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Secom
Secom
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Secom Co., Ltd. (セコム株式会社, Sekomu Kabushiki-gaisha) is a Japanese security company[1][2] headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It has operations in Japan, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Myanmar.[3]

Key Information

History

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The company was founded in 1962 and operated under the name Nippon Keibi Hosho until 1983.[4] It initially offered security services such as patrolling services and static guard services.[5]

In 1966, the company developed Japan’s first on-line security system. In 1983, Nippon Keibi Hosho adapted the name Secom, which was originally used only as a brand name of the company. The Secom name "was coined as a contraction of 'security' and 'communication', the concept of this brand was to build 'a new security system collaborating people and science'”.[5]

References

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from Grokipedia
Secom Co., Ltd. is a Japanese specializing in integrated and related services, founded on July 7, 1962, as the nation's first . Headquartered in Shibuya-ku, , it pioneered Japan's first online security system for commercial use in 1966 and the first system in 1981, establishing itself as a leader in the industry. The company operates across six main business segments: security services, , medical services, insurance services, geospatial information services, and BPO/ICT services, serving approximately 3.8 million subscribers as of March 31, 2025. With consolidated revenue of JPY 1,199,942 million for the ended March 31, 2025, and a of 71,296 employees group-wide, Secom maintains a significant global footprint in 18 countries and territories, including , the , the , , and Korea. In 1989, Secom articulated its vision as a "Social System Industry" provider, expanding beyond traditional to encompass broader societal and support systems. This evolution has positioned it as a key innovator in preventive measures, leveraging advanced for monitoring, response, and solutions tailored to residential, commercial, and industrial needs.

Overview

Founding and Mission

Secom was established on July 7, 1962, as Nihon Keibi Hosho Co., Ltd., by Makoto Iida and Juichi Toda in , , becoming the nation's first dedicated security company. The founders were inspired by a mutual friend's observations of prevalent security challenges during a trip to , prompting them to introduce professional patrol and guard services to address Japan's post-war societal needs for enhanced protection amid economic recovery and urbanization. This initiative marked a pioneering effort to professionalize in a country where such services were previously nonexistent, focusing initially on static guard systems to provide safety for businesses and individuals. In 1973, the company adopted "SECOM" as its brand name, an abbreviation derived from "Security Communication," reflecting its vision of integrating human oversight with technological connectivity for comprehensive protection. The full corporate name was officially changed to Secom Co., Ltd., on December 1, 1983, solidifying this identity and symbolizing a commitment to evolving beyond traditional guarding into a multifaceted provider. Secom's core mission centers on delivering "safety and peace of mind" to through innovative solutions that combine advanced with reliable human intervention. From its early years, the company emphasized technological adoption, introducing Japan's first online system, the SP Alarm, in 1966, which connected client premises directly to central control centers for rapid response and marked a shift toward proactive, tech-driven protection. This foundational approach has underscored Secom's dedication to fostering societal reassurance in an increasingly complex world.

Corporate Structure and Leadership

Secom Co., Ltd. is headquartered at 5-1, Jingumae 1-chome, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan, and employs approximately 71,296 people across its global group as of 2025, with 15,674 employees in the parent company domestically. The company's corporate governance is structured as a company with an Audit & Supervisory Board, comprising a Board of Directors with 10 members—six internal directors focused on business execution and four outside independent directors providing oversight—and a five-member Audit & Supervisory Board including three outside members. This framework ensures balanced decision-making, with the Board meeting monthly to deliberate on key matters and the Audit & Supervisory Board conducting similar regular reviews. Secom adheres to the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market listing standards and Japan's Corporate Governance Code, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and protection of stakeholder interests through mechanisms like a Nomination and Compensation Committee, which has been chaired by an outside director since June 2023. As of July 2025, Yasuyuki Yoshida serves as President and Representative Director, leading the company's overall strategic direction and operations as the top executive. Supporting him are key executives including Tatsuro Fuse, Senior Executive Director and Assistant to the President, who heads the Corporate Communication & Division and chairs Secom Medical System Co., Ltd., contributing to marketing strategies and medical service integration; Yoshinori Yamanaka, overseeing the Sales Division to drive revenue growth; and Takashi Nakada, Director in charge of corporate strategy, planning, group management control, and risk management, ensuring alignment with long-term objectives. These leaders, alongside 33 executive officers (six of whom are also directors), guide Secom's emphasis on and risk mitigation in its core operations. Secom Co., Ltd. operates as the parent company of a group with 166 affiliates, including 148 consolidated subsidiaries and 17 equity-method affiliates, organized into divisions covering services, medical care, and , among others, to support diversified business expansion across 18 countries and territories.

