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    Our Story

    From the very beginning, our mission has been simple: to contribute to the advancement of society.
    Even in times of rapid change, that mission keeps us grounded – it is our compass for making decisions and finding the right path forward.
    We would like to share the story of where we have been and the future we are building together.

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    Enhancing
    technologies
    and skills

    Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.’s (hereafter “Murata”) roots go back to the challenging days of wartime Japan. Scarce materials and limited facilities forced us to endure countless trials and failures. From these hardships emerged our first product – the titanium oxide ceramic capacitor. This small component embodied the passion and determination that would define Murata’s craftsmanship.

    Founded in 1944, we soon began collaborative research with Kyoto University, pursuing innovative capacitors made with new materials. Through repeated prototyping and refinement, we strengthened our technological foundations. In the 1990s, a major European mobile phone manufacturer tapped us to develop a Bluetooth® module. Despite unfamiliar technical barriers and complex software challenges, we persevered, meeting strict customer requirements, earning deep mutual trust, and delivering the world’s first Bluetooth module.

    That success paved the way for Wi-Fi module development and partnerships that advanced our software capabilities. Today, Murata operates a fully integrated production system, from materials to finished products, independently building and accumulating core technologies that can be adapted for new innovations. Technologies acquired through M&A have further expanded our potential, enabling us to combine our component expertise with software and network communication to create entirely new businesses.

    Applying scientific approach

    From the very beginning, Murata has sought to enhance quotation accuracy and manufacturing efficiency – not by relying solely on experience or intuition, but by meticulously documenting and evaluating each task and the time it requires. Since the 1960s, we have advanced the in-house development of production equipment, driving the transition from manual labor to full-scale automation.

    Today, every process – from material procurement and design to production and sales – is integrated within our Murata Quality Management System (M QMS). This enables us to scientifically monitor manufacturing flows and uphold quality based on three core principles: source control, continuous improvement, and prevention before occurrence.

    On our production floors, small teams actively engage in improvement activities. We have also implemented an “Industrial Engineering Improvement Specialist” certification to equip employees with professional skills for analyzing and resolving line challenges. This empowers frontline teams to autonomously enhance both quality and cost performance. Through rigorous application of scientific management, we share and adapt proven practices across sites, achieving efficient, high-quality manufacturing companywide.

    To ensure all business units work toward the same vision, we maintain unified systems that span technology development, human resources, accounting, and medium- to long-term strategic planning.

    Creating innovative products
    and solutions

    Murata’s founder, whose father operated a ceramics factory, was taught early on: “If you simply copy what others make, everyone loses.” This principle instilled in him a deep commitment to creating innovative products. In the 1940s, we began exploring ways to give ceramics electrical functionality.

    By the 1960s, we pioneered multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) by replacing costly palladium with affordable nickel. Then in the 1980s, we became the first company in the world to achieve stable mass production.

    This innovation dramatically lowered production costs while broadening applications, allowing us to deliver products precisely aligned with customer needs.

    In the 2000s, anticipating the rise of markets demanding miniaturization and high-frequency performance, Murata pursued technologies that were, at the time, considered “over-specified.” Leveraging unique insight, we applied photolithography from semiconductor manufacturing to film-type inductors, attaining exceptional miniaturization alongside high productivity. This innovation has been instrumental in driving the continuing miniaturization and functional evolution of electronic devices, improving performance while saving space within circuit boards and housings.

    Being trustworthy

    In 1979, quality defects were discovered in Murata’s TV tuners sold in the North American market, resulting in a large-scale recall. In response, our founder strengthened efforts to re instill in employees the importance of core principles – quality management, on time delivery, and fair pricing. From the moment the issue emerged, we proactively contacted even customers who had not been affected, demonstrating commitment to and prioritizing open communication. This customer first mindset remains deeply embedded in Murata’s corporate culture today.

    During the collapse of the IT bubble, we stabilized our operations by closely analyzing incoming orders, swiftly identifying excess order risks, and issuing early warnings – actions that earned strong praise from stakeholders. More recently, in 2021, we opened a state of the art Tokyo logistics center featuring seismic resistant construction and independent power generation, ensuring preparedness for natural disasters and pandemics. Enhanced coordination with our Osaka logistics center has further increased supply chain resiliency, giving customers confidence in our delivery capabilities.

    Looking ahead, we will continue to prioritize strong relationships with customers and stakeholders, maintaining a foundation for sustainable growth.

    Together with all our stakeholders, thankful for the increase in prosperity

    In 1951, our founder delivered a message to all employees: “Let Murata’s presence in a place be a joy and a source of pride for that community.” Guided by this principle, Murata has always expressed deep gratitude for the support of people in every country and region where we operate, as well as for the deep commitment of our employees. We have worked hand in hand with local communities to achieve sustainable growth.

    In 1980, our President’s Policy set a clear direction: “Increase production and expand sales of products suited to the era of resource and energy conservation.” Since then, we have driven innovation in product miniaturization, weight reduction, and efficiency, beginning with capacitors. Through these advances, Murata continues to contribute to the progress of the electronics industry, while actively seeking ways to guide environmental and social development toward more positive outcomes – striving to create sustainable processes where electronics and nature coexist in harmony.

    Since the 2000s, we have also supported STEAM education*, inspiring the next generation by sharing the fascination of science and technology with children who will shape the future. Employees of all ages volunteer in these programs, engaging with the children, sparking curiosity, and growing and learning alongside one another.

    * STEAM = Science, Technology, Engineering, liberal Arts, Mathematics – STEM-based education enhanced with creativity training.

    Murata Philosophy

    Murata Philosophy

    Stories from the Scene

    Stories from the Scene

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