In today’s increasingly fierce global technological competition, Japan’s high-tech industry continues to maintain its unique innovation and competitiveness. This article aims to provide readers with a comprehensive and concise overview of the latest developments in Japan’s high-tech industry, covering key areas ranging from artificial intelligence and robotics to biotechnology and clean energy. We carefully screen and summarize official releases, industry reports, and authoritative media reports from major Japanese technology companies, research institutions, and government departments to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information. The content of this article is updated from time to time to provide the latest industry insights for companies going abroad to Japan and entrepreneurs in Japan. You can focus on the latest developments in specific fields or companies according to your own needs, so as to better grasp the pulse and development trends of the Japanese high-tech market.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Japan’s development in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning is advancing at an alarming rate, and many technology giants and research institutions have achieved remarkable results in this field. This section details three recent major developments.

1. Sony releases a new generation of AI chip with 40% performance improvement

Sony recently announced the launch of its latest generation of artificial intelligence processing chip, code-named “Neural Engine X1”. This chip uses advanced 5-nanometer process technology, which improves performance by 40% and reduces energy consumption by 25% compared with the previous generation product. Neural Engine X1 has achieved major breakthroughs in terms of computing power, energy efficiency, integration and software ecosystem. The new chip can perform 25 trillion operations per second, taking the lead among similar products. Thanks to advanced power management technology and architectural optimization, performance per watt is increased by 50%. The chip also integrates a dedicated neural network accelerator, cache and memory controller, which greatly reduces data transmission delays.

Sony also released a supporting software development kit (SDK), which supports mainstream deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, providing convenience for developers. The company said the chip will be widely used in its consumer electronics, professional imaging equipment and automotive electronic systems. The first batch of products equipped with this chip are expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2025, which will significantly improve Sony’s competitiveness in the field of AI hardware.

2. Fujitsu and the University of Tokyo collaborate to develop quantum machine learning algorithms

Fujitsu Corporation and the Quantum Science Research Center of the University of Tokyo announced that they have jointly developed a revolutionary quantum machine learning algorithm. This breakthrough is expected to significantly increase the speed of solving complex problems, especially in fields such as optimization, materials science and financial modeling. The algorithm uses a hybrid quantum-classical approach, cleverly combining the parallel processing advantages of quantum computing with the stability of classical computers. The research team also developed a new quantum error correction technology, which significantly improves the algorithm’s robustness in noisy quantum environments.

Compared with traditional quantum algorithms, this new method has less performance degradation when the problem scale increases, showing good scalability. Researchers have successfully applied the algorithm to real-world problems such as protein folding prediction, financial risk analysis and traffic flow optimization. Fujitsu plans to commercialize this technology within the next two years and has begun working with multiple industry partners to explore its application in actual production environments. This achievement not only demonstrates Japan’s research strength in the field of quantum computing, but also provides new possibilities for solving complex practical problems.

3. SoftBank invests 5 billion yen in start-up companies to develop medical AI diagnostic systems

SoftBank Vision Fund announced that it will invest 5 billion yen (approximately 350 million yuan) in Japanese medical AI startup MediAI to develop a new generation of artificial intelligence-assisted diagnosis systems. This investment reflects SoftBank’s optimism about the potential of the medical AI market and also marks Japan’s rapid development in this field. MediAI’s AI diagnostic system features multi-modal data fusion, real-time learning capabilities, interpretability, extensive disease coverage, and cloud deployment.

The system can simultaneously process medical imaging, electronic medical records and genomic data to provide comprehensive diagnostic recommendations. The AI ​​model is able to learn from each diagnosis, continuously improving its accuracy and adaptability. The latest explainable AI technology is adopted to enable doctors to understand the reasons why AI makes specific diagnostic recommendations. The system currently covers the diagnosis of more than 100 common diseases, including various cancers, cardiovascular diseases and neurological diseases. The adoption of cloud computing architecture makes this advanced system affordable and accessible to small medical institutions.

MediAI said it plans to use the investment to expand its R&D team, accelerate the development of new features, and promote the system to at least 100 hospitals across Japan in the next 18 months. At the same time, the company is also actively seeking international cooperation and plans to promote this system in other Asian countries and regions. This investment and technology development will not only promote the development of medical AI in Japan, but is also expected to bring important breakthroughs in global medical diagnostic technology.

These three major developments clearly demonstrate Japan’s strong strength and innovative spirit in the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning. From hardware to algorithms to specific applications, Japanese companies and research institutions are promoting the development and application of AI technology in all aspects. This will not only enhance Japan’s technological competitiveness, but also make an important contribution to the advancement of global AI technology.

Robotics

As the world’s leading country in robotics technology, Japan continues to innovate in the fields of household, industry and medical care. This section will introduce in detail the latest breakthroughs in robotics technology by three well-known Japanese companies.

1. Toyota launches home assistant robot, expected to be launched in 2025

Toyota Motor Corporation recently announced that its home assistant robot “HomeHelper-X”, which has been developed for many years, has completed the final testing phase and plans to be officially launched on the market in 2025. This robot is an important step in Toyota’s commitment to realizing the vision of a “mobile society” and is designed to solve the problem of insufficient home care staff faced by Japan’s aging society.

HomeHelper-X uses Toyota’s latest artificial intelligence and robotics technology. It is 1.5 meters tall and weighs 60 kilograms. It adopts a wheeled mobile design and can flexibly move through the home environment. Equipped with advanced visual and tactile sensors, the robot can accurately identify and operate various household items. Its arms are designed to imitate the structure of human arms, with five fingers on each hand, allowing it to complete complex grasping and manipulation tasks.

In terms of functionality, HomeHelper-X can perform a variety of household tasks, such as tidying up the room, doing laundry, preparing simple meals, feeding pets, etc. More importantly, it can recognize human language and facial expressions, understand voice commands, and communicate naturally with family members. The robot also integrates health monitoring functions, which can detect the user’s vital signs and automatically call medical services in case of emergency.

Toyota says HomeHelper-X has a battery life of up to 12 hours and only takes 2 hours to charge. The company plans to produce 10,000 units in the first batch, and the price is expected to be around 2 million yen. Toyota also announced that it will cooperate with a number of nursing institutions to conduct large-scale field tests before its official launch to further optimize the performance and functionality of the robot.

2. Yaskawa Electric releases a new generation of industrial robots to increase production efficiency by 20%

Yaskawa Electric Co., Ltd. released its latest generation industrial robot series “Motoman-NX” last month, marking another important step for the company in the field of industrial automation. The new series of robots incorporates a number of innovative technologies designed to significantly increase production efficiency and flexibility.

The most notable feature of the Motoman-NX series is its “intelligent adaptive” function. By integrating advanced machine vision systems and force feedback sensors, these robots are able to adjust their operations in real time to accommodate changes on the production line. For example, during the assembly process, the robot can accurately sense the positional deviation of the parts and automatically adjust its movements to ensure accurate assembly. This significantly reduces production line downtime and the need for manual intervention.

In terms of performance, the movement speed of the new series of robots is 15% higher than that of the previous generation, while energy consumption is reduced by 30%. Yaskawa Electric claims that in a typical manufacturing environment, the Motoman-NX series can increase overall production efficiency by 20%. In addition, the new series of robots also adopts a modular design, which greatly shortens installation and maintenance time.

Yaskawa Electric has also developed a new programming interface for the Motoman-NX series, using intuitive graphical programming tools and augmented reality (AR) technology. This allows even operators without professional programming background to quickly configure and adjust the robot’s workflow.

The company has begun accepting pre-orders for the Motoman-NX series, and the first batch of products will be delivered to customers in the automotive, electronics and food processing industries by the end of this year. Yaskawa Electric expects this new series to account for more than 50% of its industrial robot sales by 2026.

