Winner of the SMALL GIANTS AWARD "Will Power Award"

Hakusan Inc. made a presentation at the SMALL GIANTS AWARD 2024/2025 hosted by Forbes JAPAN. Among the seven finalists selected from 150 companies, Hakusan was awarded the Willpower Award in recognition of its recovery story from the brink of bankruptcy, recovery from the earthquake disaster, and momentum for expanding overseas transactions.

The event was posted on YouTube, and you can watch Hakusan 's presentation from 32:25. Please click here to watch it.

What is the SMALL GIANTS AWARD?

Looking across the country, there are many small companies that have a strong presence overseas and contribute to their local communities. The "SMALL GIANTS AWARD" is a project launched by Forbes JAPAN in 2018 to support small and medium-sized enterprises that create unique value not found in large companies and take on challenges for the local community and the future.

This award aims to discover and recognize "strong small and medium-sized enterprises" that have unique value and innovation, rather than simply being judged by size or sales, and that make significant contributions to the Japanese economy and local communities.

150 companies from all over Japan were selected for the SMALL GIANTS AWARD 2024-2025. The seven finalists, including Hakusan are all outstanding companies with overwhelming technological capabilities, history, and influence. The finalists gave presentations on the themes of "developing global markets," "contribution to the local community," and "ability to continue earning."

This year marked the first time the event was held in person in five years, with the heated judging taking place at TIAT SKY HALL on Monday, November 25th.

Finalist Presentations

Introducing the finalists (in order of presentation)

• Akasaka Fisheries Limited
  Developing the global market with branded red sea bream aquaculture

• Hakusan Inc.
  Manufactures optical connector parts, boasting the second largest market share in the world
  Demand is exploding as data centers are expanded!

• Japan Heat Source Systems Co., Ltd.
  A leading manufacturer of industrial "natural refrigerant" refrigerators

• NANGA Co., Ltd.
  Futons, outdoor sleeping bags, down jackets, and other technologies that "warm the human body"

• Crypton Future Media, Inc.
  Developer of "Hatsune Miku". Supporting creators around the world

• Elysium Co., Ltd.
  40% of the world's market share in 3D shape processing and data conversion technology

• Naigai Co., Ltd.
  A glove expert from Kagawa, chosen by the world's top athletes

Each of these companies gave a presentation on the themes of "developing global markets," "contribution to the local community," and "the ability to continue earning money," and were awarded Grand Prizes and special prizes.

Award Results

• Grand Prix

Japan Heat Source Systems Co., Ltd.
Crypton Future Media, Inc.

• Prizes

・Glocal Award: Akasaka Fisheries Co., Ltd.

・Willpower Award: Hakusan Inc.

・Local Hero Award: NANGA Corporation

・Cutting Edge Award: Elysium Co., Ltd.

・Silent Hero Award: Naigai Co., Ltd.

・Global Award: Crypton Future Media, Inc.

・Green Revolution Award: Japan Heat Source Systems Co., Ltd.

Hakusan 's announcement

Hakusan Inc. shared their story of recovery from the brink of bankruptcy, recovery from the earthquake disaster, and the current momentum of expanding overseas trade. They also presented their vision for the future, which is to further expand their business by proactively introducing new products.

The optical business, which was once a small business, has expanded sales 12-fold in seven years and has grown rapidly to the point where MT Ferrule have the second largest share in the world. This growth has been supported by the expansion of data centers due to demand for AI, high technical capabilities and product development capabilities, as well as an increase in direct transactions with overseas customers. This has greatly increased the company's trust and recognition in the global market.

In particular, the Toyama medicine seller's philosophy of "use first, profit later" is also key to business success. Like the Toyama medicine sellers, this method involves first getting customers to try out the product that has been developed. Then, after listening to customer feedback and making improvements, the product is mass-produced and brought to the market. This flexible and speedy approach creates a competitive edge that is unmatched by other companies.

We will continue to quickly grasp the changes of the times, continue to grow at the forefront of the industry, and continue to take on the challenge of becoming a "true global niche top company."

Although we regretfully did not win the Grand Prix, we were honored to receive the Willpower Award! "Trouble is my business, trouble is my chance," we faced many difficulties, but our strong efforts to overcome them and turn them into opportunities were recognized. We are very honored to be recognized for our efforts to pave the way for the future with passion.

The SMALL GIANTS AWARD is an award that supports small and medium-sized enterprises that create unique value that large corporations cannot offer and are making strong strides toward their local communities and the future.
As the SMALL GIANTS AWARD demonstrates, we believe that small but powerful steps can have the power to create big change.
With this award as a springboard, Hakusan Inc. hopes to further expand its possibilities and become a presence that delivers hope from the local area to all of Japan.
Please keep an eye on Hakusan Inc., Ltd.'s future success!

Please click here to see the event. Hakusan 's presentation starts at 32:25.