HP Japan

# HP Japan: High-Level Overview

HP Japan is the Japanese subsidiary of Hewlett-Packard, operating as a fully owned division of the multinational technology corporation. The company serves the Japanese market across HP's full portfolio of products and services, including printing systems, personal computing, software, and IT infrastructure solutions. As of fiscal year 2009, HP Japan generated approximately 363 billion yen ($4.26 billion) in revenues, representing about 3.5% of Hewlett-Packard's total global sales[2]. The subsidiary operates as a mature, established business unit within one of the world's largest technology companies, providing enterprise and consumer technology solutions to Japanese customers across 162 countries where HP maintains operations[4].

# Origin Story

HP Japan was established in 1963 as Hewlett-Packard's first joint-venture company, named Yokogawa Hewlett-Packard[1]. This partnership with Yokogawa Electric Works reflected Hewlett-Packard's strategic foresight—the company was approximately a decade ahead of most American technology firms in recognizing Japan's business potential during the post-war economic expansion[1]. The venture was later restructured when Hewlett-Packard bought out its partner and renamed the operation "Hewlett-Packard Japan," transforming it into a wholly owned subsidiary[1]. This early entry into the Japanese market positioned HP to capture significant share in one of Asia's largest technology markets during the subsequent decades of rapid growth.

# Core Differentiators

• Early market entry: HP established operations in Japan in 1963, gaining first-mover advantage over most American technology competitors in a market that would become critical to global tech strategy[1]

• Comprehensive product portfolio: HP Japan offers the full range of Hewlett-Packard's technology solutions—from printing and personal computing to enterprise infrastructure and software services[4]

• Research and development presence: HP Labs maintains a facility in Tokyo (established 1990), enabling local innovation and product development tailored to Japanese market needs[4]

• Scale and market penetration: With revenues exceeding $4 billion annually as of 2009, HP Japan operates at a scale that reflects deep market integration and customer trust across enterprise and consumer segments[2]

# Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

HP Japan exemplifies the strategic importance of Asian markets to global technology companies. The company's 1963 founding predated the broader wave of American tech expansion into Japan by roughly a decade, reflecting HP's early recognition that Japan would become a critical manufacturing and consumer hub. As HP evolved from a test-and-measurement equipment maker into a diversified technology conglomerate—particularly following the 2002 Compaq merger that created a $87 billion global leader[4]—Japan remained a significant revenue contributor and operational center. The subsidiary's presence in Japan also supported HP's broader Asia-Pacific strategy, with the company establishing research facilities across the region (Bangalore in 2002, Beijing in 2005) to serve growing markets[4].

# Quick Take & Future Outlook

HP Japan represents a mature, stable business unit within a diversified global technology corporation. The subsidiary's long operational history and substantial revenue base indicate deep customer relationships and market entrenchment across printing, computing, and enterprise solutions. Looking forward, HP Japan's trajectory will likely be shaped by broader industry trends affecting the parent company—including the ongoing shift toward cloud computing, managed services, and digital transformation solutions, as well as competitive pressures in traditional printing markets. The company's continued investment in local research and development suggests HP views Japan as strategically important for innovation and market leadership in Asia, positioning the subsidiary to remain a significant contributor to Hewlett-Packard's global operations.