3. Hitachi and Kyoto University collaborate to develop medical rehabilitation robots

Hitachi Manufacturing and Kyoto University School of Medicine recently announced that the medical rehabilitation robot “RehabPartner” jointly developed by the two parties has entered the clinical trial stage. The collaboration, which begins in 2022, aims to develop an intelligent robotic system that can provide personalized rehabilitation training for patients with stroke, spinal cord injury and other movement disorders.

RehabPartner adopts an exoskeleton structure design that can provide precise strength assistance according to the patient’s physical condition. The robot is equipped with multiple biosensors that can monitor the patient’s muscle activity, joint angles and force in real time. Based on these data, the built-in AI system can dynamically adjust the intensity and mode of rehabilitation training to ensure that the training is both effective and safe.

The most unique feature of this robot is its “neuroplasticity enhancement” function. By precisely controlling movement patterns and applied force, RehabPartner stimulates areas of the patient’s brain responsible for movement control, promoting neuronal reconnection and thus accelerating the recovery process. Preliminary research data shows that patients using this method recover 30% faster than traditional rehabilitation methods.

RehabPartner also integrates a virtual reality (VR) system, which can create an immersive training environment for patients, making rehabilitation training more interesting and patient participation. For example, patients can complete daily life tasks such as cooking or gardening in a virtual environment, which not only trains motor function but also helps patients re-adapt to daily life.

Currently, RehabPartner is undergoing a one-year clinical trial at Kyoto University School of Medicine Hospital, with 200 patients expected to participate. If the trial results are satisfactory, Hitachi plans to bring this rehabilitation robot to the market in 2026. The company says its goal is to make RehabPartner a standard device for hospitals, rehabilitation centers and home rehabilitation.

These three cases fully demonstrate Japan’s latest progress in the fields of home service robots, industrial automation and medical rehabilitation robots. From Toyota’s home assistant robots, to Yaskawa Electric’s smart industrial robots, to Hitachi’s medical rehabilitation robots in collaboration with Kyoto University, Japanese companies are combining advanced AI, sensor technology and robotic engineering to develop products that can truly improve people’s lives. and work on innovative products. These developments not only demonstrate Japan’s leading position in the field of robotics, but also provide new possibilities for solving social problems and improving production efficiency.

Semiconductor and electronics industry

Japan has always maintained a strong momentum of innovation in the semiconductor and electronics industries. This section details the latest major developments in this area from three leading Japanese companies.

1. Toshiba announces investment of 1 trillion yen to expand semiconductor factory

Toshiba Corporation recently announced an ambitious plan to invest 1 trillion yen (approximately US$7 billion) to expand its semiconductor factory in Kyushu, Japan. This decision reflects Toshiba’s strategic intention to re-establish its leadership position in the global semiconductor market competition and is also an important result of the Japanese government’s policy to promote the development of the domestic semiconductor industry.

This investment will mainly be used to build a new 12-inch wafer production line, focusing on the production of advanced power semiconductors and analog chips. The new production line will use the most advanced 7-nanometer process technology, which will significantly improve the performance and energy efficiency of the chip. Toshiba said the new production line will mainly produce high-performance power semiconductors for electric vehicles, renewable energy equipment and 5G infrastructure.

The expansion project is scheduled to begin in early 2025 and is expected to be completed and put into production in mid-2027. Toshiba estimates that when the new production line is fully operational, it will increase the company’s semiconductor production capacity by approximately 40%. In addition, this investment will create approximately 3,000 high-skilled jobs and make an important contribution to local economic development.

To support this large-scale investment, Toshiba also announced a series of supporting measures. The company will establish R&D partnerships with several top Japanese universities to focus on the research of next-generation semiconductor materials and design technologies. At the same time, Toshiba also plans to strengthen cooperation with major global chip design companies to ensure that new production capacity can meet market demand.

This investment will not only strengthen Toshiba’s position in the global semiconductor market, but also make an important contribution to the overall revival of Japan’s semiconductor industry, and is expected to reshape the global semiconductor supply chain pattern.

2. Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. developed a new 5G filter that improves signal quality by 30%

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., a leading global manufacturer of electronic components, recently announced the successful development of a revolutionary 5G filter technology. This new type of filter uses innovative acoustic wave technology and advanced nanomaterials to significantly improve the signal quality and stability of 5G networks.

The most notable features of the newly developed filter are its ultra-high signal selectivity and extremely low insertion loss. Compared with traditional SAW (surface acoustic wave) filters, the signal quality of the new filter is improved by 30%, while power consumption is reduced by 20%. This breakthrough achievement will directly bring about significant improvements in 5G network performance, including faster data transmission speeds, lower latency and more stable connections.

Murata Manufacturing said another important advantage of the new filter is its compact design. Thanks to advanced MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) technology, the new filter is 40% smaller than existing products, which will bring greater flexibility to the design of smartphones and other mobile devices.

The company has started sample testing with major smartphone manufacturers and telecom equipment suppliers, with plans to start mass production in 2025. Murata Manufacturing predicts that this new filter will account for 25% of the global 5G filter market by 2026.

In order to support the mass production of new products, Murata Manufacturing plans to invest 50 billion yen in its headquarters factory in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, to build a dedicated production line. This will not only create about 500 new jobs, but also further consolidate Japan’s leading position in high-end electronic component manufacturing.

3. Sharp and LG Display cooperate to develop next-generation OLED panels

Sharp and South Korea’s LG Display announced last month that they will jointly develop a new generation of OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display panels. This strategic cooperation aims to combine Sharp’s expertise in LCD technology with LG Display’s leading position in OLED to create new display panels with better performance and lower cost.

The newly developed OLED panel will use Sharp’s unique “IGZO” (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide) backplane technology and LG Display’s advanced OLED front panel technology. This combination is expected to bring a number of significant improvements: first, the display brightness will be increased by 30%, while energy consumption will be reduced by 25%; secondly, the life of the panel will be extended by about 40%, effectively solving the long-standing screen burn-in problem of OLED technology; Finally, the new technology will improve the production yield of large-size OLED panels, which is expected to reduce the manufacturing cost of high-end TVs.

The two companies plan to first develop new products for the large-size TV market of 65 inches and above. Their goal is to reduce the cost of new OLED panels to about 70% of existing technology by 2026, allowing OLED TVs to become more popular faster.

In addition to the TV market, the two parties also plan to apply this technology to automotive displays, large public displays and other fields. In particular, the collaborative team is developing bendable and foldable large-size OLED panels, which may find widespread applications in future smart homes and office environments.

Sharp and LG Display said that the first batch of sample panels using the new technology will be available before the end of 2025, and consumer electronics products equipped with such panels are expected to be available in the second half of 2026. The companies also plan to open licensing of the technology to other TV manufacturers to drive technological advancement across the industry.

Toshiba’s large-scale investment in semiconductor production capacity, Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.’s development of advanced 5G filters, and Sharp’s cooperation with LG Display to develop a new generation of OLED panels. These measures not only demonstrate the innovation capabilities of Japanese companies, but also reflect Japan’s re-establishment in the global high-tech industry. The determination to establish its position will also bring more advanced and efficient electronic products to consumers.

Biotechnology and medical technology

Japan has always maintained a strong momentum of innovation in the fields of biotechnology and medical technology. This section details three important recent developments that demonstrate Japan’s leadership in addressing global health challenges and advancing precision and regenerative medicine.

1. Takeda Pharmaceutical begins phase 3 clinical trial to study treatment for long-term complications of COVID-19

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company recently announced the launch of a large-scale Phase 3 clinical trial aimed at studying an innovative treatment method for the long-term complications of COVID-19 (commonly known as “long COVID-19”). The launch of this study marks an important step for the global medical community in addressing this emerging health challenge.

Takeda Pharmaceutical’s clinical trial focuses on a new drug called TAK-671. TAK-671 is a highly targeted small molecule compound designed to modulate the patient’s immune response and reduce the inflammatory process behind COVID-19 symptoms. Preliminary laboratory studies and small human trials suggest the drug may be effective in relieving common COVID-19 symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive impairment and difficulty breathing.

