The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionising how we interact with the world around us.
In Japan, this technology has been embraced in many unique ways. From automated factory lines to smart home appliances, IoT is transforming almost every aspect of life in Japan.
This article will look at some of the key applications and benefits that IoT is having on Japan’s economy, society, and culture.
We will also explore some of the potential challenges that IoT may bring to the country in the future. With its innovative approach to technology, Japan is sure to remain at the forefront of this rapidly advancing field for years to come.
Overview of IoT in Japan
With a market value of ¥1.53 trillion JPY (approximately £8.41 billion) projected to increase to ¥1.85 trillion JPY (approximately £10.16 billion) by 2024, Japan’s IoT market is a strong and fast-moving one.
Additionally, according to data from Statista, the IoT market in Japan has a user expenditure of ¥5.89 trillion JPY (approximately £32.35 billion) in 2021, with a projection of this increasing to ¥9.21 trillion JPY (approximately £50.55 billion) by 2026.
Currently, the largest IoT industries in Japan are discrete manufacturing (¥455 billion JPY/£2.5 billion), hybrid manufacturing (¥328 billion JPY/£1.8 billion) and automotive (¥255 billion JPY/£1.4 billion).
It’s clear to see that the integration of IoT technology into various industries has been a success, with benefits being fully realised in both small and large businesses.
Through an IoT cloud-based platform designed by a Japanese startup, smaller businesses have been able to make an IoT connectivity solution a more cost-effective option to expand their operations.
The adoption of this progressive technology has ignited a period of social transformation, labelled by the Government of Japan as the democratization of IoT communication (https://www.japan.go.jp/technology/innovation/iotcommunication.html, 2023)‘.
This change has allowed businesses of any size to unlock new possibilities and achieve what was previously considered impossible.
Japan’s utilisation of IoT technologies for AI applications is particularly noteworthy. Using cloud-based AI, businesses have been able to create a wide range of efficiencies.
One example is Toyota’s development of an AI-driven maintenance system for their vehicles. This system can detect when components need repairs or replacements before they become a bigger problem, allowing for timely and accurate diagnosis of potential issues.
IoT in Japan: Five key use cases
One of the key benefits of IoT technology is its wide range of use cases, helping to streamline communication and manufacturing across multiple industries.
But how is IoT in Japan applied? Keep reading to find out.
Smart cities
Much like how IoT in Singapore is being adopted, one of the key IoT applications in Japan is through smart cities.
With Tokyo being one of the world’s top smart cities and a leading city in environmental policies (www.metro.tokyo.lg.jp, 2023), it’s clear to see the adoption of IoT technology has allowed the Japanese capital to reap major rewards and continue being seen as a city of progress.
Tokyo’s primary aim is to be a zero-emission city, using IoT technology to promote zero-emission vehicles, transportation systems, buildings, and construction projects.
Using a network of IoT sensors, officials within the smart city can monitor levels of pollution, traffic, and waste across Tokyo in real time. This data offers an in-depth look at numerous carbon-contributing factors across the city and offers reliable data that can contribute to the creation of a bespoke and effective solution to combat carbon emissions.
For example, the construction of smart buildings, like the Tokyo Skytree, has allowed the Japanese capital to continue creating modern, striking buildings without negatively affecting the environment since they utilise renewable energy sources to generate power.
Traffic and Transportation
Following on from the earlier point, IoT sensors are being implemented on highways in and around busy city centres to monitor and control traffic levels.
By connecting vehicles with sensors, traffic lights and infrastructure, Japan has been able to reduce congestion, increase efficiency and improve safety for drivers. Similar to how IoT in Africa is used on the continent’s roads, this infrastructure also helps to identify hazardous areas on highways, allowing authorities to take proactive measures to ensure road safety.
Additionally, this technology can be used in public transportation to track the location of buses and trains, allowing for improved scheduling and a more efficient transportation system overall.
Finally, driverless cars are being tested in Japan, as the country takes another leap forward in testing and embracing modern technologies to improve its transportation systems.
Agriculture
With the integration of IoT technology in agriculture, Japan has been able to optimise crop yields and increase efficiency.