History

Establishment and Early Development (1960s–1970s)

Secom was established on July 7, 1962, as Nihon Keibi Hosho Co., Ltd., becoming Japan's first private company, founded by Makoto Iida and Juichi Toda in Tokyo's Shiba-koen district. The company launched patrolling and static guard services, primarily targeting industrial and commercial clients during Japan's postwar , a period of rapid high growth averaging around 10% annually in the that spurred and increased demand for private protection. This initiative aligned with Secom's core mission of providing "peace of mind" through reliable . In its formative years, Secom encountered significant challenges in a society heavily reliant on public policing, where private security faced widespread skepticism and reluctance from potential clients. Early operations were marked by financial struggles, starting with modest capital of ¥4 million from personal savings and a , and initial months without contracts due to Iida's insistence on prepayment policies and avoidance of personal connections for business. Despite these hurdles, the company achieved profitability in 1967, coinciding with explosive growth to over 1,000 employees and 150 vehicles, bolstered by high-profile contracts such as securing the athletes' village at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. A pivotal technological milestone came in June 1966 with the introduction of Japan's first online security system, known as SP Alarm, which utilized lines to enable real-time, 24/7 monitoring of client premises from central control centers. This innovation marked a shift from traditional manned guarding to integrated electronic surveillance, enhancing response capabilities and setting Secom apart in the nascent industry. By 1970, Secom expanded its infrastructure by establishing a central Control Center in , , along with 18 regional centers outside the capital, facilitating nationwide service coverage and operational scalability. This development supported steady growth through the early , including the adoption of the SECOM brand in February 1973, which emphasized the fusion of "security" and "communication" to symbolize human-technology synergy.

Expansion and Innovation (1980s–2000s)

During the 1980s, Secom significantly expanded its technological capabilities and market presence in by developing advanced automated alarm response systems and entering the residential security sector. In 1980, the company introduced the HANKS System, an automated monitoring solution for ATMs at financial institutions, enabling real-time detection and response to security threats. This was followed in 1981 by the launch of My Alarm, Japan's first online system, which allowed 24/7 remote monitoring from Secom control centers and immediate dispatch of guards upon alarm activation; this product evolved into the comprehensive "Secom " package, targeting individual households and condominiums with integrated sensors and emergency response features. By 1987, Secom had further innovated with the MS-1 system for multi-unit residential buildings, enhancing automated detection and response in high-density living environments. These developments not only solidified Secom's dominance in commercial security but also penetrated the growing home market, driven by increasing and public awareness of personal safety. The marked Secom's strategic push into international markets through key acquisitions, alongside continued innovation in technologies. In 1991, Secom acquired the UK's Carroll Security Group PLC, a major firm, which represented the company's initial overseas expansion and established a foothold in ; this was followed by the 1995 acquisition of Ambassador Security Group PLC, with the two entities merging in 1996 to form Secom PLC. Domestically, the decade saw the introduction of SESAMO-ID in 1988, Japan's first recognition for , and in 1998, the SECOM AX, the nation's inaugural remote integrating on-site cameras with central monitoring for proactive assessment. By 1999, the SECOM IX interactive remote built on this foundation, allowing two-way video communication to verify incidents before dispatching response teams. These advancements in and biometric technologies served as precursors to modern AI-driven detection by enabling early automated of visual . A pivotal milestone was Secom's promotion to the first section of the in 1978, with further financial growth culminating in consolidated revenue surpassing ¥100 billion by fiscal year 2000, reflecting robust market penetration and diversification. Entering the 2000s, Secom focused on mobility and integrated solutions to address evolving risks in transportation and . In 2001, the company launched COCO-SECOM, Japan's first GPS-enabled location , which tracked vehicles and assets in real-time, including applications for armored car services to prevent hijackings and ensure secure cash transport. This innovation expanded Secom's services beyond static installations to dynamic, mobile environments, integrating GPS with alarm response for faster interventions. Complementing this, enhancements to systems in the early 2000s incorporated early intelligent features, such as motion-triggered imaging from SECOM AX and IX platforms, laying groundwork for AI precursors that analyzed patterns for in threat scenarios. By the mid-2000s, these efforts contributed to Secom's acquisition of Nohmi Bosai Ltd. in 2006, broadening its portfolio into while maintaining a focus on core innovations. Overall, this era's expansions and technological strides positioned Secom as a leader in comprehensive, tech-forward solutions.

