What Fuji Capsule does

Fuji Capsule Co., Ltd. (富士カプセル株式会社) is a Japanese B2B contract manufacturer specializing in soft capsule production, headquartered in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka at the foot of Mount Fuji. Founded in 1948 and tracing its lineage to Japan's first soft capsule operations in 1939, the company is family-controlled by the Kato family and currently employs approximately 470 staff (as of October 2025). Fuji Capsule operates as a pure OEM/CDMO with no consumer-facing products, manufacturing custom soft capsules, hard capsules, tablets, and granules for enterprise clients in pharmaceutical, quasi-drug, cosmetics, health food, and general food categories.

The company's technology stack rests on two proprietary encapsulation methods — rotary-type (rotary die) and seamless-type (droplet) — enabling film-membrane encapsulation of liquid or paste contents. On top of these base processes, Fuji Capsule has developed 10+ specialized capsule technologies: WATERCAP for aqueous/hydrophilic solutions, Three-Layered Seamless Capsules for gastric-acid-resistant probiotic delivery, F-CAPS for preventing delayed disintegration, enterosoluble (intestinal release) capsules, GREENCAP plant-derived shells, Quick-Release Oral Capsules, Gummy Texture Capsules, and Wet Agar/Aqua Julie/Twist-Off formats for cosmetics and quasi-drugs. R&D is centralized in a dedicated 1,200 sqm Innovation Center (established March 2014 with 450 million yen investment) and an Innovation Laboratory for high-potency APIs (March 2019), supported by open-innovation partnerships with Musashino University, University of Shizuoka, and Nagoya City University.

Revenue is generated through professional-services contract manufacturing fees on a quote-based B2B model, with pricing dependent on formulation complexity, volume, and specifications. Fuji Capsule sells directly through Tokyo and Osaka sales offices domestically, and pursues international clients via major trade shows (Vitafoods Europe, Vitafoods Asia, CPHI Japan, SupplySide West, Natural Products Expo). The company holds multiple regulatory certifications (NSF International GMP since 2005, Japan Health and Nutrition Food Association GMP, Pharmaceutical/Quasi-drug/Cosmetics manufacturing licenses, and Halal certification since 2022), operates a wholly-owned Malaysian manufacturing subsidiary (Kato Manufacturing (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.), and recently transitioned leadership with Kenji Kato appointed President on October 1, 2025.

Name

Fuji Capsule

Legal name

富士カプセル株式会社 (Fuji Capsule Co., Ltd.)

Website

https://fujicapsule.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1939

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Fuji Capsule is a Japanese family-owned B2B contract manufacturer of soft capsules, hard capsules, tablets, and granules for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetics, and food companies, using proprietary rotary and seamless encapsulation methods plus 10+ specialized capsule technologies developed over 75+ years.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing

NAICS

Plastics Bag and Pouch Manufacturing (326111)

SIC

Plastics Products, Nec (3089), Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)

akta.pro primary industry

Flexibles for Hygiene & Medical (Sterile Barrier, Wound Care, Diaper Backsheets) (IMALABAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Flexible Cosmetic Packaging (Pouches, Sachets, Stick Packs) (IMALAJAE), Primary Packaging (Form-Fill-Seal, Blister, Sachet/Stick Pack, Bottling) (TLAIAGAA)

Keywords

• Soft capsule manufacturing
• Contract pharmaceutical manufacturing
• OEM capsule production
• Pharmaceutical encapsulation services
• Nutraceutical contract manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Fujinomiya

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Contract Manufacturing of Soft Capsules: OEM/white-label manufacturing services for pharmaceutical, quasi-drug, cosmetics, health food, food for specified health uses, nutritional functional foods, and general food products. Revenue generated through manufacturing fees for custom capsule production based on client formulations and specifications.
2. Hard Capsule, Tablet, and Granule Manufacturing: Extended manufacturing capabilities beyond soft capsules including hard capsules, tablets, and granules with various packaging options (bottle filling, aluminum bag, three-side seal, PTP blister, sachets).