This third phase clinical trial plans to recruit 5,000 COVID-19 patients around the world and will be conducted simultaneously in multiple countries in Asia, Europe and North America. The trial will adopt a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design and last for 18 months. The study’s primary endpoint is to evaluate the effectiveness of TAK-671 in improving patients’ quality of life and reducing symptom severity.

Takeda Pharmaceutical said that if the trial results are positive, the company will apply for marketing authorization from regulatory agencies in various countries in 2026. At the same time, the company is working with the World Health Organization to explore how to ensure that this potential treatment can be distributed equitably around the world, especially in areas with limited resources.

This research is not only expected to bring hope to the millions of COVID-19 patients, but also provide valuable data for the scientific community to gain an in-depth understanding of the long-term effects of viral infection. This move by Takeda Pharmaceutical once again demonstrates the leadership of the Japanese pharmaceutical industry in the field of global public health.

2. Shimadzu launches portable gene sequencer to speed up on-site diagnosis

Shimadzu, Japan’s leading precision instrument manufacturer, recently released a revolutionary portable gene sequencer “GeneSprint”. The launch of this device marks an important step towards making genetic testing technology more portable, rapid and widely used, and is expected to completely change the way on-site diagnosis is performed.

The biggest features of GeneSprint are its compact size and fast detection speed. The entire device weighs only 2 kilograms, is equivalent to a large dictionary, and can be easily carried in a backpack. Thanks to the new nanopore sequencing technology developed by Shimadzu, GeneSprint can complete DNA or RNA sequencing of samples in 30 minutes, which is more than 10 times faster than traditional laboratory sequencing.

Another innovation of the device is its highly integrated sample processing system. GeneSprint has a built-in microfluidic chip that can automatically complete sample extraction, purification and amplification, greatly simplifying the operation process. This means that even non-professionals can operate this equipment after simple training.

Shimadzu said that GeneSprint has a wide range of applications. In the medical field, it can be used to quickly diagnose infectious diseases, including sudden infections with new viruses; in the agricultural field, it can be used for on-site detection of crop pathogens; in environmental monitoring, it can be used for rapid analysis of microorganisms in water quality and soil .

The company plans to start mass production of GeneSprint in the second quarter of 2025, and the first batch of products will be mainly targeted at medical institutions and research institutions. Shimadzu predicts that the portable gene sequencer market will reach US$1 billion by 2027, and GeneSprint is expected to occupy 20% of this market.

In order to promote this technology, Shimadzu is cooperating with a number of biotechnology companies to develop specialized kits for different application scenarios. At the same time, the company also plans to establish a genetic data analysis platform in the cloud to provide users with real-time interpretation of results and suggestions.

The launch of GeneSprint not only demonstrates Japan’s outstanding strength in the field of precision instrument manufacturing, but also opens up new possibilities for the popularization of precision medicine and rapid diagnostic technology. This innovation is expected to improve access to medical services globally, especially in resource-limited areas.

3. Kyoto University iPS Cell Research Institute has made breakthrough progress in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease

The Kyoto University iPS Cell Research Institute recently announced that they have made a major breakthrough in using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) to treat Parkinson’s disease. This progress not only brings new hope to the millions of patients with Parkinson’s disease, but also marks a critical step in the field of regenerative medicine in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

The research team used iPS cell technology to successfully cultivate dopamine-producing neuron cells. These cells are transplanted into the brains of Parkinson’s disease patients with the goal of replacing dopamine neurons that die due to the disease. Preliminary clinical trial results show that patients receiving treatment experienced significant improvements in motor function and activities of daily living.

An important innovation of this study is to solve the problem of immune rejection. The research team has developed a new gene editing technology that can modify the immune properties of iPS cells so that they are not attacked by the patient’s immune system after transplantation. This breakthrough greatly improves the success rate and long-term survival rate of cell transplantation.

Currently, this treatment method has entered the second phase of clinical trials, and is expected to recruit 100 Parkinson’s disease patients. The researchers plan to complete this phase of the trial over the next three years, and if the results continue to be positive, they hope to bring the treatment to clinical use around 2028.

This achievement of the Kyoto University iPS Cell Research Institute is not limited to the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The research team said that similar methods may also be applied to the treatment of other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

To accelerate the development and application of this technology, Kyoto University has established partnerships with several Japanese and international pharmaceutical companies. At the same time, the Japanese government also announced that it will increase financial support for iPS cell research and list it as one of the national strategic science and technology projects.

This research not only reflects Japan’s global leadership in stem cell research and regenerative medicine, but also provides new hope for overcoming some of the most challenging medical problems. As research continues, iPS cell technology is expected to revolutionize the way we treat neurological diseases and bring a better quality of life to millions of patients.

Clean energy and environmental technology

Japan has always been at the global forefront in clean energy and environmental technology. This section will detail the latest major developments of three leading Japanese companies in the fields of solar power generation, hydrogen energy storage and electric vehicles, demonstrating Japan’s innovative efforts in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development.

1. Panasonic launches a new generation of solar panels with a conversion efficiency of 26%

Panasonic recently announced that it has successfully developed a new generation of high-efficiency solar panels, with a photoelectric conversion efficiency of an astonishing 26%. This figure not only sets a new record for commercial solar panels, but also sets a new standard for the future development of solar technology. milestone.

This new type of solar panel uses Panasonic’s unique “HIT+” (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin-layer Plus) technology. This technology combines the advantages of single crystal silicon and amorphous silicon, significantly reducing the recombination loss of electron-hole pairs by depositing an ultra-thin amorphous silicon layer on a crystalline silicon substrate. In addition, Panasonic has also optimized the surface structure of the battery panel and adopted advanced light capture technology to greatly improve the light absorption efficiency.

The new panels are not only highly efficient but also have excellent durability and temperature characteristics. In high-temperature environments, the performance degradation of the new panel is 20% lower than that of traditional products, which means it can maintain efficient operation in various climate conditions. At the same time, Panasonic guarantees that this panel can maintain more than 90% of its initial efficiency after 25 years.

Panasonic plans to start mass production of this new solar panel in the third quarter of 2025. The company said that although the initial cost is higher, it will be more economical in the long term given its higher efficiency and longer service life. Panasonic predicts that such high-efficiency panels will account for 30% of the global high-end solar market by 2030.

In order to support the production of new products, Panasonic announced that it will carry out large-scale upgrades of its factories in Japan and Malaysia, with a total investment of 500 billion yen. This will not only create about 2,000 new jobs, but also further consolidate Japan’s leading position in the global solar industry.

This breakthrough development is expected to accelerate the popularity of solar power generation around the world and make an important contribution to reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. At the same time, it also demonstrates the continued efforts and leadership of Japanese companies in promoting clean energy technology innovation.

2. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries begins testing large-scale hydrogen energy storage system

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries recently announced that it has begun testing a revolutionary large-scale hydrogen energy storage system. This system is designed to solve the problem of intermittent supply of renewable energy and provide key support for achieving 100% clean energy supply.

The system uses “solid hydride” technology independently developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Compared with traditional high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage or liquid hydrogen storage, this technology has higher safety, lower energy consumption and higher storage density. At the heart of the system is a special metal alloy capable of absorbing and releasing large amounts of hydrogen at room temperature and low pressure.

The scale of this storage system is impressive. The test facility in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, is capable of storing up to 1,000 megawatt hours of energy, equivalent to the electricity consumption of 100,000 households for a week. The system’s charge and discharge efficiency reaches 80%, which is much higher than other large-scale energy storage technologies.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries says this technology is particularly suitable for use with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy. During periods when electricity demand is low and renewable energy production is high, excess electricity can be used to electrolyze water to produce hydrogen, which is then stored in the system. When electricity demand is high and renewable energy output is low, the stored hydrogen can be converted into electricity via fuel cells.