Recent Developments (2010s–Present)

In the , Secom shifted toward integrating smart home technologies, launching the SECOM NEO system in 2017, which enabled connectivity with IoT devices for enhanced remote monitoring capabilities. This initiative marked a significant in residential security, allowing users to link appliances and sensors to Secom's network for real-time alerts and control via mobile applications, building on earlier digital monitoring foundations. By , the company expanded these services to include appliance oversight, reflecting broader adoption of IoT in response to growing consumer demand for connected living environments. Addressing escalating cybersecurity threats in the 2020s, Secom introduced AI-driven solutions, including the 2022 launch of the cocobo security robot, which utilizes for in public and corporate spaces through 5G connectivity and scalable monitoring. Complementing this, the company established its SECOM AI Ethics Principles in October 2022, the first such framework among Japanese providers, to guide ethical AI deployment in threat identification for corporate clients. These advancements extended Secom's legacy in image-based , originally developed in 1998, to modern cyber-physical contexts. Secom advanced its sustainability efforts with a 2021 commitment to achieve carbon neutrality across the group by 2045, certified under the , alongside targets for a 40% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by fiscal 2030 relative to fiscal 2018 levels. This included expanding eco-friendly hardware, such as solar-powered installations and adoption in operations, with the company joining the RE100 initiative in 2021 to transition to 100% . Further progress was outlined in the 2024 SECOM Report, emphasizing integrated environmental measures like energy-efficient security devices, and in February 2025, Secom was selected as a Double A-list company in the CDP questionnaires on and . In April 2024, Secom launched SECOM VMS, a for multi-camera integration and advanced monitoring. In September 2025, the company acquired AVTEL, an IT consulting and firm, to strengthen its BPO and ICT services. The heightened demand for remote monitoring services, contributing to Secom's financial resilience; for the ended , 2021, consolidated net sales reached 1,062.7 billion yen, a 1.8% increase year-over-year, while attributable to owners rose 3.2% to 89.9 billion yen despite global disruptions. This growth accelerated in the following year, with net sales climbing 4.5% to 1,110.3 billion yen for the period ended , 2022, driven by expanded home and remote subscriptions amid trends. The company continued its upward trajectory, achieving consolidated revenue of JPY 1,199.9 billion for the ended , 2025.