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Fuji Capsule is a B2B contract manufacturer of soft capsules (softgels), hard capsules, tablets, and granules for pharmaceutical, quasi-drug, cosmetics, health food, and food industry clients. Production uses two proprietary methods — rotary die and seamless droplet encapsulation — with a portfolio of ten specialized shell technologies including WATERCAP, three-layer seamless live-bacteria capsules, F-CAPS, enterosoluble shells, plant-derived GREENCAP, quick-release oral capsules, gummy-texture capsules, and agar-based capsules for cosmetics. The company also provides complementary packaging services (PTP, bottle, pouch, sachet).

Product overview

Fuji Capsule is a contract manufacturer of soft capsules (softgels), hard capsules, tablets, and granules for pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, health foods, and food products. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of specialized soft capsule technologies including WATERCAP (water-soluble encapsulation), Three-Layered Seamless Capsules (for live probiotics), F-CAPS (disintegration delay prevention), Enterosoluble Capsules (intestinal release), GREENCAP (plant-based), Quick-Release Oral Capsules, Gummy Texture Capsules, and specialized capsules for cosmetics/quasi-drugs (Wet Agar, Aqua Julie, Twist Off). Manufacturing is performed using two methods: rotary-type (for various shapes) and seamless-type (for spherical 2-10mm capsules). The company also provides packaging services including PTP, bottle, pouch, and sachet packaging.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• WATERCAP: Water-filled capsule technology for encapsulating water and aqueous solutions
• Three-layered Seamless Capsule
• F-CAPS
• Enterosoluble Capsule
• GREENCAP
• Quick-release Capsule for the Mouth
• Gummy Texture Capsule
• Wet Agar Capsule
• Aqua Julie
• Twist-off Capsule
• Innovation Center
• Innovation Laboratory

Products and services

• WATERCAP (ウォーターキャップ) Seamless capsule technology enabling stable encapsulation of water, aqueous solutions, and hydrophilic components; supports both oral ingestion and oral-cavity dissolution for supplements, seasonings, cosmetics, beverages, chilled products, and pet food.
• Three-Layered Seamless Capsule (三層生菌シームレスカプセル) Triple-layer seamless capsule that protects live bacteria from gastric acid using an enterosoluble outer film and intermediate protective layer, delivering viable bacteria to the intestines while shielding them from moisture, heat, and light.
• F-CAPS (崩壊遅延防止カプセル) Proprietary softgel shell technology using phytic acid (natural rice bran extract) to prevent capsule hardening and delayed disintegration, ensuring consistent dissolution and optimal bioavailability for problematic ingredients like fish oils, garlic, and black vinegar. Over 200 million F-CAPS capsules sold by 2013.
• Enterosoluble Capsule (腸溶性カプセル) Acid-resistant capsule shell that remains intact in the stomach but dissolves in the intestines; available in both rotary-die and seamless soft capsule formats and ideal for ingredients like fish oil, krill oil, and probiotics.
• GREENCAP Plant-Derived Capsule (植物性カプセル) Plant-derived capsule shell made from starch (potato, tapioca, corn) and carrageenan (seaweed); free from animal components and animal odor, free from aldehyde-induced disintegration delay, and enables thinner layers and smaller capsule sizes.
• Quick-Release Capsule for Mouth (口腔内速放性カプセル) Fast-disintegrating soft capsule designed for rapid content release directly in the oral cavity; suitable for breath fresheners and pharmaceuticals, can be taken without water, and tested to achieve 6.8-second release and 18.5-second total disintegration.
• Gummy Texture Capsule (グミ食感カプセル) Soft, chewable soft capsule with gummy-candy texture that can be swallowed without water; suitable for children and elderly, chill and freeze resistant without losing soft texture, and can be incorporated into popsicles and ice cream.
• Wet Agar Capsule (寒天生カプセル) Water-resistant two-layer capsule using agar in the shell for encapsulating oil ingredients; features transparent shell, dispersible formulation, and adjustable hardness, designed for cosmetics and quasi-drugs.
• Aqua Julie (アクアジュリエ) Water-resistant gel bead containing functional ingredients, pigments, or flavors dispersed in plant-based gelling agents (agar, carrageenan); no residue when crushed, adjustable hardness, and registered trademark.
• Twist Off Capsule (セルフカットカプセル) Single-use container capsule with a twist-off tip that is squeezed to dispense content; available in plant-derived or gelatin film options and designed for cosmetics and quasi-drug applications.
• Hard Capsule Contract Manufacturing Contract manufacturing of hard capsules for pharmaceutical, quasi-drug, cosmetics, and health food clients as part of Fuji Capsule's extended dosage-form portfolio.
• Tablet Contract Manufacturing Contract manufacturing of tablets for pharmaceutical, quasi-drug, cosmetics, and health food clients as part of Fuji Capsule's extended dosage-form portfolio.
• Granule Contract Manufacturing Contract manufacturing of granules for pharmaceutical, quasi-drug, cosmetics, and health food clients as part of Fuji Capsule's extended dosage-form portfolio.
• Packaging Services Packaging services for manufactured capsule and dose-form products, including bottle filling, aluminum bag filling, three-side seal filling, PTP (blister) packaging, and sachet packaging for pharmaceuticals and supplements.

