Amatsuji Steel Ball Manufacturing simply makes ball point pens to bullet trains work properly. Founded in 1920, the company (AKS) manufactures and sells various metal and non-metallic balls used in the rotating and linear parts that ensure things function efficiently, effectively, and safely. AKS's steel balls are used by a slew of industries, from automotive to electronics, and machine tools. The company makes an A to Z lineup, including brass and ceramic balls, stainless and carbon steel balls, as well as heat and corrosion resistant steel balls. Chrome steel balls are its top-seller. Operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of NSK, AKS production plants dot Japan, the US and UK, Indonesia, Poland, and China.