Joko
JOKOH Co., Ltd. is a privately held Japanese medical device manufacturer (founded 1947) producing diagnostic analyzers, FISH probe kits, tissue processors, and NAGS-series ultrahigh-pressure homogenizers, serving hospitals, dialysis centers, pathology labs, and nanotechnology researchers in Japan, Taiwan, and China.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1947
- HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Joko does
JOKOH Co., Ltd. (株式会社常光), branded in English as Joko, is a privately held Japanese medical device company founded in 1947 in Hokkaido and currently headquartered in Kawasaki, Kanagawa (relocated from Tokyo in November 2024). The company operates three business divisions: a Medical Device Manufacturer business producing in-house branded diagnostic and laboratory equipment (IoNEX and EX-D/EX-Ds electrolyte analyzers, Smart Rate ESR analyzers, Histra-DC rapid tissue processor, Histra HER2 FISH probe kit, KTS-440 dialyzer sealer, Smart Marker cassette printer, and the July 2024-launched BlockStation automatic fixation embedding block preparation device); a Medical Device Dealer business distributing imported products such as the WisePrep Duet liquid-based cytology system and Formapad formalin absorption pads; and a Nanotechnology business built around the proprietary NAGS series of ultrahigh-pressure homogenizers (NAGS20/100/500/1000) and contract nano-processing services with over 1,000 documented experimental results. The holding is family-controlled by the Hattori family, with Naohiko Hattori serving as President and Representative Director and Takehiko Hattori as Chairman; Takehiko Hattori received the Japanese government's Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays in autumn 2023.
The company's core proprietary technology is the JK nozzle unit, an H-shaped diamond nozzle producing parallel liquid phase jet streams with vortex jet stream action that enables nano-dispersion, emulsification, and pulverization at pressures up to 250MPa across sample volumes from 8ml (benchtop) to 500L/hour (mass production). Revenue is generated primarily through direct hardware sales to medical institutions via a 14-branch nationwide sales and service network in Japan (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Chubu, Kansai, Kyushu), plus sales offices in Taipei and Shanghai and exhibition-driven export activity through MEDICA (Germany), Medlab Middle East (UAE), IFW Singapore, and AABC (USA). Customer segments are hospitals and dialysis clinics (electrolyte analyzers, dialyzer sealers), pathology and cytology departments (tissue processors, FISH probe kits, cassette printers, cytology systems), clinical laboratories (ESR analyzers, electrolyte analyzers), and nanotechnology researchers in academia and industry including an installation at Stanford University's Nano-Characterization Institute.
The company pursues growth through new product launches (BlockStation, NAGS series extensions), insurance coverage expansion for existing diagnostics (Histra HER2 FISH Kit extended to colon/rectal cancer in 2023), inorganic additions such as the September 2024 Piccolo Express business succession from Century Science Trading, and academic-industry collaborations with Tottori, Sapporo City, Hokkaido, and Hokkaido University of Science universities. The government has recognized JOKOH as a Regional Company that will lead the future (2018), and the firm continues to invest in domestic manufacturing at the Kikugawa facility (Shizuoka) and nano-R&D at the Sapporo R&D Lab (Hokkaido).
Joko firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Joko
- Legal name
- 株式会社常光
- Website
- https://jokoh.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1947
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- JOKOH Co., Ltd. is a privately held Japanese medical device manufacturer (founded 1947) producing diagnostic analyzers, FISH probe kits, tissue processors, and NAGS-series ultrahigh-pressure homogenizers, serving hospitals, dialysis centers, pathology labs, and nanotechnology researchers in Japan, Taiwan, and China.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Joko industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Medical Devices
- NAICS
- Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510), Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing (3391), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345)
- SIC
- Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic Apparatus (3845), Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Microscopy, Imaging & Flow Cytometry Instruments (HLAGAIAE)
Keywords
Where Joko is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tokyo
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices16 records
Markets served
Joko business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Medical Device Manufacturing and Sales: Manufactures and sells proprietary medical devices including electrolyte analyzers (EX-G, IoNEX), ESR analyzers (Smart Rate series), tissue processors (Histra-DC), FISH probe kits (Histra series), and dialysis equipment. Products sold directly to medical institutions.
