November 2024
Event Report: TECHNO-FRONTIER 2024
Key Learnings From Asia's Largest Exhibition of Specialized Manufacturing Technologies
Aug 07, 2024
TECHNO-FRONTIER 2024
Growing enthusiasm for Japan’s latest technologies and the business opportunities they present
TECHNO-FRONTIER 2024 took place at Tokyo Big Sight from July 24 to 26. TECHNO-FRONTIER is Asia's largest exhibition specializing in cutting-edge technologies in mechatronics and electronics and this year attracted exhibitors from Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Germany, the U.K. and Austria as well as about 37,000 visitors from around the world over the three days.
Japanese companies have a strong competitive edge in this field, enhanced by a post-pandemic shift towards DX, which has further improved production efficiency and quality control in the Japanese manufacturing industry. DX related exhibits included smart manufacturing line solutions as well as sensors and devices to promote IoT utilization.
Engineers and business leaders alike came to stay abreast of these latest technologies and opportunities, conduct business negotiations and strengthen sales-channel development.
The event featured numerous exhibitions related to digital transformation
A broad range of technologies was on display for visitors
What makes the Japanese market attractive?
We asked visitors and exhibitors what attracted them to the exhibition and to the Japanese market. Here are some of their key insights:
Quality Japanese products
Representatives from a university in the US attended the event to explore the possibility of procuring high-performance, cost-effective 3D printers, and other devices for their school of engineering. Currently the university uses 3D printers made in other countries, but through touring corporate showrooms in Japan, has come to confirm the competitiveness of Japanese products. The university is also looking at opportunities to collaborate with Japanese companies in the future.
We interviewed international attendees about their expectations of the exhibition
Global tech nerve-center
The concentration of decision-makers and innovators in Japanese corporation headquarters attracts many foreign companies to Japan. While many global Japanese companies have moved their production facilities overseas, their cutting-edge technological and production know-how remains at home in Japan. The country manager of a German company said, “Japan is an attractive market for our company to introduce or promote our products to these global companies.” The country manager said that being in Japan is also a strategic imperative, as global procurement decisions of Japanese companies are often made at their HQ.
A representative from a German firm shared his thoughts on the Japanese market
Diverse market with broad and diverse opportunities
A vice president of a Chinese company cited the diversity of Japan-based global corporations, ranging from automobiles to home appliances, as an important reason for being in the Japanese market. By improving the quality of their products, the company hopes to interest these top Japanese companies, and increase its global competitiveness in the process.
A vice president of a Chinese company described what draws him to the Japanese market.
The venue was filled with a multitude of booths, creating a dynamic and energetic atmosphere.
The representative director of an Austrian company with a variety of applications in industrial automation systems, medical, and railway sectors finds the Japanese market attractive as it has leading companies in all these areas. Not only global corporations, but also a large number of medium-sized manufacturing companies with distinct strengths across industries provide further opportunities, as they tend to show strong interest in the technologies and products of foreign companies.
Discerning and loyal clientele
Japanese customers can be cautious in making decisions, but customer retention and loyalty is very high. Japanese customers build long-term partnerships and continue to be loyal even in times of adversity. The representative director of the Austrian company said, “This is something I haven't seen as much in other countries, where customers might easily switch to other suppliers.” Strong and reliable partnerships continue to be a big motivator for foreign companies to enter the Japanese market.
Japanese technological advancements and various one-of-a-kind market features are a global business opportunity. Check out our Success Stories for inspiration and kickstart your own journey.
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