Business Operations

Core Security Services

SECOM's electronic security systems form the backbone of its protection services, featuring advanced intrusion detection via image sensors that operate effectively in low-light conditions and deploy fog to disorient intruders upon activation. These systems integrate fire alarms and other sensors to monitor for abnormalities, transmitting real-time signals and images to centralized control centers for 24/7 oversight. With a nationwide network of approximately 2,600 emergency depots, SECOM ensures rapid dispatch of response teams, achieving an average response time under 5 minutes for alarm activations. Complementing electronic measures, SECOM provides static guard and patrolling services, deploying thousands of highly trained guards to commercial sites, including high-risk facilities like . Guards adhere to rigorous protocols, such as the Systematic Behavior procedures, and undergo specialized training programs incorporating simulations and a graded certification system to enhance and response efficacy. This human element integrates with technological tools for comprehensive site protection. In armored transportation, SECOM specializes in secure operations using GPS-tracked vehicles equipped with anti-robbery features, including reinforced structures and real-time monitoring. These services handle hundreds of billions of yen in annual cash deposits and valuables, supported by dedicated cash filling operations to minimize risks during transit for financial institutions and businesses. For residential protection, SECOM offers packages with sensor-based systems that detect intrusions, fires, and gas leaks, linked to dispatch services. These packages serve approximately 1.6 million residential clients as part of more than 2.5 million total online security contracts, including features like remote monitoring via apps and specialized senior care options such as the SECOM Monitoring Service for Seniors. Innovations like AI behavior detection are briefly incorporated to enhance accuracy without replacing core operational protocols.

Diversified Services

Secom has extended its security expertise into home medical services, beginning with the launch of visiting nurse services in 1991 to address the growing needs of Japan's aging population. These services encompass nursing care, where trained professionals provide medical treatment and support under physician supervision, as well as emergency response systems tailored for elderly clients, including sensor-based monitoring to detect inactivity and trigger rapid alerts. Secom operates 33 visiting nurse stations across Japan and manages additional care facilities through subsidiaries such as Secomfort Co., Ltd. and Alive Medicare Co., Ltd., offering residential options for seniors that have been available since 1996. Recent innovations include the SECOM Monitoring Service for Seniors, introduced in 2021, and the YORiSOS app in 2023, which integrate health monitoring with emergency notifications via wearable devices. In the insurance sector, Secom entered the market in 1998 through subsidiaries like Secom General Insurance Co., Ltd., offering policies that leverage the company's infrastructure for enhanced value. Key products include with premium discounts for clients equipped with Secom's on-line systems, as well as personal liability coverage under plans like SECOM Anshin My Home, which provides comprehensive protection alongside emergency assistance. Automobile insurance options, such as SECOM Anshin My Car, deliver 24/7 on-site support following incidents, while specialized health-related policies like MEDCOM, launched in 2001, cover unlimited inpatient cancer treatment and up to ¥10 million for outpatient care. This integration allows security subscribers to benefit from reduced premiums, fostering a holistic approach to . Secom's (BPO) and (ICT) services, which build on its security foundations, target corporate clients with solutions for data protection and operational resilience, with significant expansions noted since the early . Through Secom Trust Systems Co., Ltd., the company provides outsourcing for (BCP), information security consulting, cloud-based services, and contact center operations, including data center support launched in collaboration with partners like At Corporation in 2024. These offerings emphasize secure IT environments, with services such as and designed to safeguard sensitive corporate data against cyber threats. Investments, including in ARTERIA Networks in 2023 (with acquisition completed in 2024), further enhance capabilities in and digital infrastructure. Geospatial information services represent another diversification, initiated through a 1999 investment in Pasco Corporation, utilizing data to support and . Secom collects geographic data via commercial s, (SAR) imagery since 2007, and aerial surveys to deliver solutions for disaster management and monitoring. Subsidiaries like Pasco Corp., in which Secom holds a 75% stake (as of 2025), provide these services, including the N–Deals™ platform launched in 2024 for advanced geospatial analytics. This segment aids in security-related applications, such as terrain analysis for vulnerability mapping, while extending to broader environmental and needs. In late 2024, Secom increased its stake in Pasco through additional acquisitions.

