Icom

Basic Information

Stock Code
6820
Industry
Electrical Equipment
Category Detail
Information & Communication Equipment
Prefecture
Osaka Prefecture
Establishment Year
July 1964
Listing Year
December 1990
Official Website
https://www.icom.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Other Companies
Nisshinbo Holdings, Shoei Yakuhin, Morio Denki, Saxa, OKI, Nakayo, Aiphone, San Electronics, Yokoo, Allied Telesis Holdings, Nippon Antenna, Japan Avionics, Konseck

Overview

Icom is a wireless communication equipment manufacturer founded in 1964 and is one of Japan's leading information and communication equipment companies with strengths in professional and amateur radio fields.

Current Situation

Icom achieved consolidated net sales of approximately 34.2 billion yen and operating profit of approximately 2.8 billion yen for the fiscal year ended March 2023, maintaining a solid financial base. In its core wireless communication equipment business, land-based professional wireless communication equipment accounts for about 48% of sales, and amateur radio equipment makes up 17%. The company is actively expanding overseas, with about 36% of sales in North, Central, and South America, as well as in the EMEA and Asia-Oceania regions. Technologically, it developed Japan's first handheld transceiver and focuses on differentiation with high-end models, while strengthening supply to communication network sectors such as SIP servers for NTT Docomo's Mobile Centrex. For sustainability, it rigorously prevents counterfeits and strives to enhance product reliability. Moving forward, it aims for growth through advanced professional radios and overseas market expansion, with a focus on technological innovation and improved after-sales service.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Pioneer company that developed Japan's first handheld portable radio
  • Sells high-end communication equipment models over 1 million yen
  • Actively addresses counterfeit radio issues as a Japanese company
  • Began overseas expansion in 1976 and grew internationally
  • Operated PC shops in Akihabara and Nihonbashi
  • Products span aviation, marine, wireless LAN, and more
  • Supplies equipment for NTT Docomo's Mobile Centrex
  • Approximately 1,000 consolidated employees in mid-sized structure
  • Head office in Hirano-ku, Osaka City, with Narayama Research Lab

Hidden Connections

  • JVC Kenwood and Optical Communications hold shares as major shareholders.
  • Influence on prior management base from PC-related business in Osaka's Nihonbashi.
  • Often referred to by old name 'Inoue' from Inoue Electric Manufacturing era.
  • Strong influence in amateur radio community as historical wireless pioneer.
  • Issued statement denying involvement of discontinued products as counterfeits in Lebanon's radio explosion incident.
  • Official supplier to Cerezo Osaka, providing communication equipment for sports events.
  • Has record of providing radio equipment for World Scout Jamboree.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expansion of IoT and digital wireless communication technologies
  • Increasing communication demand in public safety
  • Growing demand for wireless equipment in emerging overseas markets
  • Strengthened integration with 5G and next-generation communications
  • Expansion of demand for disaster prevention and emergency radio systems
  • Demand for advanced communication equipment due to business efficiency needs
  • Provision of integrated network and wireless solutions
  • Increasing demand for environmentally friendly products
  • Expansion of demand for repair and maintenance services
  • Strengthened technical orientation among amateur radio enthusiasts

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve overseas sales ratio over 60%
  • 100% digitalization of product lineup
  • Expansion of low-environmental-impact products and services
  • Strengthened development of new technologies like SIP servers for communication infrastructure
  • Maintain customer satisfaction over 90%
  • Market development for disaster-related communication systems
  • Establish product portfolio for 5G/6G-related communication equipment
  • Enhance employee technical skills and promote diversity
  • Strengthen anti-counterfeit measures and establish product brand trust
  • Expansion of community contribution activities