The system is currently undergoing a two-year comprehensive test. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries plans to start commercial promotion in 2026. The company has signed agreements of intent with several major Japanese power companies and plans to build hydrogen energy storage facilities with a total capacity of 5 GWh in the next five years.

In order to promote the global application of this technology, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is negotiating cooperation with energy companies in Australia, Saudi Arabia and other countries to explore the possibility of combining large-scale hydrogen energy storage systems with the abundant renewable energy resources in these countries.

This innovation not only demonstrates Japan’s leading position in the field of hydrogen energy technology, but also provides an important technical solution for the global energy transition. As this technology matures and spreads, large-scale application of renewable energy will become more feasible, paving the way to achieve carbon neutrality goals.

3. Nissan announces full electrification plan by 2030

Nissan recently unveiled an ambitious plan to electrify its global product lineup by 2030. This move not only marks Nissan’s bold transformation in the field of electric vehicles, but also reflects the global automotive industry’s accelerating shift towards sustainable development.

Under the plan, Nissan will significantly increase the number of electric models in the coming years. By 2026, electric models will account for 50% of Nissan’s global sales; by 2028, this proportion will increase to 75%; and finally achieve 100% electrification in 2030. This target covers both battery electric vehicles (BEV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV).

To support this ambitious plan, Nissan announced that it will invest 2 trillion yen (approximately $14 billion) in the development and production of electric vehicle technology over the next five years. This investment will be mainly used in the following areas:

First, Nissan plans to develop next-generation solid-state battery technology. The company says it aims to reduce battery costs to $75 per kilowatt-hour by 2028, which would significantly improve the economics of electric vehicles. At the same time, new technologies will increase the cruising range of electric vehicles to more than 700 kilometers.

Second, Nissan will upgrade its global production network to support large-scale electric vehicle production. The company plans to establish dedicated electric vehicle production lines in Japan, the United Kingdom and China, and will gradually transform existing traditional automobile production facilities.

Third, Nissan will invest heavily in the construction of charging infrastructure. The company plans to work with governments and other automakers to build an extensive fast-charging network around the world. By 2028, Nissan hopes to achieve the goal of “charging 80% of electricity in 15 minutes” in major markets.

Finally, Nissan also announced that it will establish a new department dedicated to the recycling and reuse of electric vehicle batteries. Not only will this reduce the overall environmental impact of electric vehicles, it will also open up new business opportunities for the company.

Nissan’s plan not only reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable development, but also demonstrates the Japanese automotive industry’s leadership in addressing the challenges of global climate change. As this plan advances, Nissan is expected to occupy a more important position in the global electric vehicle market while making an important contribution to reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.

Communications and 5G Technology

Japan has always maintained a global leadership position in the field of communication technology. This section will introduce in detail the latest developments in 5G and 6G technologies of three of Japan’s top communications companies, demonstrating Japan’s continued efforts and innovative results in promoting next-generation communications technology innovation.

1. NTT DoCoMo announces 6G technology research and development roadmap

NTT DoCoMo, Japan’s largest mobile communications operator, recently announced its ambitious 6G technology research and development roadmap, demonstrating the company’s forward-looking vision and strategic layout in the field of next-generation communications technology.

According to this roadmap, NTT DoCoMo plans to start laboratory testing of 6G technology in 2026, conduct field trials in 2028, and achieve commercial deployment in 2030. The company expects that 6G networks will be able to provide data transmission speeds 100 times faster than 5G, reaching 1 terabits per second, while reducing network latency to less than 0.1 milliseconds.

NTT DoCoMo’s 6G technology research and development focuses on the following aspects:

• The company is developing new antenna technologies, including massive MIMO (multiple input multiple output) and intelligent reflective surface (IRS) technology. These technologies will significantly improve network capacity and coverage, especially in high-density urban environments.
• NTT DoCoMo is researching applications in the terahertz band. Utilizing high-frequency bands above 100GHz, 6G networks will be able to support ultra-high-speed and large-capacity data transmission, providing a foundation for applications such as holographic communications and immersive virtual reality.
• The company is developing artificial intelligence-driven network optimization technology. This will enable the network to autonomously learn and adapt to different usage scenarios, enabling more efficient resource allocation and energy management.
• NTT DoCoMo also plans to integrate satellite communications into the 6G network to achieve truly seamless global coverage, including remote areas and ocean areas.

In order to promote the development of 6G technology, NTT DoCoMo announced that it will invest 1 trillion yen (approximately US$7 billion) in research and development over the next five years. The company also plans to establish extensive cooperative relationships with the world’s leading equipment manufacturers, scientific research institutions and other telecom operators to jointly promote the formulation of 6G standards and the maturity of technology.

This roadmap of NTT DoCoMo not only demonstrates Japan’s ambitions in the field of communication technology, but also provides an important reference for the development direction of global 6G technology. With the advancement of research and development work, Japan is expected to occupy a favorable position in the global competition for next-generation communication technology.

2. Rakuten Mobile Network completes 5G coverage across Japan

Rakuten Mobile Networks, Japan’s fourth largest mobile operator, recently announced that it has completed 5G network coverage across Japan, marking Japan’s significant progress in 5G infrastructure construction.

Rakuten Mobile Networks adopts an innovative network architecture that fully utilizes virtualization and open radio access network (Open RAN) technologies. This method not only greatly reduces network construction and operating costs, but also improves network flexibility and scalability. According to Rakuten Mobile Networks, their 5G network now covers 98% of Japan’s population, including large cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, as well as many rural areas. In some densely populated areas, Rakuten has also deployed millimeter wave 5G technology to provide ultra-high-speed data transmission services.

In order to achieve nationwide coverage, Rakuten has taken a number of innovative measures:

• The company uses a large number of small base stations and micro base stations. These devices are small in size, have low power consumption, and can be flexibly deployed in various scenarios, such as street lamp posts, bus stops, etc.
• Rakuten works with multiple companies to leverage their existing infrastructure to deploy 5G equipment. For example, it cooperates with convenience stores to install 5G antennas on the roofs of more than 50,000 stores across the country.
• In some remote areas, Rakuten uses High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) technology to provide 5G coverage through high-altitude balloons or drones. This method greatly reduces the cost of deploying networks in mountainous areas and islands.

Rakuten Mobile Networks said that the completion of nationwide 5G coverage is only the first step. The company plans to double its network capacity in the next two years and continue to optimize network performance. At the same time, Rakuten has also launched a series of innovative 5G applications, including cloud gaming, telemedicine and smart factory solutions, to fully realize the potential of 5G networks.

Rakuten’s success not only marks an important milestone in Japan’s 5G infrastructure construction, but also provides an innovative network deployment model for other countries. This approach based on virtualization and open standards may reshape the global telecommunications industry and promote faster and wider adoption of 5G technology.

3. Fujitsu and Ericsson cooperate to develop 6G network equipment

Fujitsu, Japan’s leading information and communications technology company, recently announced a strategic cooperation with Swedish telecommunications equipment giant Ericsson to jointly develop next-generation 6G network equipment. This cooperation marks the active layout of Japanese companies in the global 6G technology competition.

According to the cooperation agreement, Fujitsu and Ericsson will jointly develop core technologies and equipment for 6G networks, including base stations, antenna systems and network management software. The two companies plan to invest a total of 500 billion yen (approximately US$3.5 billion) in 6G research and development by 2025.

Key areas of this collaboration include:

• The two parties will jointly develop new semiconductor materials and devices to support ultra-high frequency communications required for 6G networks. This includes compound semiconductor technologies such as gallium nitride (GaN) and gallium arsenide (GaAs), which enable efficient signal processing in the terahertz band.
• Fujitsu and Ericsson will collaborate to develop advanced antenna technologies, including massive antenna arrays and reconfigurable smart surfaces (RIS). These technologies will significantly increase network coverage and capacity while reducing energy consumption.
• The two parties will jointly study the application of artificial intelligence in 6G networks. This includes leveraging AI for network self-optimization, intelligent resource allocation and predictive maintenance to improve network efficiency and reliability.
• Fujitsu and Ericsson also plan to cooperate in the field of quantum communications and explore the integration of quantum encryption technology into 6G networks to provide unprecedented security.