Financial Performance

Secom reported consolidated net sales of ¥1,199.9 billion for the ended March 31, 2025, representing a 3.9% increase from ¥1,154.7 billion in the prior year. This growth was primarily driven by steady demand in core operations, with the services segment generating ¥633.4 billion in net sales, comprising approximately 53% of . The company's profitability has shown consistency, with net profit margins averaging around 8-9% over the past decade, supported by recurring from subscription-based contracts that provide stable cash flows. For the ended March 31, 2025, net attributable to Secom was ¥108.1 billion, yielding a net margin of approximately 9%. Since 2010, margins have fluctuated between 7% and 10%, reflecting resilience amid economic variations and operational efficiencies. Secom's shares trade on the under ticker 9735, with a of approximately ¥2.17 trillion as of November 2025. The company has maintained a consistent since 1987, distributing semiannual payouts to shareholders, with the latest annual at ¥100 per share. A notable financial event was the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, which disrupted operations in affected areas and led to increased investments in recovery and infrastructure resilience, contributing to long-term operational enhancements without derailing overall financial recovery.

Global Presence

Domestic Operations in Japan

Secom maintains a leading position in Japan's private industry. The company operates an extensive network of branches and offices across the country, covering all 47 prefectures to ensure comprehensive coverage for its solutions. This nationwide infrastructure supports the delivery of core services such as electronic monitoring and manned guarding, tailored to Japan's diverse geographic and demographic needs. The company's client base in is substantial, with around 2,746,000 domestic subscribers as of March 31, 2025, comprising approximately 1,122,000 commercial accounts and 1,624,000 residential ones. This breakdown reflects Secom's strong presence in both urban commercial sectors, such as offices and retail, and residential areas, where systems are widely adopted. While industrial clients are integrated into the commercial category, the overall distribution underscores Secom's focus on protecting businesses and households amid Japan's high rate and aging . To address regional variations, Secom deploys denser monitoring networks in densely populated urban centers like , while offering customized solutions in rural and earthquake-prone areas, including seismic-resistant equipment and rapid response protocols developed from experiences in major disasters like the Great East Japan Earthquake. Secom has forged key partnerships with Japanese authorities to enhance public safety, including a joint agreement with the aimed at through shared intelligence and coordinated patrols. Additionally, the company collaborates with local governments, police, and fire departments during disaster responses, providing logistical support via helicopters and monitoring systems. A notable example is Secom's role as an official partner for the 2020 Olympic and , where it managed venue security and planning in coordination with government entities to ensure safe operations for the events. These alliances highlight Secom's integration into Japan's national security framework, particularly for high-profile events and emergency situations.

International Expansion

Secom's international expansion commenced in 1978 with a business alliance leading to the establishment of Secom Co., Ltd., which became the company's first overseas operation and is now a publicly listed market leader in the region. This move was followed by the 1981 launch of Korea Safety System Inc. (presently S1 Corporation), formed in partnership with the Group to provide security services in . By 1987, Secom had entered through the creation of Thaisecom Pitakkij Co., Ltd. (now Secom Security Co., Ltd.), initiating its presence in . In , Secom entered the market in 1991 via the acquisition of Carroll Security Group PLC, followed by the 1995 purchase of Ambassador Security Group PLC; these entities merged in 1996 to form Secom PLC, which has since expanded to include operations in Ireland as of July 2024. For , the company secured approval for its first holding company in in December 1992, officially sanctioned in July 1993 as the inaugural Japanese-owned entity of its kind in the , with Secom Security Co., Ltd. incorporated in 1995 to deliver localized security solutions. Secom also established a foothold in in 1990 through Secom Australia Pty. Ltd., focusing on integrated commercial security systems across the country and . Post-2010, Secom accelerated its growth in Southeast Asia, further expanding operations in Indonesia (established 1994) and establishing a subsidiary in Vietnam in 2013, while acquiring and rebranding ADT operations in Malaysia (as Secom Smart Malaysia in September 2020) and Singapore (as Secom Smart Singapore in October 2020) to bolster on-line security offerings amid the region's economic development. Additional expansions include the 2019 formation of Secom Aktif Guvenlik Yatirim A.S. in Turkey through a joint venture with Çalık Group, and a July 2025 agreement to acquire AVTEL Holdings, a security systems integrator primarily serving Asia-Pacific and Europe, to enhance technological capabilities. These efforts have extended Secom's security services to 15 countries and territories, with group operations spanning 18 as of 2025. To succeed in diverse markets, Secom employs localized strategies, tailoring its core security services—such as monitoring, fire protection, and geospatial solutions—to regional requirements, including the integration of , , and technologies for enhanced responsiveness. In and Southeast Asian markets like , this involves adapting systems to urban density and environmental factors, while in and , emphasis is placed on compliance with stringent regulatory standards and bespoke solutions for commercial clients. The overseas segment continues to grow, with initiatives like new contracts in and , and Secom aims to elevate its international revenue share to 10% by 2027 under the SECOM Group 2027.

