division of Itochu. 3 years later a merger between Iotchu Shoten and Itoh Chobei Shoten led to the creation of Marubeni Shoten, Ltd. Initially, it was a textile trading firm but had quickly broadened its goods peddling. Marubeni comprises five business segments: Food & Consumer, Chemical & Forest, Energy & Metal, Power Projects & Plant, Transportation & Industrial. In 2019, the corporation’s transactions brought $63.6B in sales.

16.The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited – $62.6B

The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited (further Dai-ichi) is a company dealing in insurance. On a local level, it ranks third-largest life insurer when accounting for revenue. It was founded in 1902 and has remained a mutual insurance company until 2009. While the company operates in the United States, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia, India and Thailand, the home market remains the most impactful with the main earner being insurance premiums. In 2019, Dai-ichi reported $62.6B in sales.

17.Toyota Tsusho Corporation – $61.6B

Toyota Tsusho Corporation (further Tsusho) is a trading company and a member of the top ranker of our top 100 companies in Japan by sales in 2019 – Toyota Group. Tsuho’s worldwide presence is the result of a well-maintained network of over 150 offices and 900 subsidiaries and affiliates. Its main goal is the proper support of Toyota Motor’s automobile division and other members of Toyota Group. However, Tsusho’s business can’t just be abridged to a support role. The company operates in industrial, commercial, and consumer sectors. By the end of 2019, Tsusho reported sales that amounted to $61.6B.  

18.Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. – $61B

Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. (further Seven-i) is a retail group with the main office in Tokyo. It operates under various formats including department stores, superstores, supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants. Additionally, Seven-i provides financial services. The holdings company was established in 2005 as the parent of two subsidiaries and Denny’s Japan family restaurants. Eventually, it expanded to 6 subsidiaries, and by the end of the year made $61B in sales thus ranking number 18 on our top 100 companies in Japan by sales in 2019.

19.Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. – $60.1B

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (further UFJ) is a bank holding and financial services company. As the name implies, it is part of the Mitsubishi Group and ranks tenth largest bank by total assets. The company was founded in 2005 with the merger of Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group (MTFG) and UFJ Holdings. The origins of the financial group go back to the merger of The Bank of Tokyo, former Yokohama Specie Bank, and Mitsubishi Bank founded by a samurai. All in all, 2019 brought in $60.1B in sales.

20.Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Incorporated – $58.9B

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Incorporated (further TEPCO) is an electric utility holding company supplying users in the Yamanashi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture. The main office is located in Tokyo with two international branches in Washington and London. The majority owner is the Government of Japan (54.69%) through the Nuclear Damage Compensation and Decommissioning Facilitation Corporation. The company was founded in 1951 at the behest of U.S./Allied occupation forces which is also why the business model resembles the United States’ electricity industry. For 2019, TEPCO reported $58.9B in sales.

21.Nippon Steel Corporation – $55.7B

Nippon Steel Corporation (further Nippon Steel) is, well the name gives it away, a steel producer company and the world’s third-largest at that when looking at volume. Nippon Steel originates from the merger of two behemoths, Yawata Iron & Steel and Fuji Iron & Steel. Currently, the corporation operates three business segments: Engineering, Materials, and Chemical. Though history has put forward some harsh years for Nippon Steel, in 2019 sales amounted to $55.7B.

22.Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. – $51.8B

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. (further Idemitsu) is an oil and gas as such it owns and operates units that ensure upstream, midstream, and downstream operations. Its product portfolio can be summarized to production of oil, petroleum, petrochemicals, and fuel. It was founded in 1911 as a vendor of lubricant oil for Nippon Oil. In terms of refinery throughput, it ranks second, after Nippon Oil, but that has not been an obstacle to accumulate $51.8B in sales at the end of 2019.

23.MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc. – $50.6B

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc. (further MS&AD) is an insurance holding company. The Group emerged from the former Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group Holdings which merged with the insurance companies Aioi Insurance Co. Ltd. and Nissay Dowa General Insurance. MS&AD operates in more than 40 countries and is a prominent player in the domestic market. The entire Group houses the effort of over 40,000 employees which have immensely contributed to $50.6B in sales in 2019.