Business Segments

Land Mobile Professional Radio Equipment

Overview
Meets professional wireless communication needs of public and private sectors with safe, reliable products and services.
Competitiveness
High reliability from robust design and long-accumulated expertise.
Customers
  • Public organizations
  • Police and fire departments
  • Construction companies
  • Transportation companies
  • Manufacturing companies
  • Logistics companies
  • Event management companies
  • Security companies
  • Medical institutions
  • Educational institutions
  • Local governments
  • Retail businesses
  • Security firms
  • Facility management
  • Power companies
Products
  • Digital radios
  • Analog radios
  • Base station equipment
  • Software management systems
  • Repeaters
  • Chargers
  • Antennas
  • Accessory equipment
  • SIP servers
  • Professional transceivers

Amateur Radio Equipment

Overview
Provides high-performance communication equipment incorporating the latest technology for the amateur radio market.
Competitiveness
High-performance, reliable product lineup with many repeat customers.
Customers
  • Amateur radio operators
  • Radio clubs
  • Educational institutions
  • Technology enthusiasts
  • Disaster volunteers
  • Wireless communication event organizers
  • Research institutions
  • Communication schools
  • Manufacturers
  • Radio shops
Products
  • Portable radios
  • Mobile radios
  • HF band radios
  • Linear amplifiers
  • Accessories
  • Radio kits
  • Digital modules
  • Antennas

Aviation and Marine Radio Equipment

Overview
Deploys specialized wireless communication solutions supporting safe communications for aircraft and ships.
Competitiveness
Products with industry-standard certifications and high-reliability technology.
Customers
  • Airlines
  • Shipping companies
  • Yacht clubs
  • Airport control
  • Ship management companies
  • Marine research institutions
  • Disaster prevention organizations
  • Port authorities
  • Air force and navy
  • Government agencies
Products
  • VHF aviation radios
  • Marine radios
  • GPS-linked radios
  • Communication accessories

Network Equipment and Systems

Overview
Supports construction and operation of communication networks, providing stable communication environments.
Competitiveness
Proven track record with major players like NTT Docomo and flexible software compatibility.
Customers
  • Telecommunications carriers
  • IT companies
  • Corporate IT departments
  • Public infrastructure management
  • Educational institutions
  • Hospitals
  • Public transportation
  • Manufacturing industry
  • Service industry
Products
  • SIP servers
  • Wireless LAN access points
  • Routers
  • Switching hubs
  • Network monitoring systems

Radio Repair and Maintenance Services

Overview
Deploys maintenance and repair services nationwide to support long-term product operation.
Competitiveness
High technical expertise and rapid response system.
Customers
  • Corporate customers
  • Public organizations
  • Equipment retailers
  • Communication equipment management companies
Products
  • Radio repairs
  • Periodic maintenance
  • Technical support
  • Product upgrades

Specified Low-Power and Simple Radios

Overview
Provides easy-to-use wireless communication equipment to a wide range of customers.
Competitiveness
Superior ease of use and cost-performance.
Customers
  • Stores
  • Facility management
  • Delivery services
  • Educational institutions
  • Event companies
  • Volunteer groups
  • Small businesses
Products
  • Specified low-power transceivers
  • Simple radios
  • Related accessories

Disaster Prevention and Emergency Communication Systems

Overview
Deploys communication equipment and systems supporting rapid information transmission during disasters.
Competitiveness
High-reliability communication equipment and disaster response expertise.
Customers
  • Local governments
  • Fire departments
  • Police stations
  • Disaster prevention organizations
  • Disaster volunteer groups
Products
  • Disaster radios systems
  • Emergency communication equipment
  • Linkage software

Application Software Development

Overview
Provides various software to optimize operations of wireless communication equipment.
Competitiveness
Interoperability with communication equipment and customization capabilities.
Customers
  • Telecom-related companies
  • Public institutions
  • IT vendors
  • Solution providers
Products
  • Radio operation management software
  • IP communication technology software
  • Data analysis software

Education and Training Services

Overview
Deploys various education programs to disseminate specialized knowledge and operation skills.
Competitiveness
Instructors with rich practical experience and comprehensive training content.
Customers
  • Wireless technicians
  • New customers
  • Universities and vocational schools
  • Corporate customers
Products
  • Wireless communication courses
  • Technical training
  • Product operation training

