# List of pharmaceutical companies in Japan

Tamtam tracks 37 pharmaceutical companies headquartered in Japan. This list ranks all of them by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Takeda, Olympus Corporation and Astellas Pharma. Their median headcount is 1,066. Half of them were founded in 1938 or later. The most common headquarters are Tokyo (8) and Osaka (4).

These Japanese companies are primarily large pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturers, alongside significant medical equipment producers. Takeda, with 37,267 employees, focuses on advancing science to meet patient needs. Olympus Corporation develops medical solutions, while Astellas Pharma specializes in innovative therapies for oncology and other areas. Asahi Kasei provides healthcare products and advanced materials.

The companies listed are predominantly large, established firms, with headquarters concentrated in Tokyo and the surrounding areas. A notable pattern is the strong presence of companies founded in the early to mid-20th century, such as Olympus Corporation (1919), Asahi Kasei (1922), and Toray Industries, Inc. (1926).

🇯🇵 Japan · 37 companies · Updated Nov 12, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Takeda](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/takeda) (takeda.com)<br>The company is committed to transforming lives by advancing science, focusing on patient needs, and setting new standards in healthcare | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Tokyo | 37,267 | 1781 |
| 2 | [Olympus Corporation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/olympus-corporation) (olympus-global.com)<br>A global company dedicated to developing medical solutions to improve lives by detecting, preventing, and treating diseases while ensuring public safety | Medical Equipment Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Shinjuku-ku | 13,679 | 1919 |
| 3 | [Astellas Pharma](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/astellas-pharma) (astellas.com)<br>Development and provision of innovative therapies in oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology, and women's health addressing unmet medical needs. | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Chuo-ku | 12,472 |  |
| 4 | [Asahi Kasei](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/asahi-kasei) (asahi-kasei.com)<br>Global company providing healthcare products, residential solutions, and advanced materials to improve life quality and support sustainable development worldwide. | Chemical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Tokyo | 10,369 | 1922 |
| 5 | [AGC Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/agc-group) (agc.com)<br>supplier of flat, automotive, display glass, chemicals, ceramics, and high-tech materials with global operations and strong innovation focus | Glass, Ceramics and Concrete Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Tokyo | 4,786 |  |
| 6 | [Sysmex Corporation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sysmex-corporation) (sysmex.co.jp)<br>A global leader in in vitro diagnostics, dedicated to innovating personalized medicine and novel treatments to improve healthcare worldwide | Medical Equipment Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Chuo-ku | 4,045 | 1968 |
| 7 | [HORIBA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/horiba) (horiba.com)<br>The company provides instruments and systems for various industries including automotive, medical diagnostics, semiconductor manufacturing, and scientific research with proven quality and performance | Measuring and Control Instrument Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Kyoto | 3,531 | 1953 |
| 8 | [Toray Industries, Inc.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/toray-industries-inc) (toray.com)<br>Development of fibers, textiles, performance chemicals, carbon fiber composites, environment engineering, pharmaceuticals, and medical products using advanced chemical technologies worldwide. | Chemical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Chuo-ku | 3,225 | 1926 |
| 9 | [PHC Holdings Corporation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/phc-holdings-corporation) (phchd.com)<br>Global healthcare company specializing in diabetes management, healthcare solutions, life sciences, and diagnostics with a mission to improve lives worldwide | Medical Equipment Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Chiyoda-ku | 2,610 | 2014 |
| 10 | [Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kyowa-kirin-co-ltd) (kyowakirin.com)<br>Development of novel medicines, next-generation antibodies, and cell and gene therapies targeting severe and rare diseases globally. | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Chiyoda-ku | 2,582 |  |
| 11 | [China Resources (Holdings) Co](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/china-resources-holdings-co) (crc.com.hk)<br>A group of companies with diverse businesses in Hong Kong and mainland China, originally founded in 1938 as Liow & Company | Business Supplies & Equipment | 🇯🇵 Osaka | 2,575 | 1938 |
| 12 | [Teijin Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/teijin-limited) (teijin.com)<br>Innovative global group specializing in materials, healthcare, and IT solutions, focused on environmental value, safety, and health consciousness | Chemical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Chiyoda-ku | 1,882 |  |
| 13 | [Santen](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/santen) (santen.com)<br>This specialized company in ophthalmology conducts research, development, marketing, and sales of pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter products, and medical devices worldwide | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Osaka | 1,848 |  |
| 14 | [Daiichi Sankyo Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/daiichi-sankyo-japan) (daiichisankyo.com)<br>An innovative global healthcare company with over 120 years of experience, focusing on discovering and delivering new standards of care for cancer, cardiovascular, and other diseases | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Tokyo | 1,811 | 2007 |
| 15 | [Fujifilm Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/fujifilm-group) (holdings.fujifilm.com)<br>A holding company overseeing FUJIFILM Group's diverse businesses, adapting to digitalization by expanding into multiple growth fields beyond traditional photography materials | Chemical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Minato-ku | 1,715 | 1934 |
| 16 | [Sumitomo Chemical](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sumitomo-chemical) (sumitomo-chem.co.jp)<br>A company originally addressing air pollution from copper smelting, now focuses on diverse businesses driven by technological innovation to benefit society | Chemical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Chuo-ku | 1,636 | 1913 |
| 17 | [Ajinomoto Co., Inc.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ajinomoto-co-inc) (ajinomoto.com)<br>Global food and amino acid business, uses bioscience and fine chemical technologies to support healthy lives through sustainable solutions. | Food and Beverage Services | 🇯🇵 Chuo-ku | 1,523 |  |