24.Sumitomo Corporation – $49.9B

Sumitomo Corporation is one of the biggest general trading companies, with quite an appetizingly big diversity. The company was incorporated in 1919 and is an important member of the Sumitomo Group. The origins of the Sumitomo Group weave back to a 17th-century book and medicine shop in Kyoto. Today, under its flag there are 24 subsidiaries willing to contribute their best. In 2019, Sumitomo Corporation’s sales amounted to $49.9B.

25.Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. – $48.5B

Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. (further Tokio Marine Holdings) is an insurance holding company with the main office in Tokyo. It is the largest property and casualty insurance group in Japan by revenue and is the parent company for the Tokio Marine Group. Tokio Marine Holdings’ core business revolves around the management of all types of insurance companies abiding the Insurance Business Law of Japan. They are also a part of the Mitsubishi Keiretsu. In 2019, Tokio Marine Holdings reported $48.5 in sales.

26.SMBC Group – $48.4B

SMBC (Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation) Group is an institution preoccupied with banking and financial services and its main offices are in Tokyo. The Group operates in retail, corporate, and investment banking segment on a global scale by providing financial commodities to a diverse lot of clients. SMBC Group is present in over 40 countries and ranks twelfth biggest bank in terms of total assets. Domestically, the group takes on the role of one of Japanese megabanks together with MUFJ Financial Group and Mizuho Financial Group. At the end of 2019, the Group reached $48.4B in sales.

27.KDDI Corporation – $47.8B

KDDI Corporation (further KDDI) is a telecommunications operator with the main office in Tokyo. The company provides fixed and mobile telephony, internet services, and digital television services through various brands. KDDI formed in 2000 by the merger of three telecom companies: DDI Corp., KDD Corp., and Ido Corp. Aided by the powerful impact on the home market, KDDI has several subsidiaries aiming to bring the same to other regions. All in all, 2019 brought to KDDI’s table $47.8B in sales.

28.DENSO Corporation – $47.4B

DENSO Corporation (further DENSO) is a global automotive components manufacturer with the main office in Aichi Prefecture. DENSO was founded in 1949 under the name of Nippon Denso Co, Ltd. right after becoming independent from Toyota Motors. The company produces various auto parts with the most prominent ones being the sales of thermal systems, powertrain control systems, and electronic systems. At the end of 2019, DENSO achieved $47.4B in sales.

29.Mitsubishi Electric Corporation – $41.3B

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (further MELCO) is a company oriented towards the production of electronics and electrical equipment. Headquartered in Tokyo, it is one of the valuable companies for Mitsubishi’s performance. On an international level, the network is maintained by the respective branches North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. MELCO was founded in 1921 as a spin-off from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and later Mitsubishi Shipbuilding. But a quick reaction to diversification has led it to become a major electronics company. As the 2019 fiscal line was drawing near, MELCO managed $41.3B in sales.

30.Daiwa House Industry Co, Ltd. – $40B

Daiwa House Industry Co, Ltd. is Japan’s largest homebuilder specializing in prefabricated houses but not limited to. Factories, shopping centres, health care facilities, recreational amenities are also among the services provided by Daiwa House. Moreover, the company is also a prominent owner and operator of freight logistics centres, managing over 250 properties. With over 44,900 employees under Daiwa House’s banner, they pulled off $40B in sales in 2019.

31.Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. – $37B

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (further MHI) is an engineering, electrical equipment and electronics company situated in Tokyo. MHI is also part of the core companies of the Mitsubishi Group. Four divisions make up MHI’s business segment: Marine Vessel and Ocean, Power Engine, Machinery and Iron Structure, Aviation and Space Medium-size Product. As you may imagine, their products range from printing machines to aircrafts and space launch vehicles. In 2019, MHI reported $37B in sales.

32.Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. – $35.9B

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. (further MHFG) is a banking holding company with headquarters in Tokyo. Its business is built upon four divisions operating globally: Retail Group, Global Corporate Group, Global wealth and asset management, and Strategy affiliates. A relatively young company, it was founded by the merger of Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Fuji Bank, and the Industrial Bank of Japan in 2000. At the time of its foundation, Mizuho was the largest bank worldwide by assets just as the name “abundant rice” suggests. In 2019, MHFG attained $35.9B in sales.

33. Fujitsu Limited – $35.7B

Fujitsu Limited (further Fujitsu) is an information technology equipment and services company situated in Tokyo. While Fujitsu is chiefly focused on making computing products, they do offer a diversity of other products tangential to the area of computing. IBM and Fujitsu are two of the oldest IT companies, the latter being established 14 years later. Japan’s first computer is the work of Fujitsu, the FACOM 100 mainframe. The 7 business segments of Fujitsu have brought in $35.7B in sales in 2019, hence the 33rd spot on our list of top 100 companies in Japan by sales in 2019.