In order to accelerate technology development and standardization processes, the two companies will establish joint R&D centers in Tokyo and Stockholm. They also plan to establish an extensive cooperation network with leading universities and research institutions around the world to promote 6G-related basic research. This cooperation between Fujitsu and Ericsson not only integrates the advantages of the two companies in the field of communication technology, but also reflects the determination of Japanese companies to actively participate in global technology competition. Through cooperation with leading international companies, Japan is expected to exert a greater influence in the development of 6G technology and occupy a favorable position in the future communication equipment market.

Automobile and transportation technology

Japan has always been a global leader in automotive and transportation technology. This section will introduce in detail the latest breakthroughs in autonomous driving and high-speed rail technology by three top Japanese companies, demonstrating Japan’s continuous efforts and innovative results in promoting future transportation innovation.

1. Honda releases fully autonomous driving system and plans to mass produce it in 2025

Honda Motor recently unveiled its newly developed fully autonomous driving system “Honda Sensing 360+” and announced plans to achieve mass production in 2025. This system represents a major breakthrough in autonomous driving technology and is expected to push Honda to the forefront of autonomous driving.

Core features of the Honda Sensing 360+ system include:

• The system uses a new sensor suite, including high-resolution lidar, millimeter-wave radar and high-definition cameras. These sensors achieve 360-degree environmental perception without blind spots through fusion algorithms, and can accurately identify surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, road signs and obstacles.
• The system is equipped with Honda’s independently developed artificial intelligence chip, which has powerful real-time data processing capabilities. This enables the system to make fast and accurate decisions in complex traffic environments.
• Honda Sensing 360+ integrates high-precision maps and satellite positioning systems to achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy, ensuring that the vehicle always accurately knows its location.

Honda says the Honda Sensing 360+ system has been tested for more than 1 million kilometers under various road conditions in Japan, the United States and Europe. The system demonstrated excellent performance and was able to cope with a variety of complex conditions including city streets, highways and severe weather.

To ensure system safety and reliability, Honda has also developed a comprehensive redundancy mechanism. For example, the system is equipped with dual control units and backup power supplies to maintain normal operation even in the event of a major component failure.

Honda plans to install the Honda Sensing 360+ system on high-end models starting in 2025, and then gradually promote it to other models. The company expects that by 2030, all new Honda models will be equipped with this system as standard. In addition, Honda also announced that it will cooperate with a number of technology companies and start-ups to jointly develop autonomous driving services based on Honda Sensing 360+. This includes applications such as self-driving taxis, autonomous parking and driverless delivery.

Honda’s move not only demonstrates the company’s ambitions in the field of autonomous driving technology, but also gives the Japanese automobile industry an opportunity to compete globally. With the launch of Honda Sensing 360+ system, Honda is expected to occupy an important position in the rapidly developing autonomous driving market.

2. Toyota and Uber deepen cooperation to promote self-driving taxi services

Toyota Motor recently announced a deepening of strategic cooperation with U.S. online ride-hailing giant Uber to jointly promote the development and commercialization of self-driving taxi services. This collaboration marks a new stage in the two companies’ long-standing partnership in mobility.

According to the latest cooperation agreement, Toyota will provide Uber with a specially customized self-driving vehicle platform. This platform is developed based on Toyota’s e-Palette concept car and has the following features:

• The vehicle is driven by pure electric power, has a cruising range of up to 450 kilometers, and supports fast charging technology, which can charge 80% of the battery in 15 minutes.
• The vehicle is equipped with Toyota’s latest autonomous driving system, Guardian 2.0, which integrates a variety of sensors such as lidar, millimeter wave radar, and cameras, and can achieve L4 level autonomous driving.
• The interior of the vehicle adopts a modular design, which can flexibly adjust the seating layout and internal facilities according to different usage scenarios.

As part of the partnership, Uber will provide self-driving software and service platforms for these vehicles. Uber’s software will be deeply integrated with Toyota’s hardware for optimal performance and user experience.

The two companies plan to conduct small-scale trial operations in several major cities in the United States starting in 2024. If the trial operations are successful, they will expand to more cities in 2025. Initially, these self-driving taxis will operate in specific areas and will be equipped with safety drivers. As the technology matures and regulations improve, it is planned to gradually transition to a fully driverless mode.

To support this collaboration, Toyota and Uber will jointly invest US$2 billion in technology development and infrastructure construction. This includes establishing dedicated data centers, a network of charging stations, and vehicle maintenance and cleaning facilities.

In addition, the two companies will jointly develop a new user interface and service process to ensure that passengers have a safe and comfortable experience when using self-driving taxis. This includes the development of intuitive application interfaces, in-car interaction systems, and 24/7 remote support services.

This cooperation between Toyota and Uber not only integrates the two companies’ advantages in automobile manufacturing and online ride-hailing services, but also opens up a new path for the commercial application of autonomous driving technology. As the project progresses, this cooperation model is expected to provide an important reference for the development of global self-driving taxi services.

3. Hitachi develops next-generation maglev train technology, increasing speed by 15%

Hitachi recently announced that it has successfully developed a new generation of maglev train technology, which is expected to increase the maximum operating speed of maglev trains by 15% to 650 kilometers per hour. This breakthrough not only consolidates Japan’s leading position in high-speed rail technology, but also opens up new possibilities for long-distance land transportation in the future.

Hitachi’s newly developed magnetic levitation technology mainly has the following innovations:

• Hitachi has developed a new type of superconducting magnet material that can achieve a superconducting state at liquid nitrogen temperature. It is easier to maintain and less expensive than traditional superconducting materials that require liquid helium cooling. The new material is capable of generating stronger magnetic fields, providing greater levitation and propulsion.
• Hitachi has optimized the aerodynamic design of the car body. By using advanced computational fluid dynamics simulations and wind tunnel testing, engineers developed a new front end shape that significantly reduces aerodynamic drag at high speeds.
• Hitachi has developed a new track structure design using carbon fiber reinforced composite materials, which are not only lightweight but also strong enough to better withstand dynamic loads during high-speed operation.
• Hitachi has also developed an advanced magnetic field control system that can adjust the parameters of the maglev system in real time to adapt to different operating conditions and external environments, improving the stability and comfort of train operations.

Hitachi says the new technology not only increases speed but also significantly improves energy efficiency. Compared with existing magnetic levitation systems, the new technology can reduce energy consumption by approximately 20%. This improvement has important implications for the commercial viability of maglev trains.

In order to verify the reliability and performance of this new technology, Hitachi plans to start real vehicle testing in 2025. The company has reached an agreement with Japan Railways (JR) to conduct a two-year test on the maglev test line in Yamanashi Prefecture.

Hitachi’s technological breakthrough is not only of great significance to Japan’s domestic super maglev train (Chuo Shinkansen) project, but is also expected to promote the application of maglev technology on a global scale. The company has said it will actively seek cooperation with other countries to promote this technology.

Space and aviation technology

Japan has maintained a strong momentum of development in the field of space and aviation technology, continuously launching innovative projects and breakthrough technologies. This section will introduce in detail the latest progress of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and IHI in lunar exploration, satellite launch and electric aircraft propulsion systems, demonstrating Japan’s ambition and strength in this field.

1. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announces new plan for lunar exploration

JAXA recently announced an ambitious new plan for lunar exploration, aiming to deepen scientific research on the moon and lay the foundation for future manned lunar landing missions. This plan not only demonstrates Japan’s technological strength in the field of space exploration, but also highlights its important position in international space cooperation.

