-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- design007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueSilicon to Systems: From Soup to Nuts
This month, we asked our expert contributors to weigh in on silicon to systems—what it means to PCB designers and design engineers, EDA companies, and the rest of the PCB supply chain... from soup to nuts.
Cost Drivers
In this month’s issue of Design007 Magazine, our expert contributors explain the impact of cost drivers on PCB designs and the need to consider a design budget. They discuss the myriad design cycle cost adders—hidden and not so hidden—and ways to add value.
Mechatronics
Our expert contributors discuss the advent of mechatronics in PCB design, the challenges and opportunities this creates for circuit board designers, and the benefits—to the employee and the company—of becoming a mechatronics engineer.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Events
||| MENU - design007 Magazine
JPCA Show Review: Sizing Up the Market in Japan
July 9, 2024 | James Stone, IECEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
![](https://iconnect007.com/application/files/6817/2050/8222/James_Stone_300.jpg)
As a relatively newer member of the PCB industry, I found the Japan Printed Circuit Association (JPCA) show, held in June at the Tokyo Big Sight Convention Hall, to be a great experience. This year’s show was considered smaller compared to past years, but I was still impressed by the size and number of attendees. The show was broken up into 3 major halls each dedicated to PCB manufacturing, assembly, and semiconductor/advanced packaging, with a lot of focus on the latter. Some companies were familiar—Eternal, Dupont, Atotech, Uyemura, Schmoll, and atg, to name a few. But most of the companies I saw were unfamiliar names in the North American market.
The language barrier could prove challenging at times, but overall, I had some great conversations with various members of the industry. They informed me that the market in Japan is strong on the technology side, but like North America, they have challenges in acquiring young talent and retaining employees over the long term. I did notice a fair amount of young people who appeared to be in their 20s and 30s at the show.
When I asked the younger generation how they came into the industry, the answers were varied but were consistent around knowing someone who told them about it or having family involved in some way. This I found was just like North America—the PCB market in Japan has potential, but as an industry, we need to figure out a way to make it attractive to young professionals.
The level of automation I saw at the JPCA show was remarkable. Speaking with an industry veteran, he explained that over time, the market shrunk as simpler work was outsourced to other economies (the same as in North America). However, what remains in Japan is a small but dedicated and strong selection of companies that remain on the cutting edge of technology. This has kept them relevant in the market and on the world stage of manufacturing. I felt that the Japanese market remains somewhat insular in certain ways. Their homegrown companies have an excellent reputation within Japan, but only a few companies have gained that reputation worldwide as well.
Standout experiences were the hospitality of the presenters/exhibitors along with their presentations and booths, some of which were quite elaborate. It did not appear as if many North American members of our industry were present at the show. As a representative of IEC, they were pleased to speak with someone from the North American market.
Lastly, I was not only in Japan for the JPCA show, but vacation as well. Tokyo is a massive city but easy to navigate thanks to the extensive train system, which is inexpensive, efficient, and clean. The countryside is gorgeous and the other cities I visited–Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, are beautiful as well, each with a unique identity. The country is easy to navigate on the southern side thanks to the Shinkansen (aka the Bullet Train).
The food and restaurant scene was fantastic, with menus easy to understand. You can have a great meal anywhere. There were many sights to see and every city was terrific to simply walk around in. Showcasing an excellent mix of East and West, the nightlife in the big cities was lively and exciting.
Most importantly, the people I met at both JPCA and outside were courteous, friendly, and accommodating. It was a great trip which I would highly recommend. I already plan on going back!
Suggested Items
Eutect Overcomes Panel Soldering Challenges with New Gripper
09/06/2024 | Eutect GmbHThe selective soldering of assemblies in panels is not a real challenge. However, if you need to solder relatively large panels with towering components, specialists like those at Eutect GmbH have to step up to the plate.
Bachmann Electronic Opens a Branch in Norway
09/05/2024 | BachmannThe Austrian company Bachmann electronic, which specializes in automation technology for maritime applications, renewable energies, and industry, is expanding its international footprint with a new branch in Norway.
Dan Beeker: Outstanding in his ‘Fields’
09/05/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007At PCB East, I met with Dan Beeker, technical director at NXP Semiconductor, and a speaker at the conference. Dan always gives a spirited interview, so I asked him to discuss his class and challenges in the industry today.
Young Professionals Spotlight: Process Engineer Kevin Dial, American Standard Circuits
09/05/2024 | Dan Beaulieu, D.B. Management GroupWhen I heard that my friends at American Standard Circuits had hired a new, fresh-out-of-college process engineer, I was anxious to meet him. Now, you get to read this interview. It’s a rare perspective of a young man new to our industry.
Intel Unlocks New Laptop Efficiency with Speed
09/04/2024 | IntelThe laptop improvement people ask for the most – you can probably guess – is better battery life. Nobody enjoys hunting for power outlets in airports.