Japanese consumer electronics giants may be struggling, but many of the country’s parts makers are thriving. While some of them have long-standing relationships with Apple Inc.AAPL+2.64% and other well-known names, they are also seeing growing demand from emerging Chinese smartphone brands like Xiaomi Inc., Lenovo Group Ltd.0992.HK+1.44% and Huawei Technologies Co.

One of the most successful Japanese parts suppliers is Murata Manufacturing Co.6981.TO+0.86%, a maker of tiny, energy-storing capacitors, Wi-Fi modules and other components for smartphones and other products. Murata is one of a number of parts providers based in Japan’s former capital, Kyoto.

The company’s president, Tsuneo Murata, explained the reasons for Japan’s continuing prowess in parts-making in an interview. The following are edited excerpts:

WSJ: There is a whole cluster of parts providers in Kyoto, including companies like Omron Corp.6645.TO+3.43%, Rohm Semiconductor 6963.TO+3.32%, Nidec Corp.6594.TO+4.73%, Kyocera Corp.6971.TO+3.11% and, of course, Murata. Why have these companies continued to perform well, even as troubles mount for Japan’s better-known names in consumer electronics?