JAXA’s new lunar exploration plan mainly includes the following key components:

• JAXA plans to launch the “SLIM” (Smart Lunar Survey Instrument) probe in 2026. SLIM is a small lunar lander whose main goal is to achieve a high-precision soft landing. Compared with traditional landing technology, SLIM will use advanced image recognition and artificial intelligence technology to accurately select landing sites in complex lunar surface terrain, with errors controlled within 100 meters. This technology is crucial for future scientific expeditions and resource exploration in specific areas of the moon.
• It is planned to launch the “LUPEX” (Lunar Polar Exploration) probe in 2028. This is a joint project between JAXA and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to explore water ice resources in the lunar south pole region. LUPEX will carry a lunar rover capable of traveling about 2,000 meters on the lunar surface and equipped with advanced drilling equipment that can drill holes up to 1.5 meters deep on the lunar surface. The detector will analyze the collected samples to determine the distribution and composition of the water ice. This data is crucial for establishing a long-term base on the moon in the future.
• JAXA is developing a new generation of cargo spacecraft “HTV-X”, which is scheduled to be launched for the first time in 2025. HTV-X will not only transport supplies to the International Space Station, but will also have the ability to perform independent scientific missions. For example, it can stay in space for up to half a year to conduct material research and biological experiments in a microgravity environment. In addition, HTV-X will also become a technology verification platform for future lunar replenishment missions.

As part of its long-term planning, JAXA has also proposed the goal of landing Japanese astronauts on the moon in the 2030s. To this end, JAXA is developing a new generation of manned spacecraft and lunar landers. These systems will use the latest life support technology and radiation protection measures to ensure the safety of astronauts in the deep space environment.

To support these ambitious plans, JAXA is strengthening cooperation with international partners. In addition to the LUPEX project with India, JAXA is also actively participating in the US-led “Artemis” program and cooperating with the European Space Agency (ESA) on lunar communications and navigation systems.

This series of JAXA plans will not only promote the development of lunar scientific research, but also win more voice for Japan on the international space stage. As these projects are gradually implemented, Japan is expected to play a key role in future lunar exploration and utilization.

2. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries successfully launched a new generation of communication satellites

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries recently successfully launched a new generation communications satellite, marking an important breakthrough for Japan in the commercial satellite launch market. This launch not only demonstrated Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ strength in rocket technology, but also laid the foundation for Japan’s future development in the field of global satellite communications.

This launch used the H3 rocket newly developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The H3 rocket is Japan’s new generation of main launch vehicle, designed to replace the existing H-IIA rocket. The H3 rocket uses a number of innovative technologies, including new liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engines, composite rocket body structures and advanced flight control systems. These technologies have significantly improved rocket performance and reliability while reducing launch costs.

The communication satellite launched this time is the latest model of the DS2000 satellite platform developed by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. The satellite weighs 4.5 tons and is the largest commercial communications satellite currently launched by Japan. The satellite is equipped with advanced Ka-band and Ku-band transponders, which can provide high-speed, large-capacity communication services. The satellite has a design life of more than 15 years and will provide a wide range of communication services in the Asia-Pacific region, including high-speed Internet, mobile communications and broadcasting.

The success of this launch has multiple meanings . It verified the reliability and performance of the H3 rocket and laid the foundation for Japan to enter the international commercial launch market. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries stated that the launch cost of the H3 rocket is about 50% lower than that of the H-IIA rocket, which will greatly improve Japan’s competitiveness in the global launch market. The successful deployment of this new generation communications satellite demonstrates Japan’s technical strength in satellite manufacturing and operation. This will help Japanese companies win more orders in the global satellite communications market. This launch is also an important step in the commercialization strategy of Japan’s space industry. The Japanese government is actively promoting the privatization and commercialization of the space industry to stimulate innovation and improve international competitiveness. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ successful launch provides a good example for Japanese companies to participate in the global space economy.

3. IHI develops electric aircraft propulsion system, targeting commercial use in 2030

IHI Corporation, Japan’s leading aerospace engine and industrial machinery manufacturer, recently announced that it is developing a revolutionary electric aircraft propulsion system. This project aims to provide solutions for the sustainable development of the aviation industry and aims to achieve commercial application in 2030.

IHI’s electric aircraft propulsion system research and development project has the following characteristics and significance. IHI’s electric propulsion system adopts a hybrid design . The system includes a small gas turbine generator and a large-capacity battery pack, which can flexibly switch energy sources at different stages of flight. During the take-off and climb phases, the battery is used for power, while during the cruise phase, the turbine generator is used for power. This design can not only provide sufficient take-off power but also ensure a long flight range.

The core of the system is a high power density motor independently developed by IHI. This kind of motor uses new magnetic materials and advanced cooling technology, and its power density is 40% higher than that of traditional aviation motors. This means more thrust can be provided at the same weight, which is crucial to improving the overall performance of the aircraft.

IHI is developing advanced energy management systems that can optimize energy use in real time based on flight status and environmental conditions. The system also has intelligent features and can learn and adapt to different flight modes to further improve energy efficiency.

IHI said aircraft using this electric propulsion system can reduce carbon emissions by about 50% compared with traditional fuel aircraft. In addition, because the electric system is less noisy, it can also significantly improve the noise pollution problem around the airport.

To advance this project, IHI is working with multiple airlines and aircraft manufacturers for system integration and flight testing. The company plans to complete ground testing in 2025 and begin flight testing in 2027. If all goes well, IHI aims to have the system on short-haul regional airliners by 2030.

This IHI project is not only of great significance to the development of the Japanese aviation industry, but also provides new possibilities for the green transformation of the global aviation industry. As technology continues to mature, electric aircraft are expected to play an important role in short-distance routes in the future, opening up a new path for the sustainable development of the aviation industry.

JAXA’s new lunar exploration plan, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ successful launch of a new generation communications satellite, and IHI’s development of electric aircraft propulsion systems. These three cases vividly demonstrate Japan’s latest progress in the field of space and aviation technology.

Guide to setting up personalized attention

In today’s era of information explosion, effective management and filtering of information has become increasingly important. Especially for enterprises, timely acquisition of relevant industry trends and competitor information may directly affect the quality of decision-making and the development direction of the enterprise. Therefore, mastering how to customize areas of focus and companies according to enterprise needs, as well as reasonably setting the frequency and method of news push, has become a key skill for modern enterprise information management.

How to customize focus areas and companies based on enterprise needs ? This process requires companies to conduct in-depth analysis of their core business, development strategies and market environment. At the beginning, you can list the industry areas directly related to the company, such as the industry where the main business belongs, the upstream and downstream industry chains, potential expansion directions, etc. At the same time, attention should also be paid to macro factors that may affect the development of enterprises, such as relevant policies and regulations, technological innovation trends, etc. After identifying areas of focus, the next step is to identify key players within each area, including direct competitors, industry leaders, innovative start-ups, etc.

In order to make this process more systematic, companies can establish a dynamic focus matrix. The horizontal axis can be different areas of concern, and the vertical axis is various dimensions of concern, such as technological innovation, market share, financial performance, etc. By regularly evaluating and updating this matrix, companies can ensure that their focus remains aligned with their needs. In addition, using professional business intelligence tools or news aggregation platforms can also greatly improve the efficiency of information collection and analysis. These tools usually provide keyword setting, company tracking and other functions, which can help companies capture the information they need more accurately.

However, it is not enough just to set up the people you follow. How you manage the flow of information is equally important. This involves setting the frequency and method of news push. The right setup can ensure that your business doesn’t get overwhelmed by too much information, but doesn’t miss out on important updates. Generally speaking, information about core business areas and major competitors can be set to real-time push or daily summaries. For relatively minor areas of concern, you can choose weekly or monthly summaries.

When setting up push methods, you need to consider the information consumption habits and decision-making processes within the enterprise. For example, for market dynamics that require quick response, you can choose to instantly push them to the mobile device of the relevant person in charge. For industry reports that require in-depth analysis, detailed PDF documents can be sent via email. Many modern information platforms also provide personalized information panels (Dashboard). Users can customize the display content and layout according to their own preferences. This is especially useful for managers who need to frequently view various types of data.