Using sensors and actuators, farmers can now measure soil moisture, conditions, temperature and light intensity levels, allowing them to ensure crops are grown with optimal conditions while easily identifying which areas require more water and nutrients.
Additionally, with the introduction of drones and robotic machinery, Japanese farmers can reduce manual labour and expand their operations without having to increase their workforce. This has allowed for increased profits, whilst reducing the environmental impact of farming activities.
Furthermore, by connecting these sensors with data analytics platforms, Japanese farmers are now able to gain a deeper understanding of their land and use this information to create more sustainable agricultural practices.
As more and more farmers across Japan begin to understand the potential of this technology, it is likely that agricultural productivity will continue to increase in the coming years.
Healthcare
As Japan’s battle with rising cases of diabetes continues, the nation has begun utilising progressive IoT technology to combat this increasing national issue.
Using IoT SIM cards and algorithms that connect glucose monitors with insulin pumps, Japanese healthcare professionals are able to automatically regulate blood glucose levels in patients.
With this data, Japan has been able to create an innovative diabetes management solution that has the option to continue evolving as professionals gain a deeper understanding of the technology and the effect of insulin and meals on glucose levels.
Individuals with diabetes can use this data to frequently and seamlessly check their blood sugar levels, without the need for frequent finger sticks.
With over 10 million Japanese adults being diagnosed with diabetes, the introduction of this diabetes management solution has already begun changing the lives of countless people within Japan and beyond.
AI-based machinery and plant network optimisation
AI-based machinery and plant network optimisation are becoming increasingly popular in Japan to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Using IoT technology, Japanese companies can monitor the performance of their machines and plants in real time, allowing them to make quick changes or repairs when needed.
Additionally, AI-powered solutions can help analyse data from individual components and systems to identify potential problems, allowing for proactive maintenance and maximising the lifespan of plant machinery.
Data shows that there is a 63% adoption rate of this technology in Japan, compared to a global rate of 40%, highlighting how this nation has become a leader in the implementation of AI-based machinery.
With this technology, Japanese companies can increase their productivity while reducing their operational costs. This is just one of many ways in which IoT in Japan is revolutionising industry operations and helping businesses stay competitive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Challenges of IoT in Japan
Like with any nation adopting this progressive technology, there are some IoT challenges Japan faces.
One of the key issues for Japan is the lack of infrastructure to support the growing IoT networks. The lack of infrastructure has led to issues such as slower speeds, limited bandwidth and patchy coverage.
Additionally, another challenge for Japan is the lack of bandwidth needed to support IoT networks. As more and more devices are connected, the need for faster speeds and increased capacity becomes increasingly important.
To overcome these challenges, the Japanese government will continue encouraging investments in existing networks to supply a more reliable connection for users. This includes 5G networks to support IoT networks and emerging applications.
Data privacy is another major challenge for the country when it comes to IoT. As data becomes increasingly important, Japanese authorities must ensure that proper security measures are in place to protect the data from malicious actors.
Through encryption and access controls, Japan can ensure that users’ data is kept secure, in accordance with Japanese data protection laws (APPI), and only accessible to authorised personnel.
Finally, by educating users about potential cyber security threats and implementing measures such as two-factor authentication, Japanese authorities can also ensure that users are taking the necessary steps to protect their data.
Learn more about IoT with Caburn Telecom
Thank you for reading our blog post about IoT in Japan.
Japan has clearly embraced the technology and has already seen tangible benefits from its adoption. However, like with any nation implementing this progressive technology, it’s important to be aware of the challenges ahead and discover ways to overcome these problems.
IoT is spreading fast, with the technology being implemented far and wide in countries in the Middle East, Africa and beyond.
Whether you’re in Japan or another part of the world, you can begin your IoT journey with Caburn Telecom.
Caburn Telecom is an industry leader in global IoT connectivity solutions. With our expertise and experience, we can help you create and deploy a robust and secure IoT network.
Whether it’s helping to integrate new technologies, manage existing networks in real time or help provide innovative solutions for the future, Caburn Telecom has your IoT needs covered.
Start your journey with Caburn Telecom today and discover the potential of IoT for yourself. Contact our team today to learn more.