Japan’s industrialization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries is a fascinating and remarkable story of a nation that transformed itself from an isolated feudal society into a modern industrial powerhouse. The history of Japan’s industrialization is filled with challenges, determination, and the foresight of visionaries who played a vital role in various development steps. This story delves into […]
The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is a non-profit government organization established in 1958 to promote and facilitate trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. It is responsible for supporting Japanese businesses and promoting foreign investment in Japan, and it operates offices in over 70 countries worldwide. Services offered to companies interested in doing business in […]
The Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) is a set of standards for manufacturing, engineering, and other industrial processes in Japan. These standards are used to ensure consistency and quality in products, and they are also used to facilitate international trade. The JIS was first established in 1949, just after the end of World War II. At that time, Japan was rebuilding […]
In recent years, Japan has emerged as a leader in the development and implementation of digital twin technology. Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical objects, systems, or processes that can be used for simulation, analysis, and optimization. They can be used to improve product design, reduce costs, and increase efficiency in manufacturing. In Japan, a wide range of industries […]
Sustainability has become an increasingly important issue in manufacturing, as the environmental impact of production processes has become more apparent. In Japan, sustainable manufacturing has been a priority for many years, as the country has faced significant environmental challenges due to its industrialization. Japan has a long history of technological innovation, and the country has used this expertise to develop […]
Japan has long been at the forefront of innovation in automation and robotics. The country’s aging population, labor shortages, and high costs have made it imperative for Japanese companies to find ways to streamline their operations and remain competitive. In this article, we’ll explore the history and current state of automation and robotics in Japan and its impact on the […]
Japan has long been a leader in manufacturing, producing everything from cars to electronics to robotics. The country’s manufacturing sector has been a key driver of its economy, but the industry is also facing challenges from automation, globalization, and changing consumer preferences. In this post, we’ll explore some of the key trends to watch in Japan’s manufacturing sector and how […]
Industry 4.0 was first introduced in Germany. The term comes from the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” and refers to the digitalization of production. In the last editorials we described how Japan then introduced the idea of Society 5.0, which looks at digitalization from a societal viewpoint aiming at the Super Smart Society. Information Technology (IT), especially Artificial Intelligence, will change many […]
Data has become a valuable resource and currency over the past years. Methods of data processing, profiling and automated decision making are improving constantly, enhancing business processes and customer relations. From the perspective of the EU, it was just about time to update the old 1995 Data Protection Directive to protect its citizens against data and privacy breaches. Adopting the […]
Japan is on the verge of joining the global casino community thanks to a bill that is set to be passed by the Diet. The parties involved have reached an agreement over the structure of the bill which will see local residents charged an entrance fee of 6,000 yen to use casinos while visitors from overseas will have free access. […]
When the EU signed a free trade agreement with South Korea in 2010, it guaranteed protection against liability for Internet platforms – a key ingredient to maintaining Internet freedom. When the EU signed a free trade agreement with Japan last year, the guarantee against liability for Internet platforms was missing. Guarantees also were gone on the freedom of data flows […]
The Japanese vision of Society 5.0 promotes the Super Smart Society, in which Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence will change a plethora of things. Much that is now performed by humans will then be carried out by computers. Sweeping changes in business and production will make jobs obsolete and create new ones at the same time. Society 5.0 will change […]
Japan has undoubtedly become one of the world’s leading bitcoin hubs in recent years. Through a combination of popular interest, major exchanges and regulation, the country has not only established itself as a cryptocurrency authority, but it has started to lead the way in terms of innovation. Indeed, since the Financial Services Agency gave its seal of approval to bitcoin […]
Tourist spending in Japan topped a record-breaking 4.4 trillion yen ($39.7 billion) in 2017, according to a recent survey by the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA). An increase of 17.8 percent from the previous year, this marked the first time that travel expenditures exceeded 4 billion yen and the fifth record year in a row. By country and region, spending of […]
By Frank Piller, General Manager Products at TÜV Rheinland Japan After basic regulations for pharmaceuticals and medical devices had remained unchanged for a long time in Japan, the country enacted the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act or PMD Act in November 2014. Officially called “The Act on Securing the Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, Regenerative and […]
