Do you need the best ball valve manufacturers in Japan? For use of strategic significance—whether petrochemicals, pharma, or water treatment—quality and reliability are not a matter of debate. And with hordes of suppliers vying for your attention, selecting the right one can be like running a maze. In this guide, we’ve handpicked the top 10 ball valve manufacturers in Japan, each distinguished by decades of engineering excellence, stringent quality control, and a commitment to innovation.
Others offer tailored valve solutions for niche uses; others offer high-volume manufacturing capacity and global distribution networks. By cutting out the middlemen and going directly to these manufacturers, you have first-hand pricing and direct technical support—no markup, no middlemen. If you desire to streamline procurement and ensure consistency on your projects, our handpicked listing will lead you to the best Japanese ball valve manufacturers.
Note: We have not included trading houses and distribution-oriented companies. In case you also require additional on-site quality inspection or logistics support, it may be wise to join forces with a professional sourcing agent. Otherwise, check out our ultimate list of Japan’s leading ball valve manufacturers.
1. List of Top 10 Ball Valve Manufacturers in Japan
Below is a summary of the leading ball valve manufacturers featured in this guide. The list below indicates their names, locations, and start year:
| NO. | Company | Website | Year Established |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyoto Valve & Control (KVC) | https://www.kvc-kyoto.co.jp/ | 1952 |
| 2 | Sawamura Valve Co., Ltd. | https://sawamura-valve.co.jp/ | 1931 |
| 3 | PlumberStar Co., Ltd. | https://plumberstar.com/ | 2006 |
| 4 | Hisaka Works, Ltd. (Valve Division) | https://www.hisaka.co.jp/valve/ | 1938 |
| 5 | NBV Co., Ltd. | https://www.nbv.co.jp/ | 1971 |
| 6 | KITZ Corporation | https://www.kitz.com/en/ | 1954 |
| 7 | NDV Co., Ltd. | https://www.ndv.co.jp/ | 1950 |
| 8 | Keihin Valve Engineering Co., Ltd. | https://www.keihin-ve.co.jp/ | 1964 |
| 9 | Valco Co., Ltd. | http://valco.co.jp/ | 1953 |
| 10 | Unicima Japan Co., Ltd. | https://www.unicima-japan.com/ | 2000 |
2. Top 10 Ball Valve Manufacturers in Japan
Now, let’s delve deep into the information of each Ball Valve manufacturer in Japan mentioned above:
Top 1: Kyoto Valve & Control (KVC)
Kyoto Valve & Control (KVC) was founded in 1952 in Kyoto, Japan, and has grown to be a world-class industrial ball valve, butterfly valve, and specialty flow-control producer. Having started as a regional valve repair shop, KVC had invested in precision machining and metallurgical research and development. By the 1970s, it had introduced low-temperature stainless steel ball valves to the chemical industry, becoming ISO 9001 certified in 1987. Today, KVC exports to over 50 nations with six overseas sales offices and two state-of-the-art factories.
KVC’s product line varies from simple manual valves all the way up to fully automatic, SCADA-operated assemblies. Its own “K-Seal™” floating ball design minimizes fugitive emissions and offers improved life in corrosive service. KVC won the “Best Innovator in Valve Technology” award from the Japan Fluid Engineering Association in 2018. Its own test facility is able to simulate pressure to 2,000 bar and cryogenic service to –196 °C to ensure operation under the most extreme conditions.
Website: https://www.kvc-kyoto.co.jp/
Year established: 1952
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Products:
- Floating Ball Valves
- Trunnion Ball Valves
- V-Port Ball Valves
- Automated Valve Assemblies
- Cryogenic Valves
Top 2: Sawamura Valve Co., Ltd.
Initially producing brass fittings, Sawamura diversified during the post–World War II era with a huge investment in research in metallurgy. In the 1960s, Sawamura also created its “Sawamaster™” brand line of double-seal, patented design trunnion-mounted ball valves to achieve no leakage at high differential pressure.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Sawamura moved into petrochemical hubs like Chiba and Himeji, exporting turn-key valve packages to ethylene crackers and LPG terminals.
Today, Sawamura serves oil & gas, power generation, and shipbuilding customers. Its in-house R&D collaborates with universities on the creation of high-level coatings for sour gas (H₂S) corrosion resistance. The company received the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award in 2015 for its contribution to Japanese manufacturing excellence. Sawamura’s global network includes sales offices in Singapore, Houston, and Dubai, with multilingual technical service personnel offering support.
