Zaibatsus

Large vertically integrated conglomerates that act as monopolies and oligopolies over large swathes of the Empire's economy. The Zaibatsus are closely tied to the government and receive subsidies so that they may trade more effectively internationally. While many other companies exist, most of the largest companies in Japan are blanketed under whats known as the "Big 4" zaibatsus. The companies have enormous economic and political power, and have their fingers in government and military affairs. Because of their near monopolistic statuses, the big 4 are subject to little competition, and find it more profitable to not compete with each other, as well, and to agree to keep prices on products artificially high. The big 4 have histories dating back long before the industrial revolution, where they operated in humbler circumstances, and were founded under wealthy families who excelled in trade, and the corporate giants they became still bear their names and crests.

Mitsui

Founded in the mid 1600s by Mitsui Takatoshi as a money moving enterprise. Mitsui began to grow into a zaibatsu after the Meiji restoration when they expanded to other financial endeavours, mining, and sea shipping.

Mitsubishi

Founded in 1870 by Yataro Iwasaka, the Mitsubishi Group was initially a shipping company. Later they expanded into mining, banking, insurance, trade, commodities, cars, aircraft, oil, and real estate

Sumitomo

Founded in 1615 by Masatomo Sumitomo in Kyoto, the business was originally in smelting and smithing. After the Meiji restoration, Sumitomo branched out into coal mining, industrial machine production, and banking

Yasuda

Founded in 1863 by Yasuda Zenjirō as a tax service. The zaibatsu then branched into banking and insurance