Editor profile
Editor, Mobility Future
Yuki Matsuura analyzes the future of mobility, from the transition to electric vehicles to advanced rail technology. He focuses on Japan's strategic response to the global automotive evolution.
yuki.matsuura@japantechreview.comStanford University economist Jun Akahane compares the two flagship projects for revitalizing Japan's semiconductor industry: TSMC's Kumamoto plant's local supply chain integration approach, and Rapidus's leapfrog strategy targeting advanced process nodes, revealing the deep contradictions and strategic choices behind Japan's technology policy.
Based on the latest market reports, analyzing the leap of Japan's EV connector market from $16.5 billion to $51.8 billion, revealing the electrification transformation, supply chain restructuring, and competition over technology standards.
From the land of flowers and dairy cows to a cutting-edge semiconductor factory, Japan is staking its national strength on Hokkaido, attempting to return to the core stage of the global semiconductor competition through Rapidus's 2nm chip breakthrough.
This article is based on an interview with D-Wave's head in Japan, analyzing the critical turning point in Japan's quantum computing market as it moves from research validation to practical operations, as well as the potential impact of the dual-platform strategy on the industry's competitive landscape.
JST CRDS publishes the "Nanotechnology/Materials Research Field Overview Report (2026)", revealing how Japan is repositioning materials science as the cornerstone of national competitiveness under the multiple pressures of climate change, AI infrastructure, and economic security. This article provides an in-depth interpretation of the nine major strategic themes and the Materials Research DX Platform, analyzing Japan's path restructuring from basic research to industrial deployment.
In-depth analysis of D-Wave's strategic positioning in Japan's quantum market, exploring how Japan has transformed from the birthplace of quantum annealing theory into a leading testing ground for global quantum commercial applications, and the key challenges to achieving industrial-scale advancement.
IDC forecasts that Japan's AI infrastructure market will exceed $5.5 billion by 2026, growing sevenfold in three years. This growth not only reflects the acceleration of technology investment, but also marks a shift in AI infrastructure from policy-driven computing expansion to enterprise-led large-scale operations, making it a core pillar of national economic infrastructure.
Stanford APARC scholars analyze how Japan is revitalizing its semiconductor industry through two major projects: TSMC's Kumamoto fab and Rapidus. These two paths respectively represent supply chain resilience and advanced technology catch-up, reflecting Japan's strategic trade-offs and risks in the global chip competition.
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry launched the FRONTia project to build dedicated AI computing infrastructure, and jointly with companies such as Fanuc, NEC, and SoftBank to advance physical AI, with the goal of capturing more than 30% of the global AI robot market by 2040.
Japanese traditional manufacturing companies such as Toto, Nittobo, and Ajinomoto, leveraging their technological expertise in ceramics, glass fiber, and insulating films, have unexpectedly become winners in the AI boom. This showcases a unique path for Japanese manufacturing to reconstruct competitive advantage through material innovation.
Japanese robotics and manufacturing leaders (FANUC, Yaskawa, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, etc.) have collectively adopted the NVIDIA Cosmos platform to promote the implementation of Physical AI in manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and other fields. This marks Japan's deep integration of traditional manufacturing advantages with cutting-edge AI, accelerating the intelligent transformation of its industry.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's two-day Tokyo visit yielded landmark deals for a national AI factory and robotics coalition, underscoring Japan's ambition to lead in physical AI as it confronts demographic decline and seeks tech sovereignty.
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang visits Japan; Japan launches national AI factory and robotics plan, aiming to revive manufacturing in the era of physical AI, but core technology relies on American chips.
Deeply analyze the shift of the AI economy from model capabilities to enterprise intelligent infrastructure, and explore how Japanese industries can seize opportunities in this trend.
Although Japanese PE transactions have hit record highs, a JIC survey shows that most companies still rely on internal funds and bank loans, and are particularly resistant to foreign PE. How does this financing preference affect the innovation vitality and global competitiveness of Japan's technology industry?
Tokyo Electron wins the 2026 AI Breakthrough Award for 3D integration and AI-driven manufacturing, marking the role upgrade of Japanese semiconductor equipment manufacturers in the AI era.
After receiving a huge response at the Beijing Auto Show, Zeekr is considering launching extended-range electric vehicles in Europe. This move highlights the global EV market's re-evaluation of extended-range technology, and Japanese automakers' traditional advantages in the hybrid field are facing new competition.
Nissan reportedly suspends development of all-electric Qashqai, reflecting intensified pressure in the global electric vehicle market and strategic adjustments among Japanese automakers during the transition. This article analyzes the industrial logic behind this move and its impact on Japanese automotive competitiveness and the electrification roadmap.
Agile Robots showcases force control technology, humanoid robots, and physical AI at Robot Technology Japan 2026, reflecting the global robotics industry's evolution towards high-precision adaptive manufacturing and bringing new variables to the Japanese automation market.
BNP Paribas Wealth Management Deputy Chief Investment Officer Grace Tam is bullish on North Asia AI-related sub-sectors, specifically naming TSMC. This article analyzes this investment logic from a Japanese perspective, discussing semiconductor equipment, materials, and Japan's key role in the AI hardware ecosystem.