How can startups find Japanese manufacturers to work with?
In the last decades, Japan has gained a reputation for high quality manufacturing and production efficiency, but this club used to be limited to large corporations. In this post, we will guide you on how to work with Japanese manufacturers in order to help build your startup product.
Why Manufacture in Japan?
In terms of technology and innovation, Japan is one of the world’s leading high-tech countries. Along with ‘monozukuri’ mindset and extensive craftsmanship culture, Japan’s commitment to producing high-quality products is well known all over the world. Products with label ‘Made In Japan’ imply extreme attention to all details— no matter how tiny or easily unnoticed it would be to the final user. To learn more about the power of the country as a brand, see “Future Brand” index chart below.
Establishing a hardware startup is ridden with challenges. When it comes to manufacturing products, many startups find themselves hitting a brick wall. The difficulty of scaling a concept from business idea to a batch production can make or break your business. Whether you’re making IoT watches or smart shoes, finding the right supplier for your startup is essential for success.
For beginners, searching for manufacturers can feel like a total minefield!
How to escape this minefield when trying to choose manufacturers?
Find partners that you can trust your project with. There are many suppliers and manufacturers in Japan you could work with, but it would be impossible to approach all of them personally. Our Japanese partners Kyoto Shisaku Net have an extensive suppliers’ network and can connect you to the wide range of prototype experts for an affordable price. They have already helped startups to tackle business challenges and build strong, long-term relations with manufacturers.
Smartshopping used to be a software company and once they decided to build a physical product — IoT scales to automatically replenish stocks — they faced with turbulent times. Unaware of know-how for hardware projects’ management, they had no contacts for reliable suppliers, nor time to find and evaluate them. After they reached out to Makers Boot Camp, manufacturing went smoothly: crossEffect designed an external case, Kyoso Technology helped with PCB commonly known as printed circuit board and Goodwood-Kyoto assembled the parts together.
Tokyo-based startup Coban, that produces e-money reader for IC cards, needed to solve a problem of a very basic prototype. Crosseffect helped them to add a high-tech look in order to match a target price, while KSN worked on a final design before proceeding with mass manufacturing in China.
At Monozukuri Hub Meetups, we have heard many stories from young entrepreneurs who have encountered numerous pitfalls in the transition from an idea to a final product. They also shared the lessons they learned — and the bruises they sustained while learning it
Finding the right factory is not easy, says Nature Japan CEO Haruumi Shiode. Many manufacturers are not interested in dealing with startups at all, unless they’re looking to manufacture large volumes. Shiode, the creator of universal smart controller for ACs, suggests makers to look for a partner who can understand challenges startups face, prioritizing long-term gains.
How Can You Approach Manufacturers in Japan?
Once you have your business plan and a working prototype, it’s important to identify a few manufacturers who can help you to nail your manufacturer needs. Monozukuri Tour organized by Makers Boot Camp could be your chance to gain much deeper insight into a potential supplier’s network in Japan. A tailor-made business field trip provides an opportunity for you to get in touch with global investors and prototype experts. In addition, you can meet potential partners and receive a valuable feedback on your business model.
One of the Kyoto-based manufacturers is Hilltop, an innovation factory specializing in the prototyping of aluminum products. With a range of technologies at their disposal, such as rapid prototyping based on printing 3D models from computer designs, they are the perfect one-stop shop for startups’ prototyping needs. Anyone can sketch, and no special tools are required to create design files from ideas and vague concepts. Hilltop makers’ space Foo’s Lab serves as a creative hub for makers and aims to promote Industry 4.0 growth that will reshape the way all things are made.
Another manufacturer is crossEffect, which is known for the developing and prototyping industrial resin mold products. Keeping up with the latest technologies, the company provides speedy manufacturing and support at every stage of the start-up process. Its specialty is a molding method vacuum casting that enables makers to simulate plastic-like products at the low cost and quick turnaround.
Once you have found a suitable supplier, how do you approach them?
Collaborating with somebody that knows the ropes can grow your hardware startup and save you a lot of time and money. Partners who know what they are doing can negotiate all sorts of terms and options in your favor.
Makers Boot Camp supports startups’ growth from business model to supply chain by connecting global startups to Japanese partners and supporting startup manufacturing and investment. We can help you in several ways:
Hardware Consulting: Make your small lot prototypes with our experienced team. No minimum order required!
Community Shaping: Meet and connect with entrepreneurs working on the latest innovative projects. Welcome to our Kyoto Makers Garage makerspace, where ideas are made from concept to working prototype.
Project Funding: Startups working on a prototype can apply for MBC Shisaku Fund, the 1st Japanese fund for global hardware startups. Check out portfolio startups already funded: Bonbouton, Boston Biomotion, Hoplite Power, no new folk studios, Smart Shopping etc. More to me announced soon!
