Foundation (1959)

Kyocera was established on April 1, 1959 as Kyoto Ceramic Co., Ltd. by engineer Kazuo Inamori together with a small team of employees. The company started with capital of 3 million yen and just 28 employees, focusing on manufacturing fine ceramic components for television picture tubes. The company’s success came from developing high-performance industrial ceramics that offered excellent heat resistance, durability, and electrical insulation. These products quickly gained recognition in Japan’s growing electronics industry. [2]

Growth and International Expansion

During the 1960s and 1970s, Kyocera expanded rapidly by:

• 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 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, making Kyocera one of Japan’s largest industrial technology companies. [4]

The name Kyocera comes from the 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. [5]

Kyocera operates through several major business divisions.

1. Core Components

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. [6]

2. Electronic Components

Manufactures:

• Capacitors

• Connectors

• Crystal devices

• RF components

• Sensors

Customers include major electronics manufacturers around the world. [7]

3. Document Solutions

Kyocera is internationally recognized for:

• Laser printers

• Multifunction printers (MFPs)

• Photocopiers

• Document management software

• Enterprise printing solutions

Its printers are known for long-life components designed to reduce maintenance and waste. [8]

4. Industrial Tools

The company manufactures:

• Cutting tools

• Precision machining equipment

• Diamond tools

• Industrial machinery

These are widely used in automotive, aerospace, and metalworking industries. [9]

5. Communications

Kyocera has produced:

• Mobile phones

• Rugged smartphones

• Wireless communication devices

• Network equipment

The company is especially known in North America and Japan for durable phones designed for industrial and emergency-service use. [10]

6. Renewable Energy

Kyocera has invested heavily 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. [11]

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

[12]

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. [13]

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. [14]

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. [15]

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. [16]

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. [17]

• 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. [18]

1. Corporate Summary | About the Kyocera Group | KYOCERA

2. About the Kyocera Group | KYOCERA

3. Kyocera

4. -1979 | History | About the Kyocera Group | KYOCERA

5. About Us | Fine Ceramics (Advanced Ceramics) | KYOCERA

6. 1980- | History | About the Kyocera Group | KYOCERA

7. Our Brand | About the Kyocera Group | KYOCERA

8. About us | Support | Electronic Components & Devices | KYOCERA

9. 会社概要 | 京セラグループについて | 京セラ

10. sec.gov

11. Innovation and dedication for half-a-century of success | News | KYOCERA

12. Management Message | About the Kyocera Group | KYOCERA

13. Corporate Profile Video & Brochure | About the Kyocera Group | KYOCERA