Website: https://sawamura-valve.co.jp/
Year established: 1931
Location: Osaka, Japan
Products:
- Trunnion Ball Valves
- Floating Ball Valves
- Multi-port Valves
- Cryogenic Valves
- High-pressure Valves
Top 3: Plumberstar Co., Ltd.
Plumberstar Co., Ltd. was founded in 2006 as a China-based agile startup with a vision of digitalizing plumbing and flow-control solutions. Within its short period, Plumberstar gained rapid momentum by creating modular valve architectures and digital integration. By 2013, the company launched its cloud-enabled “StarLink™” series, which made it possible to monitor valve positions in real time, control temperature, and detect leaks via an IIoT-based proprietary platform.
In 2016, Plumberstar broke ground on a new 15,000 m² factory campus, with robotic welding cells and a zero-defect vision inspection system. The investment cut quality escapes in half and prepared it for ISO 9001:2015 recertification. It also attained CE marking for its water-service ball valves, permitting entry into European municipal projects.
Plumberstar’s customer coverage is residential, commercial, and light industrial. Its high-end residential product comes with ergonomic lever handles and low-lead brass bodies to satisfy stringent potable water specifications. Throughout 2020, amidst global supply chain disruptions, PlumberStar transitioned to domestic component sourcing and attained 80% domestic content, for which it was commended by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
Despite being a young company, Plumberstar has received Innovation Awards at Valve World Asia for its smart actuators and patented, low-torque ball technology. Kuala Lumpur and Los Angeles technical support facilities offer worldwide customers 24/7 coverage.
Website: https://plumberstar.com/custom-ball-valve/
Year established: 2006
Location: China
Products:
- Residential Ball Valves
- Commercial Ball Valves
- Smart Actuated Valves
- IIoT Monitoring Kits
- Valve Accessories
Top 4: Hisaka Works, Ltd. (Valve Division)
Hisaka Works, Ltd. traces its roots to 1938 in Osaka, where it initially manufactured heat exchangers but went on to start its valve business in 1965. Leveraging decades of thermal-engineering experience, Hisaka introduced heat-resistant ball valves specifically designed for chemical processes and high-temperature steam into the market. Hisaka’s V-port ball valves in the 1980s became the norm in Japan’s then-nascent semiconductor manufacturing sector, where precise flow control and cleanroom compatibility are key requirements.
Among the principal milestones was, in 1990, commissioning Hisaka’s nickel-alloy foundry, which produced alloy C276 and Hastelloy-trimmed valves to treat aggressive media. ISO 14001 certification of the valve business in 1998, a company commitment to the environment, was achieved. Hisaka’s valves have been applied in Hokkaido LNG regasification terminals and Yokkaichi petrochemical complexes.
Hisaka Valve Division nowadays offers a complete portfolio: manual, gear-operated, and fully pneumatic or electrically actuated ball valves. Its “CleanLogic™” series of products, launched in 2012, features FDA-approved seals and metal-free flow paths for use in the pharmaceutical and food industries. In 2019, Hisaka received the JSME Award for Mechanical Engineering Innovation for its high-response actuator design.
With its 400 employees around the world and service offices located in Frankfurt and Houston, Hisaka remains at the forefront of alloy metallurgy and digital valve diagnostics.
Website: https://www.hisaka.co.jp/valve/
Year established: 1965 (valve division)
Location: Osaka, Japan
Products:
- High-Temperature Ball Valves
- Alloy-Trim Valves
- Cleanroom-Compatible Valves
- Actuated Valve Assemblies
- Custom OEM Solutions
Top 5: NBV Co., Ltd.
NBV Co., Ltd., founded in 1971 in Nagoya, was a tiny workshop originally making brass fittings for automobile hydraulics. In the second half of the 1970s, it started making stainless steel ball valves, taking advantage of Japan’s automobile and industrial automation fever. NBV came up with its self-lubricating seat concept in 198,3, reducing the maintenance cycle by 40% for heavy-duty applications.
In the 1990s, NBV diversified South American and Southeast Asian exports through Brazilian and Malaysian subsidiaries. In 2001, NBV’s quick-change seals and seats modular valve platform won the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Technology Award. In 2005, NBV was certified to ISO 9001 and ISO/TS 16949 (automotive quality).
Trunnion ball and general-service floating ball valves, high-cycle automation packages, and semiconductor ultrapure water system specialty valves are among the existing product lines of NBV. Their “EcoSeal™” soft-seal valves, launched in 2017, deliver a tight shut-off for hydrogen fueling stations, a new clean-energy use.
NBV also has continuous research collaboration with Nagoya University’s department of **Materials Science**, where **additive-manufactured valve components** are researched as of now. Production is over 200,000 units/year, and sales are exported to more than 30 nations.