In order to optimize push settings, companies should also establish a feedback mechanism. Regularly collect user feedback on push content to understand which information is most valuable and which may be redundant. Based on this feedback, the push strategy is continuously adjusted and optimized to ensure the relevance and timeliness of information. At the same time, attention should also be paid to cultivating employees’ information literacy and encouraging them to proactively screen and analyze information instead of passively accepting all push notifications.

With the development of artificial intelligence technology, more and more platforms are beginning to provide intelligent recommendation functions. These systems can learn users’ reading habits and interest preferences, and automatically adjust push content and frequency. Although this technology can greatly improve the efficiency of information acquisition, enterprises must remain vigilant when using it to avoid falling into an “information cocoon”. Regularly manually adjusting your attention settings and proactively reaching out to areas of information that may be overlooked by algorithms is critical to keeping your business innovative and sharp.

By carefully setting personalized focus areas and rationally arranging information push, enterprises can find their own “route” in the complicated ocean of information. This can not only improve the efficiency of information acquisition, but also provide more comprehensive and timely support for corporate decision-making, ultimately enhancing the company’s market competitiveness and innovation capabilities. In the information age, mastering these skills will undoubtedly become one of the key factors for enterprise success.

Industrial policies and market trends

The Japanese government has recently launched a series of major policies and market initiatives aimed at promoting the digital transformation of the national economy, strengthening technological innovation capabilities, and providing a better financing environment for high-tech companies. These measures not only reflect Japan’s strategic adjustments in the face of global economic and technological changes, but also point out the direction for corporate development and will have a profound impact on Japan’s future industrial structure.

The Japanese government officially released the “2025 Digital Transformation Strategy” at the end of 2023. This is another important policy document in Japan’s digital field after the “Digital Transformation Promotion Guide” released in 2020. The strategy aims to accelerate the digitalization of Japan’s society and economy to cope with social problems such as population aging and labor shortages, and to improve international competitiveness. The core goal of the strategy is to make Japan the leading digital economy in Asia by 2025.

The “2025 Digital Transformation Strategy” mainly includes the following key aspects:

• Digital infrastructure construction: It plans to complete 5G network coverage nationwide and start research and development and pilot testing of 6G technology. At the same time, we will accelerate the construction of quantum communication networks and lay the foundation for secure data transmission in the future.
• Digital talent training: The goal is to train 1 million AI and data science professionals by 2025. To this end, the government will cooperate with higher education institutions to reform curriculum and increase enrollment quotas in related majors. At the same time, a series of on-the-job training programs will be launched to help the existing workforce acquire digital skills.
• Digital government construction: It is planned to realize that 90% of administrative procedures can be processed online by 2025. This includes promoting the use of “My Number” cards, establishing a unified government data platform, and realizing data sharing and business collaboration among various departments.
• Industrial digital transformation: Encourage traditional industries to apply technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and big data to improve production efficiency and innovation capabilities. The government will set up a special fund to provide financial and technical support for the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Digital regulatory reform: Commitment to amend relevant laws and regulations, including the Personal Information Protection Law and the Electronic Signature Law, to adapt to the needs of the development of the digital economy while protecting user privacy and data security.

In order to support the implementation of this strategy, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry subsequently announced that it will increase its science and technology research and development budget by 20% in fiscal year 2024, totaling approximately 1.2 trillion yen (approximately US$11 billion). This significantly increased budget is mainly invested in the following areas:

• Semiconductors and quantum computing: Invest 400 billion yen to support the localization of the semiconductor industry chain and the research and development of quantum computing technology. This includes the advanced process wafer fab project to be built in Kumamoto in cooperation with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.
• Green Technology: Allocate 300 billion yen to develop next-generation solar cells, hydrogen energy utilization technology and carbon capture technology to support Japan’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal.
• Artificial Intelligence and Robotics: Invest 200 billion yen in the development of AI algorithm research and development, autonomous driving technology and industrial robots to improve Japan’s global competitiveness in these fields.
• Biotechnology: Allocate 150 billion yen for research on cutting-edge biotechnologies such as gene editing, regenerative medicine, and personalized medicine to address the medical challenges posed by Japan’s aging population.
• Aerospace: Invest 150 billion yen to support the development of new generation rockets, small satellite technology and lunar exploration programs to consolidate Japan’s position in the space field.

This budget increase plan will be implemented through amendments to the Science and Technology Basic Law, which is expected to be introduced in the National Assembly session in early 2024. The revised bill will emphasize industry-university-research cooperation and encourage universities and private enterprises to jointly participate in national key science and technology projects.

At the same time, in order to provide a better financing environment for high-tech companies, the Tokyo Stock Exchange announced that it will set up a special board for high-tech companies in April 2025, tentatively named “Next Innovation Board”. This initiative aims to attract more innovative companies to list in Japan and improve the vitality and international competitiveness of Japan’s capital market.

The main features of high-tech enterprise boards include:

• Relaxation of listing conditions: Companies that are not yet profitable but have high growth potential are allowed to go public, and the market capitalization requirement at the time of listing is reduced to 5 billion yen.
• Simplify the listing process: The introduction of a “fast track” mechanism can shorten the listing review time for high-tech companies that meet certain conditions.
• Introduce a market maker system: improve stock liquidity and provide investors with a better trading environment.
• Establishing supporting funds: The Tokyo Stock Exchange will cooperate with a number of financial institutions to establish supporting investment funds with a total scale of 100 billion yen, focusing on supporting the subsequent development of companies listed on special boards.
• Strengthen information disclosure: Listed companies are required to disclose R&D progress and technological breakthroughs more frequently to help investors better evaluate the company’s value.

In order to support the establishment of this new sector, the Japan Financial Services Agency plans to amend the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law to add special provisions for high-tech companies, which is expected to be submitted to Congress for review in the second half of 2024.

These policies and market initiatives together constitute Japan’s overall strategy to promote economic transformation and technological innovation. The “2025 Digital Transformation Strategy” draws a clear digital development blueprint for Japan. The significantly increased technology research and development budget provides the necessary financial support to realize this blueprint, and the establishment of a high-tech enterprise special board provides important support for innovative enterprises. financing channels. This synergistic effect of policies, funds and markets is expected to stimulate Japan’s innovative vitality, enhance its international competitiveness, and promote the transformation and upgrading of the economic structure.

However, the successful implementation of these initiatives still faces many challenges. For example, how to ensure that increased R&D funding can be effectively transformed into innovative results, how to balance digital development and personal privacy protection, and how to deal with possible technology bubble risks, etc., all require the joint efforts of the government, enterprises and all sectors of society.

International cooperation and investment opportunities

Against the backdrop of increasingly fierce competition in global technological innovation, Japan is actively seeking international cooperation and attracting investment to accelerate its technological development and economic transformation. Recently, Japan has taken a series of important measures in international cooperation, investment attraction and overseas enterprise support. This not only reflects Japan’s emphasis on technological innovation, but also provides new opportunities for global investors and technology enterprises.

Japan and the EU signed the “Japan-EU Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Agreement” in Tokyo in March 2024. This is one of the most comprehensive cooperation agreements between the two economies in the field of science and technology. The core goal of the agreement is to establish a strong trans-Eurasian science and technology innovation ecosystem within the next decade. The agreement covers a number of key areas of cooperation, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, green energy technology, biomedicine and space exploration.

Specifically, the Japan-EU Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Agreement contains the following key contents:

• Joint R&D projects: Establish a joint R&D fund totaling 2 billion euros to support cooperation projects between Japanese and EU research institutions. These projects will focus on global challenges such as climate change and population aging.
• Talent exchange: Simplify the visa procedures for scientific researchers, launch the “Japan-Europe Innovation Talent Plan”, and support 1,000 scientific researchers from the two places to visit and exchange each year.
• Data sharing: Establish a “Japan-European Science and Technology Database” to promote the open sharing of scientific research data between the two places and formulate common data protection standards.
• Standard setting: In the fields of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence ethics and 6G communications, jointly formulate international standards to enhance the right to speak in global science and technology governance.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Establish a “Japan-Europe Innovation Center” to provide cross-border incubation and acceleration services for technology start-ups in the two places, and promote technology transformation and market expansion.