Quantifiable outcome

• 200 million F-CAPS capsules sold by 2013

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Innovation Laboratory (企业内部)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 March 2019Established Innovation Laboratory within Kitayama Plant for advanced R&D. Features isolator containment equipment for high-potency active pharmaceutical ingredients. Official launch May 2019, featured in pharmaceutical industry publication Yakuji Nippo.
• Musashino UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Joint research partnership with Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Professor Makoto Otsuka leads academic collaboration. Joint classroom lectures and research exchanges conducted at Fuji Capsule facilities. Active research exchanges since Innovation Center establishment.
• University of ShizuokacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Joint research agreement with School of Pharmaceutical Science. Professor Shigeru Itai leads collaboration. Joint research and classroom lecture sessions held at Fuji Capsule facilities.
• Nagoya City UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Joint research partnership with Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Professor Tetsuya Ozeki leads academic collaboration. Included in Fuji Capsule's open innovation research exchange program.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Nitrocs (Capsule & Health Ingredients): European specialist capsule manufacturer with capabilities in both hard and softgel formats serving pharmaceutical and supplement markets. Comparable to Fuji Capsule as a specialty encapsulation manufacturer with proprietary capsule technologies.

Direct peers

• CapsCanada (Kaps Research Laboratories): Canadian manufacturer specializing in liquid-filled two-piece hard capsules and softgel technologies for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Directly comparable to Fuji Capsule in offering specialized encapsulation contract manufacturing.
• Sirio Pharma: China-based CDMO with strong softgel and nutraceutical manufacturing capabilities serving global pharma and supplement brands. Comparable business model to Fuji Capsule as an Asia-based softgel CDMO serving multinational customers.
• Procaps Group: Latin American integrated pharmaceutical and softgel manufacturer with proprietary development and contract manufacturing capabilities. Directly comparable to Fuji Capsule as a softgel-focused CDMO serving global health and wellness markets.
• Best Formulations: US-based contract manufacturer specializing in softgel capsules, tablets, and other dosage forms for the dietary supplement industry. Comparable to Fuji Capsule as a softgel-focused CDMO serving nutraceutical and supplement customers.
• Aenova Group: European-headquartered pharmaceutical CDMO with significant softgel manufacturing capabilities across multiple sites. Comparable to Fuji Capsule in offering contract softgel manufacturing to pharma and consumer health customers.
• Catalent: Global leader in softgel CDMO services with extensive rotary and seamless encapsulation capabilities across multiple continents. Directly comparable to Fuji Capsule as a contract manufacturer of softgel dosage forms serving pharmaceutical and supplement customers.

Broad incumbents

• Thermo Fisher Scientific (Patheon): Global pharmaceutical services giant offering comprehensive CDMO capabilities including softgel manufacturing through Patheon. Comparable to Fuji Capsule as a softgel contract manufacturer but at vastly larger scale and across broader dosage forms and services.
• Lonza Capsules & Health Ingredients: Global CDMO and capsule manufacturer offering hard capsules, softgel services, and a wide range of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical contract manufacturing. Comparable to Fuji Capsule in softgel services but with a much broader technology and geographic footprint.

Regional players

• Qualicaps: Japan-based global manufacturer of pharmaceutical-grade hard capsules (HPMC and gelatin), historically associated with Shionogi. Comparable to Fuji Capsule as a Japan-based capsule manufacturer serving pharmaceutical customers, but focused on hard capsules rather than softgels.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@fujicapsule

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fuji Capsule