Controversies and Challenges

Major Incidents

In 1966, shortly after introducing its SP Alarm system, Secom encountered a series of scandals when employees were caught stealing, which tarnished the company's image and prompted early efforts to strengthen internal controls and employee training. On April 21, , an armored car operated by Secom, a subsidiary of Secom Co., Ltd., was robbed in Taipei's . A gunman shot and wounded two security guards before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of cash, highlighting risks in cash transport operations despite the company's security protocols. The incident led to investigations and reinforced safety measures for guards in the region. In May 2016, Secom's board fired Chairman Shuji Maeda and President Hiroshi Ito in a rare governance action, citing the need to uphold strict corporate standards. The dismissals stemmed from internal issues, including allegations of improper conduct, and marked a significant boardroom upheaval that drew media attention to the company's leadership practices.

Regulatory and Ethical Issues

Secom operates under strict regulatory oversight as a leading provider of security services in Japan, adhering to key legislation such as the Private Security Services Act of 1972, which governs the industry by mandating licensing, operational standards, and oversight to ensure public safety and trust. This act requires security firms to maintain qualified personnel and conduct regular operations, with Secom fulfilling these through comprehensive employee training programs that exceed legal minimums, including behavioral guidelines and the SECOM Group Code of Employee Conduct established in 2006 to promote ethical practices and self-regulation. Additionally, the company undergoes annual internal audits by its Internal Audit and Compliance Department, which inspects operations across subsidiaries and reports findings to executive leadership, ensuring ongoing adherence to legal and internal standards. Labor relations at Secom emphasize compliance with Japanese labor laws, including agreements on working hours and wages negotiated with employee representatives to foster stable conditions. For instance, Secom has implemented the Article 36 Agreement to regulate overtime and prevent excessive hours, a common concern in Japan's workforce, while respecting international human rights principles on fair compensation and job security. These efforts reflect broader commitments to equitable treatment, though the security sector faces ongoing debates about wage adequacy for guards given the demanding nature of the roles. Ethical considerations in Secom's operations center on protections amid the deployment of technologies, such as monitoring systems integral to its services. The company addresses these through its Personal Data Protection Policy, which mandates appropriate collection, use, and security measures for , including employee training to prevent leaks and strict controls on , except in legally permitted cases like responses. Influenced by global standards like the EU's GDPR, Secom's policy aligns with Japan's Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI), emphasizing transparency and oversight of contractors to mitigate risks from tools. As part of its (CSR), Secom advances diversity initiatives, including a 2021–2026 action plan to boost female representation by increasing the number of women employees by more than 500 from the 2016 baseline of 2,396, alongside targets for 200 female managers and 400 supervisors to address underrepresentation in . These efforts include career-development for women and participation in like Japan Women's Innovative Network (J-Win). Complementing this, Secom contributes to communities via free security workshops, such as the SECOM Child Safety Workshop launched in 2006, which uses educational DVDs and seminars to raise crime-prevention awareness among children and women, delivered by female employees and expanded regionally since 2018. Other programs, like partnerships with local wards for disaster preparedness and AED , further embed ethical .

References

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