- Medical Device Dealer/Distribution Business: Operates as a distributor/dealer for imported medical devices including WisePrep Duet (liquid-based cytology system), Formapad, and other diagnostic equipment. Maintains nationwide distribution network through branch offices.
- Nano-technology Equipment and Services: Sells NAGS series ultrahigh-pressure homogenizers (NAGS20, NAGS100, NAGS500, NAGS1000) for nano-dispersion applications and provides contract processing services for graphene, CNT, and other nanomaterials. Offers custom production and technical consulting.
- Contract Processing Services: Provides fee-based nano-dispersion and atomization processing services at company facility using NAGS equipment, with processing reports and particle size distribution analysis included.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Medical device sales - direct enterprise pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels4 records
Joko product offering
Product offeringCore offering
JOKOH manufactures, sells, and distributes medical diagnostic devices and laboratory equipment, including electrolyte analyzers (IoNEX, EX-D/EX-Ds), ESR analyzers (Smart Rate series), rapid tissue processors (Histra-DC), HER2 FISH probe kits, and cassette printers (Smart Marker), alongside imported products (WisePrep Duet, Formapad). The company also designs and builds ultra-high-pressure homogenizers (NAGS20/100/500/1000) for nano-dispersion applications and provides contract nano-processing services for graphene and carbon nanotube materials.
Product overview
Joko operates three main business divisions: Medical Device Manufacturer Business (manufacturing and selling electrolyte analyzers, ESR analyzers, tissue processors, FISH probe kits, and laboratory equipment), Medical Device Dealer Business (distributing medical equipment and consumables), and Nanotechnology Business (producing ultra-high pressure homogenizers under the NAGS series brand for nano-dispersion, pulverization, and emulsification applications). The portfolio includes IoNEX and EX-D electrolyte analyzers, Smart Rate ESR analyzers, Smart Marker label printers, Histra tissue processors, HER2 FISH probe kits, WisePrep Duet liquid-based cytology systems, and the NAGS20/100/500/1000 homogenizer series. The company also provides contract nano-processing services using graphene dispersion technology.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- NAGS Series: Ultrahigh-pressure homogenizer brand for nano dispersion, emulsification, and pulverization of materials. Products include NAGS20, NAGS100, NAGS500, NAGS1000.
- Histra
- News NanoMaTech
Products and services
- IoNEX Electrolyte Analyzer
Companies that use Joko
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Joko technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability3 records
Feature5 records
Joko partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor, strategic and core.
- Century Science Trading Co., Ltd. (株式会社セントラル科学貿易)minorBusiness succession of Piccolo Express (Abaxis) blood biochemistry analyzer distribution rights from Century Science Trading to JOKOH.
- Hokkaido University (北海道大学)strategicCollaboration on DEMOLA innovation program - Finnish-origin innovation methodology for collaborative measurement technology development between industry and academia.
- Hokkaido University of Science (北海道科学大学)strategicJoint research on water purification using gel technology. University provides novel gel technology that floats and sinks in water using microbial fermentation as energy source, while JOKOH provides nano-milling technology for adsorbent surface area optimization.
- Sapporo City University (札幌市立大学)strategicJoint research on AI-based infant abuse prevention technology. University provides research network of expert NICU/G CU nurses and clinical judgment expertise for early detection of child abuse indicators.
- Datt Japan Co., Ltd. (ダットジャパン株式会社)coreJoint development of AI-powered nanotechnology news platform News NanoMaTech. Datt Japan provides internet technology and system integration capabilities for the platform which uses Tottori University Professor Murata's AI technology for text analysis.
- Tottori University (鳥取大学)coreProvides AI technology (Murata AI Engine) for News NanoMaTech platform. Professor Murata's natural language processing technology automatically extracts important information from news text without pre-set keywords.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Joko competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- HORIBA, Ltd. Kyoto-based manufacturer of analytical and measurement instruments, including electrolyte analyzers for clinical diagnostics — a direct overlap with JOKOH's IoNEX and EX-D electrolyte analyzer lines. Also active in scientific laboratory instrumentation adjacent to JOKOH's NAGS homogenizer business.