34.JFE Holdings, Inc. – $34.9B

JFE Holdings, Inc. is a steel manufacturer corporation formed in 2002 by the merger of NKK and Kawasaki Steel Corporation. In addition to being a distinguished steelmaker, it has also diversified to engineering, shipbuilding, and real-estate development. On the international level, the company manages a handful of overseas subsidiaries. JFE Steel is also in their possession which is a magnificent asset considering its position as the fifth-largest steelmaker in the world. In 2019, JFE Holdings reported $34.9B in sales.

35.Aisin Seiki Corporation – $34.8B

Aisin Seiki Corporation (further Aisin) is an automotive parts business located in Aichi, and is a child company of Toyota Group. However, Toyota is not the only benefactor of their components. A handful of other companies are supplied by Aisin which is encouraged to supply the conveyors of competitors. Other than that, life and amenity products, energy systems, welfare products are also on the plate. In 2019, Aisin Seiki reported $34.8B in sales.

36.Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation – $34.1B

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation (further Mitsubishi Chemical) is a company involved in the chemical industry. It was established in 2005 from the merger of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and Mitsubishi Pharma Corporation. Mitsubishi Chemical’s business is made up of 4 segments: Functional Products, Chemicals, Industrial Gas, and Healthcare. With the slogan of “Good Chemistry for Tomorrow” and the ardent fervor of over 69,000 employees, Mitsubishi Chemical has managed to pull in $34.1B in sales at the end of 2019.

37.Suzuki Motor Corporation – $33.6B

Suzuki Motor Corporation (further Suzuki) is an automotive corporation with the main office in Hamamtsu. Suzuki’s conveyor belts output automobiles, four-wheel drive vehicles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, outboard marine engines, wheelchairs and a plethora of small internal combustion engines. The company was founded in 1909 and much of its early success can be attributed to building weaving looms and development of such machines. In 2019, Suzuki touched the $33.6B sales mark.

38.Canon Inc. – $33B

Canon Inc. (further Canon) is a multinational corporation with headquarters in Tokyo. The company activates in the domain of electronics, more specifically optical, imaging and industrial products ranging from lenses to medical equipment. The founding of Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory in 1937 is the origin point of Canon, only to be preceded by their creation of Japan’s first-ever 35 mm camera. Today, Canon operates four business divisions: the Office Business Unit (copying machines, printers, office devices), the Imaging System Business Unit (inkjet printers, camera and camcorders, broadcasting equipment), the Medical System Business Unit (CT, ultrasound scanners, MRI), the Industry and Other Business Unit (magnetic heads, micromotors, lithography equipment). In 2019, Canon’s sales amounted to $33B.

39.Sompo Holdings, Inc. – $32.8B

Sompo Holdings, Inc. (further Sompo Holdings) is an insurance company, and comes in second on the property insurance domestic market, after Tokio Marine. The name translates to “general insurance,” but the company is not limited to just that. They offer a diverse portfolio of financial services such as life insurance, securities, asset management, and venture capital. On an international level, they maintain presence in over 28 countries spread across the Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Americas. In addition to financial services, Sompo Holdings owns Sompo Care aimed at nursing care & healthcare business. In 2019, Sompo Holdings managed the feat of $32.8B in sales.

40.Bridgestone Corporation – $32.3B

Bridgestone Corporation (further Bridgestone) is an automotive parts manufacturer primarily focused on motor vehicle tires. The company is the largest manufacturer of tires in the world followed by Michelin and Goodyear. Bridgestone manages over 180 production facilities in 24 countries. It was established by Shojiro Ishibashi in 1931 and named after him (Ishi = stone, Bashi = bridge). As it foregone dependence on European and North American technology, the initial experience marked many difficulties in all areas. Eventually, they managed to pull it off. In 2019, Bridgestone reported $32.3B in sales, ranking 40th in our list of the largest companies in Japan by sales in 2019.