| 18 | [Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/chugai-pharmaceutical-co-ltd) (chugai-pharm.co.jp)<br>Research-based pharmaceutical company in Tokyo with world-class drug discovery capabilities, specializing in antibody engineering technologies to create innovative medical products | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Chuo-ku | 1,188 | 1925 |
| 19 | [PENTAX Medical](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/pentax-medical) (pentaxmedical.com)<br>Global provider of endoscopic products and services focused on improving patient care through quality, innovation, and simplicity in healthcare delivery | Medical Equipment Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Tokyo | 1,066 | 1919 |
| 20 | [Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/otsuka-pharmaceutical-co-ltd) (otsuka.co.jp)<br>The company is located in Tokyo and operates in Chiyoda-ku They are likely a business based in Japan | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Chiyoda-ku | 954 |  |
| 21 | [Fujirebio](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/fujirebio) (fujirebio.com)<br>R&D-driven global teams develop new technologies and biomarkers for healthcare, focusing on high quality diagnostic solutions through partnerships and collaborations | Biotechnology Research | 🇯🇵 Minato-ku | 701 | 1950 |
| 22 | [Eisai Co., Ltd.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/eisai-co-ltd) (eisai.com)<br>This company focuses on human health care, aiming to relieve anxiety, reduce disparities, and develop innovative products targeting diseases They also support the elimination of neglected tropical diseases | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Bunkyo-ku | 699 |  |
| 23 | [Terumo](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/terumo) (terumo.com)<br>A global leader in medical technology providing innovative solutions in vascular intervention, cardio-surgical, blood transfusion, cell therapy, and diabetes care | Medical Equipment Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Minato-ku | 641 | 1921 |
| 24 | [Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ajinomoto-bio-pharma-services) (ajibio-pharma.com)<br>Contract development and manufacturing organization supporting gene therapy, APIs, large and small molecule production with innovative technologies. | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Chuo-ku | 577 |  |
| 25 | [ARKRAY, Inc.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/arkray-inc) (arkray.co.jp)<br>For over 50 years, we have been dedicated to providing high-quality diabetes care products and clinical chemistry equipment to improve patient outcomes | Medical Equipment Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Kyoto | 458 | 1960 |
| 26 | [Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kirin-holdings-co-ltd) (kirinholdings.com)<br>Established in 1907, we have grown for over 100 years, expanding into beverages, food, pharmaceuticals, and health science fields to enhance quality of life and address social issues | Food and Beverage Services | 🇯🇵 Tokyo | 456 | 1907 |
| 27 | [Nihon Kohden Corporation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nihon-kohden-corporation) (nihonkohden.co.jp)<br>A leading Japanese manufacturer of medical electronic equipment such as EEG, patient monitors, AEDs, and defibrillators Providing comprehensive healthcare solutions | Medical Equipment Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 | 449 | 1951 |
| 28 | [ONO PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ono-pharmaceutical-co-ltd) (ono-pharma.com)<br>Specializes in pharmaceutical research and development, focusing on innovative drug discovery and manufacturing for healthcare improvement. | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Osaka | 439 |  |
| 29 | [CMIC Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cmic-group) (en.cmicgroup.com)<br>A pioneering provider of CRO services in Japan with a full pharmaceutical value-chain offering, including manufacturing, sales, marketing, and healthcare services | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Tokyo | 412 | 1992 |
| 30 | [JSR Corporation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/jsr-corporation) (jsr.co.jp)<br>Development and supply of innovative chemical materials aimed at creating new value and contributing to societal advancement and future generations. | Chemical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Minato | 376 | 1957 |
| 31 | [Terumo Interventional Systems](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/terumo-interventional-systems) (tis.terumo.com)<br>A global leader in minimally invasive medical technologies, offering solutions for coronary, peripheral endovascular, and urological treatments to enhance patient outcomes | Medical Equipment Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Shibuya-ku | 348 | 1921 |
| 32 | [UBE Corporation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ube-corporation) (ube.com)<br>Manufacturing technologies delivering safe, environmentally friendly chemical products addressing global environmental issues and contributing to health and enriched society. | Chemical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Minato-ku | 346 | 1897 |
| 33 | [住友化学（株）](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/company-33427818) (sumitomo-chem.co.jp)<br>A chemicals company based in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in the manufacture and distribution of various chemical products | Chemical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Chuo | 337 |  |
| 34 | [Linical](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/linical) (linical.com)<br>Global CRO offering full-service drug development, specializing in Phase I-IV studies across various therapeutic areas, with a focus on overcoming regulatory challenges | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Osaka | 321 | 2005 |
| 35 | [Nxera Pharma](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nxera-pharma) (nxera.life)<br>A technology-driven biopharma developing specialty medicines for global patients, with a strong pipeline focused on neurology, GI, immunology, metabolic disorders, and rare diseases | Biotechnology Research | 🇯🇵 Tokyo | 280 | 1990 |
| 36 | [Tosoh Corporation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tosoh-corporation) (tosoh.com)<br>Global chemical company supplying specialty and commodity chemicals to industries including automotive, electronics, bioscience, construction, and environmental sectors. | Chemical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Chuo-ku | 188 | 1935 |
| 37 | [Amgen Astellas BioPharma](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/amgen-astellas-biopharma) (amgen.co.jp)<br>A joint venture between Amgen and Astellas, providing breakthrough medicines based on science to address unmet medical needs in Japan | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇯🇵 Chiyoda-ku | 34 | 2013 |

