Narumi China: From Imperial Porcelain to Noritake Subsidiary

Narumi China (鳴海製陶), founded in 1913 by Kenkichi Ohno in Nagoya, became Japan's largest porcelain manufacturer, even supplying Emperor Hirohito. Key phases:

• Pre-WWII: Export-focused; fine china for U.S./Europe; little domestic presence.
• WWII: Shifted to utilitarian ware (insulators, rice bowls).
• Post-War: Resumed fine china, expanded lines.
• 1970s–2002: Yen appreciation hurt exports; financial struggles led to acquisition by Noritake in 2002.

Today, Narumi operates as a Noritake subsidiary, continuing fine porcelain and tableware production. The brand remains more recognized abroad than in Japan due to its historic export orientation.