41.Toshiba Corporation – $32.2B

Toshiba Corporation (further Toshiba) is a conglomerate with the main office located in Tokyo. While Toshiba’s history runs earlier than 1939, this is the date it was officially established; a merger of Shibaura Engineering Works and Tokyo Electric. Today, the business is neatly organized into six main groups and their respective companies: Electronic Devices & Storage Solutions, Building Solutions, Energy Systems & Solutions, Infrastructure Systems & Solutions, Digital Solutions, Retail & Printing Solutions. The number of groups also speaks about the diversity of products. All in all, 2019 awarded Toshiba with $33.2B in sales.

42.Mazda Motor Corporation – $32.1B

Mazda Motor Corporation (further Mazda) is an automaker headquartered in Hiroshima Prefecture. Based on revenue, Mazda ranked twenty-second largest car company in the world. In addition to automobiles, they also produce light trucks and engines. The company was founded in 1920 under the name of Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd. Eleven years later Toyo moved from machine tool manufacturing to vehicles with the coinage of Mazda-Go auto rickshaw. In 2019, Mazda managed the feat of $32.1B in sales.

43.The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. – $30.1B

The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (further Kanden) is an electric utility company supplying the area of Kansai region, which is one of the most industrialized regions thus requiring great amounts of electrical power. Kanden owns and operates over 160 plants reaching a peak production of 35,760 MW. The company was founded in 1951 as Matsunaga convinced the Chairman of the Electricity Business Reorganization Council to cooperate. At the end of 2019, Kanden’s sales amounted to $30.1B.

44.Subaru Corporation – $30B

Subaru Corporation is a conglomerate chiefly focused on terrestrial and aerospace transportation manufacturing. The Corporation is well known for its line of vehicles produced by their automobile manufacturing division Subaru, all while the company’s aerospace division is a defense contractor for the Japanese government. Subaru Corporation was founded in 1953 with the incorporation of Fuji Heavy Industries as five Japanese companies joined a common cause. In 2019, Subaru Corporation reported $30B in sales.

45.Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited – $29.7B

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (further Takeda Pharmaceutical) is a pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company and the largest one at that in Asia. Takeda Pharmaceutical was founded in 1781 and incorporated in 1925. Today, its focus revolves around metabolic disorders, gastroenterology, neurology, inflammation, and oncology. With over 49,500 employees, Takeda Pharmaceutical has managed to pull the feat of $29.7B in sales at the end of 2019.

46.Medipal Holdings Corporation – $29.7B

Medipal Holdings Corporation (further Medipal Holdings) is a pharmaceutical wholesaler headquartered in Tokyo Prefecture. Medipal Holdings sources pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, and nutritional additives from over 5,000 suppliers covering a customer base of over 240,000 people. Among the customers there are hospitals, pharmacies, drug stores and food manufacturers. Currently, Medipal Holdings operates over 300 branches. In 2019, Medipal Holdings’s transactions brought in $29.7B.

47.Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. – $28.9B

Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. (further Sumitomo Electric) is a company in the non-ferrous metal industry manufacturing electric wire and optical fiber. It was founded in 1897 with the same goal as it currently has; only the ways to apply their output have exponentially increased. Sumitomo comprises five business units: Automotive, Information & Communications, Electronics, Environment & Energy, and Industrial materials with two additional units in the developments. Thanks to an intensive focus on R&D, Sumitomo Electric’s technologies have been a key factor in major projects: wastewater treatment in Korea, bridge construction in Germany, telecom networks in Nigeria. All in all, $28.9B in sales preceded the end of the 2019 fiscal year.

48.Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. – $28.6B

Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. (further Chuden) is an electric utilities provider supplying the  Chūbu region of the Honshu island. Among the largest electric utilities companies in Japan, Chuden ranks third based on power generation capacity, energy sold, and annual revenue. Under Chuden’s banner there are currently 212 separate power plants with a peak capacity of 33,490 MW. The 11 thermal power plants account for 72% of total power production. In addition to electricity, Chuden has expanded into optical fibers. In 2019, Chuden reached $28.6B in sales.

49.NEC Corporation – $28B

NEC Corporation (further NEC) is an information technology and electronics company with the main office in Tokyo. Before rebranding as NEC in 1983, the name was Nippon Electric Company, Limited. In terms of solutions, NEC provides telecommunications equipment, servers, artificial satellites, consumer electronics, and domestic appliances. It used to be the leading force in the manufacturing of semiconductors but has withdrawn since the beginning of the 21st century. NEC was founded in 1899 and was the first Japanese joint-venture with foreign capital. In 2019, NEC achieved the feat of $28B in sales.