Kawasaki Heavy Industries
| File:Kawasaki Heavy Industries Logo.svg | |
| File:Kawasaki Heavy Industries.jpg KHI's headquarters located in Chūō-ku, Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture | |
Native name | 川崎重工業株式会社 |
|---|---|
Romanized name | Kawasaki Jūkōgyō Kabushiki-gaisha |
| Company type | Public KK |
| Template:Tyo | |
| Industry | Heavy equipment Automotive Defense |
| Founded | 15 October 1896 |
| Founder | Shōzō Kawasaki |
| Headquarters | Minato, Tokyo, Japan |
Key people | Yoshinori Kanehana (Chairman) Yasuhiko Hashimoto (president & CEO) |
| Products | Rolling stock, aerospace, shipbuilding, construction, automobiles Kawasaki motor corps |
| Revenue | Increase ¥1.500 trillion (fiscal year ended March 31, 2022) |
| Increase ¥45.805 billion (fiscal year ended March 31, 2022) | |
| Increase ¥23.985 billion (fiscal year ended March 31, 2022) | |
| Total assets | Increase ¥2.022 trillion (fiscal year ended March 31, 2022) |
| Total equity | Decrease ¥444.262 billion (fiscal year ended March 31, 2022) |
Number of employees | 34,010 (as of 31 March 2013) |
| Subsidiaries | |
| Website | www global |
is a publicly traded Japanese multinational corporation specializing in the manufacture of motorcycles, engines, heavy machinery, aerospace and defense systems, rolling stock, and ships. Its main office is situated in Minato, Tokyo. Beyond these sectors, the company also develops industrial robots, gas turbines, pumps, boilers, and various other industrial equipment. Bearing the name of its founder, Kawasaki Shōzō, KHI is recognized as one of Japan's top three heavy industry producers alongside Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and IHI Corporation. Prior to World War II, it was part of the Kobe Kawasaki zaibatsu, which encompassed Kawasaki Steel and Kawasaki Kisen. Following the war, it integrated into the DKB Group keiretsu.
History
Born in 1836, Kawasaki Shōzō embarked on a career in maritime industries early on and survived two significant offshore accidents. These experiences motivated him to advance Japan’s shipping technologies. The company's origins trace back to 1878 when it received its inaugural order, marking its entry into the industry.
In 1886, the firm moved its base from Tokyo to Hyogo to accommodate increasing orders and was renamed Kawasaki Dockyard. It became a publicly listed company under the name Kawasaki Dockyard Co., Ltd during the Sino-Japanese War in 1894, with Kojiro Matsukata serving as its first president.
By 1906, Kawasaki had broadened its operations to include manufacturing components for railroads, automobiles, and aircraft. After World War I and following the 1912 Allied arms-limitation treaty, shipbuilding demand diminished significantly—a trend further exacerbated by the economic downturn during the Great Depression starting in 1929.
During World War II, Kawasaki played a crucial role as a producer of combat aircraft such as the Ki-61 model. In the postwar era, the company leveraged its aviation technology expertise to develop high-performance motorcycles. Government initiatives promoting shipbuilding beginning in 1947 helped revitalize profits and operations; by the mid-20th century, Japan had emerged as a global leader in ship construction.
From the late 1960s through the 1970s, Kawasaki diversified beyond its traditional shipbuilding roots into areas including motorcycles, jet skis, infrastructure projects like bridges and tunnel-boring machines, aircraft production, and manufacturing advanced subway cars for New York City’s transit system.
In 1995, Kawasaki entered into a collaboration with China that resulted in producing record-setting containerships and generated strong profits by 1996. However, subsequent financial setbacks led to a joint venture with Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries that lasted until 2001. Since then, Kawasaki Heavy Industries has experienced varying financial performance with periods of gains and losses.
Aerospace
Kawasaki engages in various sectors within aerospace, providing aircraft to the Japanese Ministry of Defense such as the C-1 transport, T-4 jet trainer, and the antisubmarine patrol P-3C. Since 2007, the company has been manufacturing the P-1 maritime patrol aircraft and, starting in 2010, the C-2 transport aircraft. Its helicopter production includes the BK117, developed jointly with MBB, along with the CH-47J / JA helicopter models.
In the commercial aviation domain, Kawasaki contributes to international collaborative projects involving large passenger jets such as the Boeing 767, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787 in partnership with Boeing. The company also works with Embraer on the development of the 170, 175, 190, and 195 series. Additionally, Kawasaki supports turbofan engine programs for models including the V2500, RB211/Trent, PW4000, and CF34 engines.