In order to implement this agreement, the Japanese government plans to amend the Basic Law of Science and Technology to add provisions related to international cooperation and provide legal protection for transnational R&D projects. At the same time, Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology will establish a special “International Science and Technology Cooperation Department” to coordinate and promote science and technology cooperation with the EU and other countries.

At the same time, Japan’s domestic investment environment has also received major benefits. The Vision Fund under SoftBank Group announced in April 2024 that it would invest US$5 billion over the next five years to support the development of Japanese technology start-ups. This decision not only demonstrates SoftBank’s confidence in Japan’s technological innovation potential, but will also inject strong impetus into Japan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The investment plan of SoftBank Vision Fund mainly focuses on the following areas:

• Artificial intelligence and deep learning: Invest US$2 billion, focusing on supporting the development of AI systems with autonomous learning capabilities, as well as the application of AI in medical, financial and other fields.
• Robotics and Automation: Invest US$1.5 billion to support the research and development of industrial robots, service robots and autonomous driving technology.
• Biotechnology and Healthcare: Invest US$1 billion, focusing on cutting-edge areas such as gene therapy, regenerative medicine and digital health.
• Clean energy and environmental protection technology: Invest US$500 million to support innovation in technologies such as new energy development, energy storage and environmental monitoring.

In order to cooperate with this large-scale investment, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced that it will amend the Industrial Competitiveness Strengthening Act to provide more tax incentives and regulatory support for start-ups that receive venture capital. The new policy will allow start-ups to enjoy higher tax credits on R&D expenditures and simplify market entry procedures in certain industries.

As an important measure to attract international innovation resources, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) launched the “Global Innovation Partner Program (GIPP)” in May 2024, aiming to attract and support overseas high-tech enterprises in Japan. develop. The launch of this plan reflects the Japanese government’s strategic intention to stimulate the local innovation ecosystem by introducing international innovation forces.

The main contents of the GIPP plan include:

• One-stop service: Provide comprehensive support from company registration, office space to talent recruitment for overseas technology companies interested in entering the Japanese market.
• Regulatory sandbox: Regulatory sandbox areas have been set up in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka to allow overseas companies to be exempted from certain regulatory requirements under certain conditions to test innovative products and services.
• Financial support: Establish a US$1 billion “Innovation Bridge Fund” to provide low-interest loans and equity investments to overseas technology companies that set up R&D centers or regional headquarters in Japan.
• Localization coaching: Provide expert consulting services in the Japanese market to help overseas companies understand Japanese business culture and formulate localization strategies.
• Industry-university-research cooperation: Assist overseas companies to establish cooperative relationships with top Japanese universities and research institutions to promote technology transfer and joint research and development.

In order to support the implementation of the GIPP plan, the Japanese government plans to amend the Foreign Investment Law to further relax investment restrictions on foreign high-tech enterprises, especially in strategic emerging industries such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. At the same time, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology will launch the “International Innovation Talent Visa” to provide more convenient long-term residence conditions for core talents from overseas high-tech companies.

The emergence of these international cooperation and investment opportunities signals that Japan is taking a more open and proactive stance to promote its technological innovation and economic development. The signing of the “Japan-EU Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Agreement” provides a platform for Japanese scientific research institutions to cooperate with top European counterparts, helping to enhance Japan’s status in the global science and technology innovation network. The large-scale investment of SoftBank Vision Fund has provided valuable financial support to Japanese local technology start-ups and is expected to spawn a number of globally competitive innovative companies. The GIPP program launched by JETRO provides unprecedented support for overseas technology companies to enter the Japanese market, helping to enrich Japan’s innovation ecosystem.

However, the successful implementation of these initiatives still faces many challenges. For example, how to protect the country’s core technology and intellectual property rights while promoting international cooperation, how to ensure that large-scale venture investments will not lead to valuation bubbles, and how to balance the relationship between attracting foreign companies and supporting local companies, etc., all require the government and relevant institutions of wisdom and balance.

Conclusion

Looking at the development status and future trends of Japan’s high-tech industry, we can clearly see a technological power that is undergoing rapid transformation and innovation. Japan is actively responding to challenges such as an aging population and slowing economic growth. It is striving to reshape its position on the global technological innovation stage through a multi-pronged strategy of promoting digital transformation, increasing investment in scientific research, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, and strengthening international cooperation. leadership position.

From government policies to corporate strategies, from basic research to industrial applications, Japan is showing strong innovation vitality in multiple frontier fields. Breakthrough developments in the fields of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, new energy, and biomedicine have not only injected new impetus into the Japanese economy, but also contributed significantly to the development of global science and technology. At the same time, Japan is actively building an open and inclusive innovation ecosystem to cultivate a new generation of technology giants by attracting international talents and capital, promoting industry-university-research cooperation, and supporting the growth of start-ups.

However, the development path of Japan’s high-tech industry has not been smooth sailing. In the face of global competition and increasing uncertainty in the global economy, it is necessary to continuously adjust and optimize its technological innovation strategy. In addition, how to balance the relationship between technological progress, social ethics and environmental protection, and how to ensure that innovation results can be effectively transformed into economic benefits, are all important issues that need to be solved for the future development of high-tech industries.

In such an era full of opportunities and challenges, it is particularly important to continue to pay attention to the development trends of the high-tech industry. Whether investors, entrepreneurs, or policymakers, they need to closely track Japan’s latest progress in various scientific and technological fields and gain insight into policy changes and market trends in order to make correct decisions and strategic adjustments.

Appendix: List of important technology companies and research institutions

1. Technology companies

Large integrated technology companies:

• Sony Group Corporation
• Hitachi, Ltd.
• Panasonic Corporation
• Fujitsu Limited
• NEC Corporation

Automotive and Transportation Technology:

• Toyota Motor Corporation
• Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
• Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Electronics and Semiconductors:

• Tokyo Electron Limited
• Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
• ROHM Co., Ltd.
• Toshiba Corporation

Communications and Internet:

• SoftBank Group Corp.
• Rakuten Group, Inc.
• NTT Group (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation)

Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies:

• Preferred Networks, Inc.
• ABEJA, Inc.
• Cyberdyne, Inc. (robotics and medical assistive devices)

robot:

• FANUC Corporation
• Yaskawa Electric Corporation

Biotechnology and Medical:

• Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
• Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited
• Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

2. Research institutions

National research institutions:

• Institute of Physics and Chemistry (RIKEN)
• National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
• Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
• National Center for Circulatory Disease Research
• National Cancer Research Center
• National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Japan

Universities and their affiliated research institutions:

• University of Tokyo
• Advanced Science and Technology Research Center, University of Tokyo
• Artificial Intelligence Research Center, University of Tokyo
• Kyoto University
• Kyoto University iPS Cell Research Institute
• Institute of Chemistry, Kyoto University
• Osaka University
• Osaka University Immunology Frontier Research Center
• Tokyo Institute of Technology
• University of Tsukuba
• Nagoya University
• Kyushu University

Professional institute:

• High Energy Accelerator Research Institute (KEK)
• National Institute of Informatics (NII)
• National Institute of Materials Science (NIMS)
• Marine Research and Development Agency (JAMSTEC)

Industry-university-research cooperation center:

• Kashiwa-no-ha Smart City
• Kanagawa Prefectural Industrial Science and Technology Center
• Osaka Innovation Center

3. Technology parks and innovation clusters

• Tsukuba Science City
• Kobe Medical Industry City
• Yokohama Smart City Project
• Fukuoka Software Research Park