Japanese, I like the Nintendo and Square games(Square not Square-Enix)

Japaneses no Doubt is better FFX kicks any western RPG's butt. Square-Enix before SquareSoft

The Japanese are still the kings of RPG development.

Bethesda

Never cared for JRPGs

Blizzard - They've shown they're the top RPG developers today with their Diablo and World of Warcraft franchises.

Bioware. No question.

im surprised that you didnt say the tales studio.

Oh, no, Namco Tales Studios is far from the best RPG developers. But they are easily my favorit, and I'd buy a new Tales game before a new KOTOR or Mass Effect

Bioware is the current king of electronic rpg. Now let me explain for those who are unsure why.

JRPG are an excellent art of entertainment. SE makes some fabulous games. While I enjoy SE games a lot I really can't give them my vote. The reason why is because they aren't very RPGish if you play PnP RPG(actual to goodness RPGS). Most JRPG are typically very linear progress through combat only(combat does not equal RPG). Where as real RPG ie the P&P kind allow you to progress through alternatives than combat. Diplomacy and skills being predominent. JRPG don't offer these alternatives and as such you end up watching more than participating in the story. Keeping in mind that RPG are ROLE not ROLL Playing games.

Now with that said if I was asked who does the best JRPG or best grand stories I would credit SE first.

Underthese cirumstances I would actually give Interplay/Black Isle company the heads up for best RPG company, but since the company isn't producing much these days Bioware takes the crown.

tri-Ace Star Ocean 2 and Valkryie Profile is there best work and some of the best PS1 RPGs ever