Japan Advanced Manufacturing - Industry - Market, Share and Trends 2023-2028

Summary of Advanced Manufacturing

Predictive maintenance and precision measurement tools are being rapidly adopted by Japan’s advanced manufacturers. Emerging trends center on healthcare applications of sensors/robotics along with materials informatics – using AI to discover new alloys and polymers. Societal aging however means a shrinking workforce available to operate highly automated plants.

While metal additive technology is estimated to grow substantially in the Japanese domestic market in coming years, it is still at an early growth stage. According to our estimates – we can say that the advanced manufacturing industry in Japan is forecasted to be a $ 14.30 Billion industry in 2029 from $ 10.08 Billion in 2023 with a CAGR of 6 %.

Key indicator towards the domestic growth of metal additive manufacturing are— specialist service bureaus— which are guiding and educating Japanese manufacturers as they try to deploy the technology to overcome internal hurdles, such as: defining in-house design processes, selecting materials and planning for capital-equipment investments.

The shift toward adopting automation for packaging and transport has been growing in fields such as: logistics, food and pharmaceuticals. Advanced manufacturing technologies are seen to increase productivity, consume less energy and lead to fewer product defects, thus address workforce shortage challenges and help the government achieve its carbon neutrality as well.

Recent Trends and Insights

Predictive maintenance powered by AI and advanced sensors is seeing rapid adoption by Japanese manufacturers to maximize production uptime. Hitachi and FANUC apply machine learning for early warning of equipment faults. Emerging areas center on healthcare applications of automation and robotics to address societal aging. Exoskeletons, AI-guided surgery bots and companion robots showcase potential.

Additionally, materials informatics – leveraging AI and simulation to discover innovative alloys, polymers and composites – is an area of strength for Japan. Using computational modeling to design lightweight, high-performance substances will be crucial for sectors like autos and aircraft. But declining working population availability may constrain who operates increasingly automated plants.

A key trend in the Japanese market is that the private use of 3D Printing machines is likely to decrease and the industrial/organizational use will grow perpetually. Professionals believe that the private use of 3D printing equipment market is now in the saturation stage and ensued a peak of market growth. Industrial use of 3D printing for large scale production is expected grow in automotive, aerospace, and machine tools mass production.

A very validated reason for Japan’s interest in this sector is the shrinking of Japan’s population. A forecasted net decrease of 2 million people is projected to occur in the next 10 years. Additive manufacturing in mass production may play an important role in addressing this issue.

Product Insights

Japan leads specialized high-precision manufacturing in areas like – semiconductor fabrication equipment, electronics components and optical instruments. Sophisticated robotic arms capable of nano-scale movements demonstrate advanced capabilities. Assets remain around hardware excellence, craftsmanship and monozukuri production skills.

However—Japan is perceived to be lagging global leaders in software and AI-driven manufacturing. The focus remains mainly on precision equipment rather than intelligence technologies integration. But the connected, data-driven nature of Industry 4.0 is seeing software adoption accelerate.

The recent use of industrial 3D printing machines are mostly for R&D purposes but it’s predicted that the market will be open for mass production by additive manufacturing in the near period. Major hurdles to wider acceptance of additive manufacturing in Japan include – traditional Japanese business culture, which is generally hesitant to try out new technology.

Also the majority of the Japanese industry still believe that 3D printing is cutting edge technology but are unaware of U.S. companies which can introduce 3D printing to mass production. Therefore—  a vital reason for the success for additive manufacturing is brand consciousness and value proposition among Japanese buyers. 

Key companies

Some major players within this vast domain of industry are:

• Toyota
• Mitsubishi
• Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
• Hitachi, Ltd.
• Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
• ONO SOKKI CO., LTD
• Mazda
• Subaru
• Isuzu
• Sharp

Country Analysis

Japan’s advanced manufacturers across sectors like electronics, automotives and industrial equipment employ extreme levels of automation to enable precision output, with the world’s highest robot density. The country has over 300 robots per 10,000 employees on factory floors – over 3X the global average.

This automated and digitally-integrated production is backed by Japan’s strong digital infrastructure, extensive skills in mechatronics and robotics, and a cultural focus on monozukuri (excellence in manufacturing). Combined with heavy R&D spending and industrial consortiums, Japan delivers unmatched quality, efficiency and technological sophistication.

However— Japan also faces socioeconomic headwinds in fully transitioning to data-driven Industry 4.0 manufacturing Demographic aging coupled with a conservative, change-resistant culture poses workforce constraints. Bureaucracy and “siloed thinking” within large corporations restricts flexibility. High operational costs, energy prices and isolation add pressure to global competitiveness.

While Japan possesses advanced capabilities in precision engineering and automation, challenges around legacy culture, demographics and structural costs pose barriers to faster evolution. A bolder embrace of software, connectivity and visibility will help drive the next phase of progress.

Market segmentation

By Type:

• Additive manufacturing/3D printing
• Automation/robotics
• Industrial internet of things (IIoT) and industrial analytics
• Plant asset management (PAM)
• Manufacturing execution systems (MES)
• Industrial controls

By End user:

• Manufacturer and Retailer
• Distinct industries like automotive, aerospace, electronics
• Process industries like oil & gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals
• Energy and utilities
• Food and beverage

By Enterprise Size:

• Large Industries
• Small & Medium Industries

Our Methodology

We have offered a well-founded review of Japan’s advanced manufacturing market along with ongoing trends and upcoming projections to highlight proximate investment opportunities in this report. Moreover, an extensive analysis of any future prospects, challenges, competitors, or navigating aspects is also provided. A methodical detailed regional examination is presented.

Primary Research  

Our multi-pronged research approach includes interviews with industry leaders and a global survey of advanced manufacturing professionals to gain qualitative insights. We utilize our proprietary databases encompassing key performance indicators worldwide in order to collate relevant data points. A multivariate forecasting framework considering historical performance, current dynamics and qualitative factors are utilized to develop market sizing and growth projections through 2029.

We supplement our primary research with a careful examination of secondary materials such as– case studies, news stories and references from other sources. Organizations can benefit from the strategic advice and conclusions offered because they will be better equipped to respond to the dynamic nature of this industry and seize emerging possibilities.

We employ a comprehensive and iterative research methodology focused on minimizing deviation to provide the most accurate market estimates. Our research utilizes a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches across segments and utilizes databases, primary research insights and industry experts for analysis.

Raw data is obtained from multiple sources and thoroughly filtered to ensure only authenticated and validated sources are considered. We collect data from raw material suppliers, industry associations, technology providers, and buyers to gain a holistic perspective.

Quantitative Analysis

Our market estimates are derived through statistical models, beginning with collection of historical data and analysis of macro- and micro-economic factors influencing the market. Gathered information on market dynamics, technology and pricing trends are utilised to build the models.

Econometric and technological models are applied to project short- and long-term market potential respectively. A bottom-up approach is preferred to minimize errors. Key parameters considered include market drivers and restraints, material pricing trends, regulatory scenarios, and capacity additions.

Weights are assigned to these parameters based on impact analysis and market forecasting is performed via statistical tools and techniques. We believe this methodology results in an accurate and realistic market picture.