Approximately 320 Japanese companies are exhibiting at the China International Import Expo, which opens in Shanghai, stepping up promotion of products using AI and robots.
Approximately 320 Japanese companies, including Panasonic Holdings, Toyota Motor and Fast Retailing, which operates Uniqlo, are exhibiting at the China International Import Expo. Although Japan-China relations have deteriorated following Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae's (高市早苗) parliamentary remarks concerning a Taiwan contingency, companies are stepping up efforts to promote AI-related products and services for which demand is strong in China.
Mitsubishi Electric showcased its efforts to create fully unmanned factories using AI and humanoid robots. Sumitomo Corporation exhibited an AI-powered meeting-recording system, while Toshiba exhibited services including disease-risk prediction using AI technology. The adoption of AI and humanoid robots is expanding rapidly in China, and Panasonic Holdings Executive Officer Nakayama Masaharu (中山正春) said that "very many people are interested in AI-related businesses."
155 companies, more than last year, participated in the booth operated by JETRO. Chinese visitors gathered at the Japanese sake tasting area, and staff members pointed out that Chinese consumers' interest in Japan remains high. Honda exhibited mid-sized motorcycles and other products.
On 6 November, the Japan-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, made up of Japanese-affiliated companies, held a press tour introducing 20 participating companies and organizations. Chairman Homma Tetsuro (本間哲朗) said that the impact of deteriorating Japan-China relations "cannot be said to be completely nonexistent," while pointing out that "a wide range of matters are progressing in fields that are not constrained by licensing and approvals."