Overseas Business Expansion and Local Subsidiary Support

Overview
Promotes global expansion through product deployment and local support in overseas markets.
Competitiveness
Close collaboration with local subsidiaries in each country.
Customers
  • Overseas distributors
  • Local companies
  • Overseas customers
Products
  • Product sales
  • Technical support
  • Marketing
  • Local customer service

Industrial Wireless Communication Solutions

Overview
Supports industrial infrastructure with wireless communication technology for harsh environments.
Competitiveness
Advanced technology development and custom solutions.
Customers
  • Manufacturing plants
  • Energy industry
  • Mines
  • Infrastructure management
Products
  • Explosion-proof radios
  • Environmentally resistant radios
  • Communication solutions

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Accumulated expertise in wireless technology development over many years
  • Robust and highly reliable product design
  • Brand recognition in professional and amateur markets
  • Extensive domestic and international sales channels and overseas expansion
  • Advanced high-performance digital communication technology
  • Broad product lineup
  • Strong customer support system
  • Proprietary wireless network technology
  • Development capabilities for SIP servers and other communication systems
  • Rapid product repair and maintenance services
  • Adaptability to diverse B2B businesses
  • Active investment in cutting-edge technology
  • Stable financial base
  • Strong leadership from management team
  • Mature corporate foundation

Competitive Advantages

  • Industry pioneer that developed Japan's first handheld radio
  • High-end product lineup differentiated from competitors at premium prices
  • Approximately 67% overseas sales ratio in global markets
  • High market share in niche applications
  • Superior communication quality via advanced digital radio technology
  • Integration with communication infrastructure like NTT Docomo SIP servers
  • Extensive product lines and customization capabilities
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction through robust repair and maintenance
  • R&D and sales bases positioned in each region
  • Ensuring sustainability and product reliability
  • Product and service deployment across diverse applications
  • Performance retention in harsh environments due to rugged design
  • Business growth with increasing consolidated sales
  • Talent development and recruitment in specialized fields
  • Flexible product development responsive to customer needs

Threats

  • Intensifying price competition from overseas rivals
  • Need to keep pace with rapid technological innovation
  • Potential regulatory tightening due to military diversion risks
  • Sales instability from market demand fluctuations
  • Impact on profit margins from exchange rate fluctuations
  • Supply chain disruptions from international situations
  • Risk of counterfeit and imitation products in the market
  • Demands for strengthened information security measures
  • Intensified market competition from new entrants
  • Impacts from regulatory relaxations or specific frequency changes
  • Legal risks such as patent litigation
  • Brand damage from product accidents or quality issues

Innovations

2024: Launch of new high-function digital radio models

Overview
Announced a high-performance radio series equipped with advanced digital communication technology.
Impact
Contributes to strengthening competitiveness in professional radio sector.

2023: Expansion of SIP servers for NTT Docomo

Overview
Enhanced SIP server functions for Mobile Centrex to improve network compatibility.
Impact
Promotes collaboration with telecom carriers and sales growth.

2022: Development of digital communication management software

Overview
Released a new version of operation management software to improve radio efficiency.
Impact
Leads to reduced operational costs for customers.

2021: Expansion of digital simple radio lineup

Overview
Developed digital-compatible simple radios to enhance usability.
Impact
Successfully expanded demand across broader user base.

2020: Introduction of power-saving technology for wireless communication

Overview
Implemented energy-saving communication technology to extend battery life.
Impact
Strengthens competitiveness in markets requiring long operation times.

Sustainability

  • Strengthened quality assurance with anti-counterfeit seal introduction
  • Promoting adoption of recyclable packaging materials
  • Advancing energy-efficient product designs
  • Implementing environmental education programs for employees
  • CO2 reduction and efficiency gains through online meetings