Regarding space technology, Kawasaki collaborates with JAXA by developing payload fairings, attachment fittings, and constructing launch complexes for the H-II rocket series, continuing its involvement with the H-IIA. The firm has participated in projects related to reusable launch vehicles, space robotics such as the Japanese Experiment Module on the International Space Station, and spacecraft docking systems. It was also designated to produce the never-realized Kankoh-maru space tourism craft.
In 2022, Kawasaki signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus to jointly explore hydrogen applications in aviation and establish hydrogen infrastructure at airports.
Key products
Rolling stock
As Japan’s foremost rolling stock manufacturer since 1906, Kawasaki produces a wide array of rail vehicles including express and commuter trains, subway cars, freight wagons, locomotives, monorails, and innovative transit systems. The company is also involved in developing high-speed rail technology such as Japan’s renowned Shinkansen trains.
Key products
- Electric cars, including Shinkansen high-speed trains
- Monorail systems
- Passenger coaches and freight cars
- Diesel locomotives
- Electric locomotives
- Platform screen door systems
- Integrated transit solutions combining passenger and freight rolling stock
Shipbuilding
Shipbuilding represents Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ original business since its establishment as Kawasaki Dockyard Co. in 1878.
Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation, the company constructs advanced LNG and LPG carriers, container vessels, bulk carriers, VLCCs (very large crude carriers), and submarines. It also designs offshore platforms and research ships.
Marine machinery production includes main engines, propulsion units, steering gear systems, as well as deck and fishing equipment.
Kawasaki operates shipyards located in both Kobe and Sakaide, Kagawa, alongside joint ventures in China with COSCO, namely Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (NACKS) and Dalian COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (DACKS).
On 3 July 2024, allegations surfaced involving bribery linked to submarine repair contracts between Kawasaki and personnel from the Maritime Self-Defense Force. In response, Kawasaki announced it will form an investigative committee to review suspicious transactions and improper fund allocations.
Key products
- Liquefied natural gas (LNG carrier) vessels
- Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG carrier) ships
- Container ships
- High-speed marine vessels
- Submarines
- Very large crude carriers (VLCC)
- Bulk carriers
- Offshore structures
- Marine propulsion machinery and related equipment
Energy Plants and Facilities
Kawasaki's primary offerings encompass advanced gas turbines and the advancement of renewable energy technologies, including wind power, biomass energy, solar photovoltaic systems, and rechargeable battery solutions.
Key products
- Generators powered by small to medium-sized gas turbines
- Gas turbine systems designed for cogeneration
- Gas engine units
- Diesel engine models
- Wind turbine generators
- Systems for ash management
- Combined cycle power generation plants
- Equipment for nuclear power plants
- Various types of boilers
Industrial Equipment
Kawasaki specializes in the design and production of industrial plants and machinery, covering sectors such as cement manufacturing, chemical processing, and nonferrous metal production. The company offers comprehensive plant engineering services from initial design through to sales.
Additionally, Kawasaki develops automation technologies including industrial robots tailored for tasks like assembly, material handling, welding, painting, sealing, as well as logistics automation solutions for factories and airports.
Key products
- Industrial plants
- Industrial robotics
- Machinery with aerodynamic applications
- Hydraulic systems
Environment and Recycling
Kawasaki creates pollution control solutions including fuel gas desulfurization and denitrification technologies, ash handling equipment, municipal waste incineration facilities, gasification and melting systems, sewage treatment plants, and sludge incinerators.
The company also produces recycling systems that convert wastepaper and plastics into solid fuels, repurpose used tires into paving materials and tiles, and sort glass bottles based on size and color.
Key products
- Municipal refuse incineration plants
- Water treatment systems
- Equipment for recycling industrial waste
- Flue-gas desulfurization devices
Infrastructure
With a legacy exceeding 100 years in steel structure fabrication and bridge construction, Kawasaki provides LNG storage solutions along with large-scale retractable structures such as the roof of the Sapporo Dome.
Its range of construction machinery includes wheel loaders, tunnel boring machines (notably employed for projects like the Channel Tunnel and the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line), rollers, snowplows, and specialized loaders.
Key products
- Wheel loaders
- Construction machinery
- Shield machines used in tunneling
- Tunnel boring machines
- Steel bridges
- Tanks for LNG and LPG
- Products related to airports and ports
- Snowplows
Transportation
Kawasaki produces motorcycles, Jet Ski personal watercraft, and ATVs. Its motorcycle lineup features the Ninja series of sport bikes, cruisers, dual-purpose motorcycles (dual-sport), motocross models, as well as utility vehicles and general-purpose gasoline engines. The Kawasaki "Jet Ski" brand is commonly recognized as a generic term for personal watercraft.
