Report: Electronics Sector in Japan

About the Report 

Japan was once a global leader in the electronics industry. Initially, it dominating the consumer electronics market and eventually expanded into a wide range of electronic products and components. Over time, many European brands vanished as Japanese manufacturers took the lead.

However, in the past 30 to 40 years, Japan’s electronics industry has faced similar challenges. To remain competitive with Taiwan, South Korea, and China, many Japanese manufacturers have relocated their production to lower-cost Asian countries, leaving only high-end products still made in Japan.

The Japanese government plays a vital role in guiding the electronics industry by emphasising technological innovation and supporting advancements in AI, IoT, smart cities, renewable energy, and healthcare automation. In particular, it aims to address the challenges of a declining population, an ageing workforce, and labour shortages by promoting robotics, automation, and sustainable technologies.

Japan adapts to global competition by focusing on advanced technology innovation while addressing such critical domestic issues. This report will explore the market for these emerging technologies and identify business opportunities for SMEs from the EU.

About the Expert: 

Sven Eriksson, founder of Keison International. Mr. Eriksson was born in Stockholm, Sweden, and took a master's degree at Tokyo University, Japan, in 1976. He has worked for the national Swedish Telecom Operator, Eurotherm Plc, UK, and the Telecom company Ericsson, in Sweden, England, Germany, and Japan. He spent more than 40 years in Japan, and his last assignment was as Vice President of Ericsson in Japan, where he was responsible for new business development. He retired in 2012 and now, together with some old colleagues, helps small and medium-sized European companies enter the Japanese market.