Against the backdrop of Japan’s severe labor shortage, Chinese robotics companies are accelerating their expansion into Japan. Chinese manufacturers reportedly accounted for approximately 97% of global humanoid robot shipments in the first half of 2026, totaling approximately 18,500 units.
Chinese manufacturers are reportedly expanding into Japan in search of business opportunities as labor shortages caused by Japan’s declining birthrate and aging population worsen. Chinese manufacturers are said to have accounted for approximately 97% of global humanoid robot shipments from January through June 2026, or approximately 18,500 units.
Chinese-made robots are being adopted across a range of fields, including logistics, food service and the home. Examples include Geek+’s expansion into logistics warehouses in Japan, as well as serving robots commonly used at restaurant chains such as Skylark Group and Saizeriya. Products including BellaBot were highlighted, reflecting the growing adoption of such robots in the Japanese market.
In the humanoid robotics sector, Unitree has signed a distribution agreement with a Japanese company, while PAXINI has begun a demonstration project with a Toyota-affiliated company, marking the start of further developments. In the Japanese market, compatibility with existing equipment, return on investment and local maintenance services in the event of a breakdown are reportedly considered more important than novelty in appearance.
The article reports that orders received by Japan’s robotics industry are expected to reach approximately ¥1.0456 trillion in 2025, and says that Chinese companies will need to pursue long-term localization and demonstrate patience to succeed in Japan.