Japan 3D Printing Market
Japan’s additive manufacturing (AM) or “3D printing” equipment sales totaled $168.6 million in 2020, the most recent year for which sales data is available. We anticipate 3D printing equipment sales in Japan will continue to rise each year, consistent with forecasts by Japan’s Yano Research Institute. Slowly but surely, 3D manufacturing is becoming more widely accepted as a source for materials in the Japanese market – this is especially true as Japanese companies begin to rely on 3D-printed replacement parts for older model household appliances and classic cars.
Globally shared challenges such as sustainability and supply chain disruption—as well as domestic demographic challenges—have boosted Japan’s appetite for additive manufacturing related equipment. For instance, Japanese transportation businesses see AM technology meeting demands for lighter material parts and reducing carbon footprint in keeping with sustainability requirements. Japan’s shrinking population is another factor. A Japanese thinktank, National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, projects Japan will experience a net decrease of 5.5 million people in the next 10 years –4.7% of Japan’s current population of 123.6 million. In addition, large numbers of Japan’s experienced skilled workers are retiring. Facing the challenge of training the next generation of employees, Japanese manufacturing companies are considering 3D-printing on a mass production level to address workforce challenges.
A major hurdle to wider AM adoption in Japan is the country’s traditional business culture. Japanese companies are generally hesitant to try new manufacturing technologies until the companies’ engineers fully understand how the machinery operates and the machine can deliver quality outputs just like their traditional method can deliver. Japanese companies are slowly but surely gaining an appreciation that AM can deliver for certain mass production components and parts.
The keys to success for U.S. 3D manufacturing companies in the Japanese market are brand awareness, value proposition, and providing case studies involving Japanese customers’ successful use of materials manufactured using 3D printing technologies. You should consider AM educational outreach with Japanese partners. Japan’s AM market is still developing and lacks large numbers of skilled engineers knowledgeable about 3D printers. U.S. exporters of 3D printers should promote and be ready to implement well-organized educational sessions to their Japanese customers after 3D printing equipment sales are finalized.
Opportunities:
Manufacturing World/ AM Japan
Dates: June 19-21, 2024
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
Note: Over 1,800 exhibitors and 66,800 business professionals participated in-person at the Manufacturing World/AM Japan in 2023.
TCT Japan 2025
Dates: January 29 - 31, 2025
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
Note: Over 100 exhibitors and 42,000 business professionals participated in-person or online at the TCT Japan 2024.
If you have further questions, please contact Office.Tokyo@trade.gov.