- Sysmex Corporation: Japan-headquartered global leader in hematology, urinalysis, and clinical laboratory diagnostics. Directly comparable to JOKOH in serving Japanese hospitals with in vitro diagnostic instruments (including ESR/hematology) and pathology workflows, but at substantially greater scale and global reach.
- Nihon Kohden Corporation: Japanese medical electronics manufacturer focused on patient monitoring, hematology, and clinical diagnostics. Comparable as a fellow Japan-based mid-size medical device manufacturer serving hospitals with diagnostic instruments, including ESR analyzers adjacent to JOKOH's Smart Rate line.
- Siemens Healthineers: Major provider of clinical chemistry analyzers and laboratory diagnostics equipment globally. Overlaps with JOKOH in electrolyte analysis and clinical laboratory automation, with broader scale and global service infrastructure.
- Roche Diagnostics: Global leader in clinical chemistry, immunoassay, and tissue diagnostics (including FISH and HER2 testing). Competes with JOKOH across electrolyte analysis, FISH probe kits, and tissue processing in Japanese hospital laboratories, with substantially larger product menus.
- Beckman Coulter (Danaher): Global clinical diagnostics company offering electrolyte analyzers, hematology/ESR systems, and laboratory automation. Overlaps with JOKOH's clinical lab analyzer portfolio and competes in Japanese hospital tenders.
Direct peers
- Leica Biosystems: Specialist in histopathology workflow including tissue processors, FISH probes, and slide preparation systems. Most directly comparable peer to JOKOH's pathology division (Histra tissue processors, Histra HER2 FISH Kit, BlockStation cassette preparation device).
- GEA Niro Soavi: Italian-based global supplier of high-pressure homogenizers used in pharmaceutical, biotech, and food industries. The closest direct competitor to JOKOH's NAGS series in nano-dispersion and emulsification equipment, with overlapping customers in pharma and advanced materials R&D.
- Microfluidics International (Microfluidizer): US-based specialist in high-shear fluid processors and high-pressure homogenizers for nano-emulsions and particle size reduction. Directly comparable to JOKOH's NAGS line for nano-dispersion applications in pharma, advanced materials, and research.
Emerging players
- BEE International: US-based manufacturer of high-pressure homogenizers (Nano DeBEE) targeting pharmaceutical, biotech, and nanomaterial applications. Comparable niche competitor to JOKOH's NAGS series, particularly for benchtop and pilot-scale nano-dispersion work.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Joko social profiles
Digital presenceJoko compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance8 records
Joko financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Joko leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Joko funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Joko M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Joko
What does Joko do?
JOKOH manufactures, sells, and distributes medical diagnostic devices and laboratory equipment, including electrolyte analyzers (IoNEX, EX-D/EX-Ds), ESR analyzers (Smart Rate series), rapid tissue processors (Histra-DC), HER2 FISH probe kits, and cassette printers (Smart Marker), alongside imported products (WisePrep Duet, Formapad). The company also designs and builds ultra-high-pressure homogenizers (NAGS20/100/500/1000) for nano-dispersion applications and provides contract nano-processing services for graphene and carbon nanotube materials.
Is Joko a public or private company?
Joko is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Joko founded?
Joko was founded in 1947. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Joko based?
Joko is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does Joko make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Medical Device Manufacturing and Sales are the primary driver. The others are medical Device Dealer/Distribution Business, nano-technology Equipment and Services and contract Processing Services.
Who are Joko's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are HORIBA, Ltd., Sysmex Corporation, Nihon Kohden Corporation, Siemens Healthineers, Roche Diagnostics and Beckman Coulter (Danaher). Direct peers are Leica Biosystems, GEA Niro Soavi and Microfluidics International (Microfluidizer). BEE International is listed as an emerging player.
Does Joko have an API?
No public API is recorded for Joko.
What industry is Joko in?
Joko's product category is Medical Devices. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAE, Microscopy, Imaging & Flow Cytometry Instruments. Its NAICS code is 334510 and its SIC code is 3845.