Japan Robotics Industry
Japanese corporations are focused on installing automation and cutting-edge technology to address a rapidly shrinking labor force. The U.S. Commercial Service Japan can assist U.S. companies in finding export opportunities in automation, advanced manufacturing and related technology, as well as production line software sectors.
The Japanese machinery sector, along with the broader Japanese economy, has seen strong growth since 2014. In addition to overall market growth, Japan is experiencing a rapidly aging society with a population decline of more than 2 million during the past 10 years. By 2065 Japan is expected to see a 40% decrease in its total workforce. This will result in increased demand for automated systems and advanced industrial machinery and equipment. To help address this demand the Japanese government has started to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to invest in plant and equipment upgrades to promote increased automation.
The Japanese industrial machinery market is expected growth in coming years, but the Japanese machinery manufacturers are approaching capacity, which may present an opportunity for foreign suppliers in certain niches of the Japanese market. Industry professionals see global trends, such as the move from combustion engine vehicles to electric, as impacting market growth as supply chains and component designs adapt to meet these changes.
The current industry trends toward automation, semiconductor manufacturing machinery, processing machinery using lasers and industrial robots are the best prospects for U.S. exports to Japan. Many strong domestic industrial machinery equipment manufacturers — namely, DMG Mori, Okuma, Yamazaki Mazak, Mitsubishi Electric, Yasukawa, and Fanuc already have long-standing relationships with Japanese end-users.
As a result, it is a very competitive market and entry may be difficult for new-to-market firms as they must convince end-users to disrupt their existing supplier relationships. New-to-market U.S. firms are, therefore, advised to consider partnering with local agents or distributors with deep industry knowledge and sales networks in order to successfully market their products to end-users in Japan.
Advanced manufacturing technology; Semiconductor manufacturing machinery, Processing machinery with laser technologies and Industrial Robots are also good sectors to consider.
Opportunities:
Japan International Machine Tool Fair (JIMTOF) 2020. This event has been canceled due to the postponement of Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics Games to 2021 and the inability to secure the venue.
Mechanical Components & Materials Technology Expo (M-Tech) 2021
Dates: February 3-5, 2021
Venue: Makuhari Messe
Over 1,800 exhibitors and over 88,000 machinery business professionals participated in M-Tech 2020.
Mechatronics Technology Japan (MECT) 2021
Dates: October 20-23, 2021
Venue: Nagoya Port Messe
Over 470 exhibitors and over 90,000 machinery business professionals participated in MECT 2019.
JIMTOF and MECT are both biannual trade shows.
Web Resources:
Japan Machine Tool Builders Association (JMTBA)
Japan Machine Tool Importers Association (JMTIA)
Japan Robot Association (JRA)
For further information contact U.S. Commercial Service at Office.Tokyo@trade.gov.