Kyocera Corporation (Japanese: 京セラ株式会社, Kyōsera Kabushiki-gaisha) is a Japanese multinational manufacturer with a focus on advanced ceramics, electronics, industrial components, document solutions, telecommunications equipment, and renewable energy technologies. Headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, the company is a major producer of fine ceramic components and supplies products to the automotive, semiconductor, electronics, healthcare, and office equipment industries. Founded in 1959, Kyocera operates as a global enterprise with presence in more than 30 countries and tens of thousands of employees worldwide.1

Foundation (1959)

Kyocera was established on April 1, 1959, as Kyoto Ceramic Co., Ltd. by engineer Kazuo Inamori along with a small team of employees. The company began with capital of 3 million yen and 28 employees, focusing on the manufacturing of fine ceramic components for television picture tubes.

The company’s initial success stemmed from developing high-performance industrial ceramics that offered excellent heat resistance, durability, and electrical insulation. These products gained recognition within Japan’s growing electronics industry.2

Growth and International Expansion

During the 1960s and 1970s, Kyocera expanded rapidly through several key initiatives:

• Opening manufacturing plants across Japan
• Establishing overseas offices in the United States
• Entering European markets
• Developing ceramic technologies for industrial and electronic applications

In 1982, Kyoto Ceramic officially changed its corporate name to Kyocera Corporation, reflecting its evolution from a ceramics manufacturer into a diversified technology company. The modern corporate logo was introduced in the same year.3

Modern Era

Today, Kyocera operates in numerous technology sectors including:

• Semiconductor components
• Electronic devices
• Industrial machinery
• Office equipment
• Telecommunications
• Renewable energy
• Automotive components
• Medical technologies

Annual consolidated revenue exceeds 2 trillion Japanese yen, positioning Kyocera among Japan’s largest industrial technology companies.

The name Kyocera is derived from two words:

• Kyo → Kyoto
• Cera → Ceramic

The company originally operated under the name Kyoto Ceramic Co., Ltd., and the shortened form “Kyocera” became its official corporate name in 1982.

Kyocera operates through several major business divisions.

Core Components

This division produces:

• Fine ceramics
• Semiconductor packages
• Electronic substrates
• Automotive ceramic parts
• Industrial ceramic materials

These products are used in smartphones, automobiles, aerospace equipment, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Electronic Components

Manufacturing includes:

• Capacitors
• Connectors
• Crystal devices
• RF components
• Sensors

Customers include major electronics manufacturers around the world.

Document Solutions

Kyocera is recognized internationally for:

• Laser printers
• Multifunction printers (MFPs)
• Photocopiers
• Document management software
• Enterprise printing solutions

Its printers are designed with long-life components intended to reduce maintenance and waste.

Industrial Tools

The company manufactures:

• Cutting tools
• Precision machining equipment
• Diamond tools
• Industrial machinery

These are widely used in automotive, aerospace, and metalworking industries.4

Communications

Kyocera has produced:

• Mobile phones
• Rugged smartphones
• Wireless communication devices
• Network equipment

The company is known in North America and Japan for durable phones designed for industrial and emergency-service use.

Renewable Energy

Kyocera has invested in:

• Solar panels
• Energy storage systems
• Smart energy management
• Sustainable technologies

The company has been involved in solar technology since the 1970s and remains active in renewable energy solutions.

Kyocera manufactures thousands of products, including:

• Fine ceramics
• Semiconductor packages
• Electronic connectors
• Capacitors
• Crystal oscillators
• Ceramic knives
• Office printers
• Multifunction copiers
• Mobile phones
• Industrial cutting tools
• Solar panels
• Automotive components
• Medical devices

Kyocera’s corporate philosophy is built around:

“To contribute to the advancement of society and humankind.”

Its brand emphasizes two guiding principles:

• Do what’s right
• Do what’s new

These principles reflect the company’s focus on ethical business practices, innovation, and long-term value creation.

The Kyocera logo features:

• A stylized “K”
• A surrounding “C” representing “Ceramics”

Introduced in 1982, the design symbolizes the company’s origins in advanced ceramics while reflecting its broader technological identity.

Kyocera serves customers in industries such as:

• Consumer electronics
• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Telecommunications
• Medical devices
• Renewable energy
• Industrial manufacturing
• Information technology

The company maintains manufacturing, research, sales, and support facilities across Japan, the United States, Europe, China, Southeast Asia, and other regions.

Kyocera is known for pioneering work in:

• Fine ceramic engineering
• Semiconductor packaging
• Electronic materials
• Precision manufacturing
• Industrial ceramics
• Renewable energy technologies

Its ceramic materials are valued for their resistance to heat, wear, and corrosion, making them essential in high-performance industrial and electronic applications.

The management philosophy established by founder Kazuo Inamori emphasizes:

• Respect for employees
• Ethical leadership
• Continuous improvement
• Customer-first thinking
• Long-term sustainable growth

These principles have significantly influenced Kyocera’s corporate culture and global reputation.

• Founded in 1959 in Kyoto, Japan.
• Started with 28 employees as a fine ceramics company.
• Renamed from Kyoto Ceramic to Kyocera in 1982.
• Operates 279 group companies worldwide.
• Employs about 73,856 people (as of March 2026).
• Annual consolidated revenue exceeds ¥2 trillion.
• Known globally for advanced ceramics, electronic components, office document solutions, industrial tools, and renewable energy technologies.

1. Corporate Summary | About the Kyocera Group | KYOCERA
2. About the Kyocera Group | KYOCERA
3. Kyocera
4. 会社概要 | 京セラグループについて