Among the five areas McKinsey identified as areas where Japan can compete successfully, quantum sensing and optoelectronic integration were cited as specific examples where Japanese companies can demonstrate particular strength, suggesting that the future is extremely bright.
McKinsey has identified five areas where Japanese companies are considered to have opportunities to compete successfully worldwide, with quantum technology and optoelectronic integration highlighted as fields in which Japan can demonstrate its strengths. Quantum sensing in particular is said to connect with the technological capabilities of Japan’s manufacturing industry, while optoelectronic integration is positioned as a field involving collaboration between semiconductors and optical circuits.
McKinsey’s assessment reflects the view that Japanese companies can draw on their accumulated expertise, potentially helping to resolve data-transmission challenges arising from the spread of generative AI and physical AI. It also indicates that Japan has an opportunity to play a global role in hardware as industries including quantum technology and photonics move into the mass-production phase.
The firm also introduced a stewardship philosophy that prioritizes organizational continuity, citing companies whose values are close to those of Japan. It was explained that the view of employees as “stewards” and the philosophy of giving the organization’s survival and development priority over short-term profits are aligned with those of Japanese companies.