Japan’s manufacturing philosophy of monozukuri, commonly translated as “the art of making things,” has long been synonymous with craftsmanship, dedication to quality and continuous improvement. The essence of Japanese manufacturing and innovation, this philosophy blends traditional techniques with modern technological prowess, which has allowed Japanese companies to excel in various global industries. As global competition intensifies—especially from neighboring countries like China and South Korea—Japanese firms continue to innovate while adhering to the high standards of monozukuri.
Through their products, these companies continue to uphold the reputation of “Made in Japan,” a brand that remains highly renowned and trusted worldwide. From medical devices, to the cosmetics, apparel and lifestyle segments, this article takes a look at eight prominent Japanese companies, highlighting how they embody monozukuri principles and adapt to challenges in both the global and domestic markets.
Understanding and meeting client needs has been a cornerstone in Japan’s success, as highlighted by Kenichi Inai, president of Jellice, a pioneering cosmetics firm which is the world’s fifth largest producer of gelatin. “Quality matters, and meeting customer specifications and satisfying those customers is something we take very seriously,” he says. “In many ways, walking the extra mile for the customer is what gains their trust. I think that this is why Japanese companies have a competitive edge in so many industries.”
Thanks to its commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, Jellice has managed to develop groundbreaking solutions such as Collagen Tripeptide (CTP), which, as Mr. Inai says, is much better, faster and more efficient than regular collagen. “Jellice prides itself on our in-house R&D, basically developing ideas into products using our expertise in gelatin and collagen, which resulted in CTP.”
A leader in homeware and lifestyle products, Marna exemplifies Japanese craftsmanship by combining over 150 years of experience with a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability and user-centric design. Despite challenges such as a shrinking domestic market and global economic shifts, Marna continues to thrive by staying true to its core values while adapting to changing market needs.