Website: https://www.nbv.co.jp/
Year established: 1971
Location: Nagoya, Japan
Products:
- Floating Ball Valves
- Trunnion Ball Valves
- High-Cycle Valves
- Ultrapure Water Valves
- Hydrogen Service Valves
Top 6: KITZ Corporation
KITZ Corporation began operations in Tokyo in 1954 following the merger of three machine shops. Early investments in die-casting and forging allowed valve manufacturing to be scaled up rapidly. KITZ produced Japan’s first all-cast stainless steel ball valve by 1962, with contracts from Kitakyushu and Kobe steel mills.
The 1970s saw KITZ diversify into gate valves and butterfly valves, though ball valves remained a core competency. In 1985, the company created its “SecurSeat™” metal seat, which offers bubble-tight shut-off for natural gas distribution systems—a feat highlighted by the JIPM Monodzukuri Nippon Grand Award in 1990.
International growth gained speed in the 2000s with Chinese and Malaysian manufacturing facilities. KITZ has 18 global production locations today and one of the widest ball valve ranges, from mini instrumentation valves to 48-inch subsea valves. Their “SmartValve™” series features the integration of torque sensors and predictive maintenance analysis.
In recent years, KITZ has focused on sustainability, launching recycled-metal valve bodies and carbon-neutral production at its local plants as of 2022. Production totals over 1 million valves annually.
Website: https://www.kitz.com/en/
Year established: 1954
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Products:
- Cast Stainless Steel Valves
- Forged Ball Valves
- Subsea Ball Valves
- Instrumentation Valves
- Smart Actuated Valves
Top 7: NDV Co., Ltd.
NDV Co., Ltd., headquartered in Fukuoka since 1950, has specialized in high-pressure and high-integrity ball valves for over seven decades. From manufacturing brass compression fittings, the organization shifted its production to carbon steel and stainless steel valvetrain components in the mid-1960s to address Japan’s growing petrochemical industry.
NDV’s breakthrough came in 1974 when it was able to design a double-block-and-bleed (DBB) trunnion ball valve, meeting extremely stringent North Sea offshore specifications. This item procured NDV its first overseas order to Norway, which marked the starting point of its international presence.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, NDV has spent on finite-element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to engineer optimal valve internals for lower pressure drop and enhanced cavitation resistance. In 2008, NDV set up a digital factory in Kitakyushu with robotic welding and laser cladding for wear-resistant trims.
NDV provides a range of class-V fugitive-emission valves, sour-service double-block-and-bleed valves, and OEM custom-valve designs for LNG, FPSO, and chemical facilities. The firm owns over 45 valve-sealing, actuation, and digital diagnostic patents.
Website: https://www.ndv.co.jp/
Year established: 1950
Location: Fukuoka, Japan
Products:
- Double-Block-and-Bleed Valves
- Sour Service Valves
- High-Pressure Valves
- Cryogenic Valves
- Digital Diagnostic Kits
Top 8: Keihin Valve Engineering Co., Ltd.
Since its establishment in 1964 outside Tokyo’s Keihin industrial district, Keihin Valve Engineering Co., Ltd. has been dealing exclusively in specialty ball valves for harsh environments. Its initial experience was with aviation ground service equipment valves with the need for precise leak-tightness under alternating pressures.
Keihin was the first Japanese firm to win UL and FM approval on its fire-safe ball valves in 1978, entering North American refinery markets. In the 1980s and 1990s, Keihin penetrated marine applications, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries collaborations on submarine and naval ship valves.
Keihin’s Yokosuka Research and Development Center manufactured corrosion-protected coatings and high-performance polymer seats in the early 2000s. They launched their “ArcticFlow™” series in 2010, which has stable operation to –60 °C for liquefied gas distribution. Keihin received the Minister of Defense Award in 2016 for its naval engineering activity.
Currently, Keihin Valve Engineering provides oil & gas, defense, and specialty chemicals. Its vertically integrated design—from casting to final assembly—maintains tight control of delivery. A new line of IIoT-connected smart actuators was launched in 2023, with remote diagnostics for use on unmanned offshore platforms.
Website: https://www.keihin-ve.co.jp/
Year established: 1964
Location: Kanagawa, Japan
Products:
- Fire-Safe Ball Valves
- Low-Temperature Valves
- Marine-Grade Valves
- Aviation Ground-Service Valves
- Smart Actuated Valves
Top 9: Valco Co., Ltd.
Valco Co., Ltd., founded in 1953 in Saitama Prefecture, began as a precision metal stamping manufacturer before moving into valve components. In 1968, Valco launched its first floating ball valve series, which specialized in compact modules for chemical dosing. They were popular in laboratory and pilot-plant operations because they were light and compact in design.
