As the BDS movement questions ties between Japanese companies and Israel's defense industry, FANUC and other companies face scrutiny over the risk of military repurposing and their accountability. Sales through third countries and the influence of intermediaries have also been highlighted, putting companies' responses in focus.
BDS Japan Bulletin (BJB) has pointed out that FANUC industrial robots are being used at an Israeli artillery shell manufacturing facility and is calling on the company to provide explanations and take measures. FANUC is said to have previously explained that it has no record of sales for military use, but the focus is on the fact that its products are often sold through intermediaries.
BJB criticizes manufacturers for the extent to which they identify and implement practical controls to prevent diversion through third parties, even when products are not sold directly by the manufacturer. Citing a response from FANUC reported by the Huffington Post in 2024, BJB claims that FANUC does not adequately identify end users.
The BDS movement is said to encompass not only suspending transactions, but also divestment, explanations from companies and policy demands directed at governments. Reasons cited for targeting Japanese companies include Israel's efforts to penetrate the Japanese market and growth in the defense and security sectors.
The central issues surrounding the military repurposing of civilian products are said to be investigating distribution channels, implementing specific measures to prevent diversion and obtaining explanations from companies. The example of DMG MORI equipping products with relocation detection devices was presented, and its efforts to prevent diversion were favorably assessed.
As Japanese companies and the government face demands for accountability, FANUC, ITOCHU Corporation and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry have not responded to interview requests, and the facts have not been conclusively established. Even so, the importance of companies' risk identification and human-rights compliance efforts has been highlighted.