Japan
- Akashi Ship Model Basin Corporation
- Alna Yusoki-Yohin Corporation
- Benic Solution Incorporated
- EarthTechnica Corporation
- Enetec Corporation
- Fukae Powtec Incorporated
- JP Steel Plantech Corporation
- Kawaju Akashi Service Corporation
- Kawasaki Engineering Corporation
- Kawasaki Oita Manufacturing Corporation
- Kawasaki Metal Industries Corporation
- Kawasaki Setsubi Kogyo Corporation
- Kawasaki Shipbuilding Company
- Kawasaki Plant Systems Corporation
- Kawasaki Precision Machinery Corporation
- Kawasaki Machine Systems Corporation
- Kawasaki Motors Corporation Japan
- Kawasaki Hydromechanics Corporation
- Kawasaki Life Corporation
- Kawasaki Naval Engine Service Corporation
- Kawaju Akashi Engineering Corporation
- KEE Environmental Construction Corporation
- KEE Environmental Service Corporation
- Kawaju Gifu Service Corporation
- Kawaju Gifu Engineering Corporation
- Kawasaki Prime Mover Engineering Corporation
- Kawasaki Construction Corporation
- Kawasaki Rolling Stock Technology Corporation
- Kawaju Shoji Corporation
- Kawaju Techno Service Corporation
- Kawaju Tokyo Service Corporation
- Kawaju Facilitech Corporation
- Kawasaki Thermal Engineering Corporation
- K Career Partners Corporation
- K-GES Corporation
- K-Tec Corporation
- KGM (Kawaju Gifu Manufacturing) Corporation
- Kawasaki Construction Machinery, Hokkaido Corporation
- Kawaju Sakaide Service Corporation
- Kawaju Kobe Support Corporation
- Kawaju Marine Engineering Corporation
- KHI JPS Corporation
- Kawasaki Shipbuilding Inspection Corporation
- Kawasaki Gas Turbine Research Center Limited
- Nichijo Manufacturing Corporation
- NIPPI Incorporated
- Sapporo Kawasaki Rolling Stock Engineering Corporation
- Technica Corporation
- Union Precision Die Corporation
East Asia
- Kawasaki Marine Machinery Limited (Wuhan, Hubei, China)
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ship Engineering Limited (Nantong, Jiangsu, China; COSCO)
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries Machinery Trading Limited (Shanghai, China)
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries Technology Limited (Dalian, Liaoning, China)
- Kawasaki Precision Machinery (China) Limited
- Kawasaki Robotics Limited (Tianjin, China)
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries Limited (Hong Kong)
- Kawasaki Machine Systems Limited (South Korea)
Europe
- Kawasaki Precision Machinery (U.K.) Limited
- Kawasaki Robotics (U.K.) Limited
- Kawasaki Robotics GmbH
- Kawasaki Gas Turbine Europe GmbH
- Kawasaki Motors Europe N.V.
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries Europe Finance B.V.
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Europe) B.V.
- Italian Motorcycle Investment S.p.A.
North America
- Canadian Kawasaki Motors Incorporated
- Kawasaki Construction Machinery Corp. of America
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries (U.S.A.), Incorporated
- Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
- Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A.
- Kawasaki Precision Machinery (U.S.A.), Incorporated
- Kawasaki Rail Car, Incorporated
- Kawasaki Robotics (U.S.A.), Incorporated
Oceania
- Kawasaki Motors Pty. Limited
South America
- Kawasaki do Brasil Indústria e Comércio Ltda.
- Kawasaki Machinery do Brasil Maq. Equip. Ltda.
- Kawasaki Motores do Brasil Ltda.
- Estaleiro Enseada do Paraguaçu S.A.
South Asia
- India Kawasaki Motors (India)
- Kawasaki Motors (Bangladesh)
Southeast Asia
- Kawasaki Gas Turbine Asia Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia)
- Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia)
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries Pte. Ltd. (Singapore)
- Kawasaki Motors Enterprise Co. Ltd. (Thailand)
- KDT (KHI Design & Technical Service, Inc.) (Pasay, Philippines)
- Kawasaki Motors Philippines (Muntinlupa, Philippines)
- Kawasaki Motors (Indonesia)
Middle East
- Kawasaki-KSA (Saudi Arabia)
Manipulation of Marine Engine Test Data
In August 2024, Kawasaki Heavy Industries acknowledged intentionally falsifying test results for 674 ship engines manufactured since the year 2000, with the misconduct extending over two decades.
An investigative report released on August 29, 2025 disclosed that the inquiry committee identified potential alterations in fuel efficiency data for engines installed in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces’ Soryu-class and Taigei-class submarines. This matter was formally reported to Japan’s Ministry of Defense. The corporation indicated that the exact timing and methods of the data manipulation remain uncertain, with ongoing investigations and a conclusive report anticipated by the end of the year.