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Exploring the Revival and Technological Innovation of Japanese Manufacturing at CEATEC 2026

English translation of the Japanese article.

In October 2026, CEATEC 2026, Japan's largest IT and electronics exhibition, was held at Makuhari Messe. Once dominant worldwide, Japanese manufacturing faces challenges from emerging countries and intensified competition from Chinese companies, yet movements to regain prominence by leveraging unique strengths are emerging. This article explores the current state and challenges of Japanese manufacturing's revival through the exhibits and expert insights at CEATEC 2026. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Overview and Exhibits of CEATEC 2026

CEATEC is Japan's largest IT and electronics trade show, held in October 2026 at Makuhari Messe. With the theme "Transformation," over 800 companies exhibited and approximately 100,000 visitors attended. The exhibition was divided into four areas: General Exhibition, X Park (Transformation Park), Next Generation Park, and Global Park, offering experiences of advanced technologies and challenges addressing social issues. [2] [3]

Within X Park, four pavilions were established: Living DX, Ocean Digital Society, Space Co-creation, and Digital Transportation Society. These showcased cutting-edge technologies across diverse fields, including smart homes, AI and IoT solutions for marine challenges, and autonomous driving technologies. This setup provided a venue to experience transformations in industry and social structures. [3]

Current State of Japanese Manufacturing and Challenges in AI Utilization

Japanese manufacturing, which once ranked first globally in labor productivity, had fallen to 19th among OECD member countries by 2022. From 2000 to 2024, the number of manufacturing workers decreased by approximately 16%, making the maintenance of competitiveness a significant challenge. [4]

In advanced factories worldwide, labor productivity has improved by an average of 53% through the use of AI and digital technologies. However, Japanese companies often limit their efforts to individual proof-of-concept experiments (PoCs), which frequently do not lead to company-wide competitiveness improvements. This is attributed to AI implementation becoming an end in itself, without progressing toward business process redesign or cross-organizational deployment. [4]

Expert Perspectives and Outlook for Revival

Coverage of CEATEC 2026 featured Kenhiko Koyanagi, an editorial board member of the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, and Atsushi Osanai, a professor at Waseda University, who explained the importance of Japanese manufacturers identifying and cultivating their unique strengths. They emphasized that while utilizing AI and digital technologies is important, fundamental reorganization of organizations and personnel, as well as thorough review of business processes, are indispensable. [1] [5]

Furthermore, as practiced by leading global companies, advancing transformation by positioning AI not merely as a tool but as a core element of management is considered key to the revival of Japanese manufacturing. It is necessary to build successful cases into corporate assets that can be horizontally deployed, aiming for sustainable competitiveness improvement. [4]

Sources and references

This English edition was translated and reviewed using AI against the Japanese original and cited sources. Source titles remain in their original language.

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