Automation and AI are driving unprecedented growth in Japan’s robotics sector, with orders, production, and shipments reaching all-time highs in the last quarter of 2025 (October to December). The Japan Robot Association (JARA) reported significant statistics, showing that the demand for automation, coupled with investments in AI, has led to a remarkable 29.1% increase in industrial robot orders compared to the same period last year, totaling 271.4 billion yen. This marks the sixth consecutive quarter of growth, surpassing the previous record of 256.7 billion yen set in the first quarter of 2022.
In terms of production, Japan’s output for robots skyrocketed by 26.0% to 228.6 billion yen, achieving growth for the fifth consecutive quarter, and exceeding the previous record of 223.1 billion yen from the third quarter of 2022.
The total shipment value for robots (including both domestic and export) surged by 34.1% to 244.5 billion yen, marking a fourth consecutive quarter of growth and surpassing the prior record of 227.5 billion yen from the fourth quarter of 2022. Notably, exports rose by 50.2% to 200.8 billion yen, continuing its growth trend for the fourth consecutive quarter. Conversely, domestic shipments experienced a 10.2% decline to 43.7 billion yen, marking a third consecutive quarter of contraction.
Looking at regional exports, shipments of robots to the Asian market increased by 46% to 139.2 billion yen, achieving growth for six consecutive quarters. Exports to China alone surged by 38% to 76.5 billion yen, while exports to markets outside of China grew by 57% to 62.7 billion yen. Exports to North America skyrocketed by 66% to 35.3 billion yen, marking the highest figure in 12 quarters since the fourth quarter of 2022. Exports to Europe increased by 58% to 22.9 billion yen, continuing its growth for the second consecutive quarter.
For the year 2025, Japan’s total robot orders are expected to rise by 27.8% to 925.8 billion yen, marking a second consecutive annual increase. The production of robots is projected to increase by 21.0% to 837.3 billion yen, representing the first growth in three years. Total robot shipments are anticipated to grow by 23.8% to 870.8 billion yen, indicating the first increase in three years as well.
JARA President Yasuhiro Hashimoto stated on January 9 during a New Year gathering in Tokyo that the value of industrial robot orders for 2026 is forecasted to increase by 3.2% to 1 trillion 30 billion yen. This growth is primarily driven by the surge in AI investment, which is boosting demand for robots used in semiconductor processes, along with a continued push for automation due to labor shortages. Should Japan’s robot orders exceed the 1 trillion yen mark, it would be the first occurrence in four years.
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