In the 1980s, Valco invested in lean manufacturing and automated machining, reducing waste and cost. This efficiency enabled the company to underprice the competition on small-bore (½″ to 2″) valves without sacrificing quality. In 1995, Valco received ISO 9001 accreditation and began exporting to Europe under PED approval.
A few of their latest developments include their “EcoLock™” seal retention system, which reduces packing replacement frequency by 60%. Valco partnered with a German actuator specialist in 2021 to offer integrated electric and pneumatic packages that are integrated. Though their annual production volume is lower than mega-manufacturers, Valco’s niche specialty in smaller high-precision valves ensures a loyal client base in laboratories, pilot plants, and OEM equipment.
Website: http://valco.co.jp/
Year established: 1953
Location: Saitama, Japan
Products:
- Compact Floating Valves
- Dosing Valves
- Miniature Ball Valves
- Automation Packages
- Laboratory Valve Assemblies
Top 10: Unicima Japan Co., Ltd.
Unicima Japan Co., Ltd. was founded in 2000 in Chiba Prefecture to meet the growing demand for corrosion-resistant valves for new markets. Backed by venture capital, Unicima took early bets in polymer science and composite materials and introduced PTFE-lined and PFA-encapsulated ball valves in 2005.
Its “UniCore™” composite valve bodies—capitalizing on fiberglass reinforcement and thermoplastic liners—offered superior chemical resistance against aggressive acids and solvents. Unicima was awarded the Valve World Innovation Award in 2007 for this innovation. In 2012, Unicima expanded its production presence with a second plant for injection molding of thermoplastic components.
Unicima serves the semiconductor, battery manufacturing, and fine chemicals markets, where metal valves tend to fail. Products are designed to SEMI S2 and S8 chemical process equipment standards. New developments include a self-cleaning seat design to prevent particulate deposition in ultrapure water systems.
With very limited specialization in advanced materials, Unicima is still not a mass-production valve manufacturer. Its custom-designed solutions—sometimes in collaboration with end users—have earned it the image of technical reactivity. It manufactures over 50,000 pieces annually, and almost exclusively for exportation to Asia, North America, and Europe.
Website: https://www.unicima-japan.com/
Year established: 2000
Location: Chiba, Japan
Products:
- PTFE-Lined Ball Valves
- PFA-Encapsulated Valves
- Composite Body Valves
- Semiconductor-Grade Valves
- Self-Cleaning Seat Valves
3.FAQs of Choosing Ball Valve Manufacturers in Japan
Here are some frequently asked questions for your reference:
1) What certifications should I look for in a Japanese ball valve manufacturer?
Look for ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), and API 6D (pipeline valves) certifications. ASME N or equivalent might be required for nuclear or aerospace applications. These standards hold the manufacturer to rigorous design, testing, and materials requirements.
2) How do I decide between floating and trunnion ball valves?
Floating ball valves are less costly and suitable for lower-pressure applications (up to about 100 bar). Trunnion-mounted valves are suitable for larger balls and pressures (>100 bar) with lower torque requirements. Your choice depends on line size, operating pressure, and actuation method.
3) Is the choice of materials important to valve longevity?
Yes. Standard materials include stainless steel (SS304/SS316), which is corrosion-resistant; carbon steel for general service; and specialty alloys (e.g., Monel, Hastelloy) for aggressive media. Cryogenic services require low-temperature steels or aluminum bronze. Match valve trim materials to your process fluid always.
4) Are special actuation packages available?
Yes. Most Japanese manufacturers offer integrated solutions: positioner-supplied electric actuators, pneumatic rack-and-pinion assemblies, or even IIoT-connected intelligent actuators. Confirm compatibility with your control system (e.g., 4–20 mA, HART, PROFIBUS).
5) What are the lead times that I can expect?
Standard valves will be shipped in 4–8 weeks; large bore or bespoke valves will be 12–16 weeks. The principal manufacturers hold significant stock, but rush orders will entail premium charges.
4. Conclusion
Selecting a dependable ball valve partner in Japan requires careful observation of quality specifications, material expertise, and customization capabilities. Having walked through the best 10 producers featured in this guidebook, you’ve discovered the industry titans, covering venerable centenarians to agile start-ups. No matter if you require cryogenic functionality, petrochemical strength, or smart-actuated accuracy, they are ready to deliver. So, are you prepared to start a direct relationship with the top ball valve manufacturers in Japan? Using this guidebook as your roadmap, you are now prepared to embark on a seamless and successful sourcing journey.