## How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.

## More company lists in Japan

- [The largest companies in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-japan) (932)
- [Multinational companies in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-japan) (470)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-japan) (287)
- [Manufacturers in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-japan) (224)
- [Publicly traded companies in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/publicly-traded-companies-japan) (209)
- [Corporate groups and holding companies in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-japan) (181)
- [Hardware manufacturers in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hardware-companies-japan) (142)
- [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-japan) (105)
- [Education providers in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/education-companies-japan) (75)
- [Companies with a mobile app in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-japan) (69)
- [Professional services firms in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-japan) (69)
- [Electronics and semiconductor companies in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/electronics-companies-japan) (68)
- [IT services companies in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-companies-japan) (64)
- [AI companies in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/ai-companies-japan) (63)
- [Automotive manufacturers and suppliers in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/automotive-companies-japan) (60)
- [Critical infrastructure operators in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-japan) (59)
- [Higher Education companies in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/higher-education-companies-japan) (57)
- [Research institutes in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-japan) (55)
- [Consulting firms in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/consulting-firms-japan) (52)
- [Chemical companies in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/chemical-companies-japan) (51)
- [Financial services firms in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-japan) (50)
- [Public sector organisations in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/public-sector-organisations-japan) (48)
- [Energy companies in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/energy-companies-japan) (45)
- [Retail chains in Japan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-japan) (45)

## The same list elsewhere

- [Pharmaceutical companies in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/pharmaceutical-companies-in-the-world) (5,664)
- [Pharmaceutical companies in Asia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/pharmaceutical-companies-in-asia) (770)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/pharmaceutical-companies-japan