In Japan, prototype development is a crucial process for bringing new products to the market. A prototype is a preliminary model of a product that allows manufacturers to test and validate their design before mass production. It is also beneficial for test marketing. Especially for small and middle-sized overseas companies (excluding Japan)In this article, we are introducing the basic roadmap of prototyping for hardware products in Japan.Prototype Development Process :StepDescription1. IdeationConduct market research and identify the needs of the target audience.2. Design and DevelopmentDesign an MVP(Minimum Viable Product) and determine the specifications.3. Prototype TestingCreate an actual physical prototype of the product and test its functionality and features.4. Mass ProductionProduce the product in large quantities.Explanation of Each StepThe prototype development process in Japan involves several steps that are necessary for successful product development.The first step is the idea generation phase, followed by the design and development phase, prototype testing, and finally, mass production. During the idea generation phase, you conduct market research and identify the needs of the target audience.It can be difficult for foreign companies to grasp trends and customer needs perfectly although it is not necessary to fully understand those things in the initial phase. What is important are speed and hypothesis-making.During the design and development phase, a 2D or 3D model of the product is created to determine its specifications. This allows for an understanding of the necessary materials and how to make a minimum viable product (MVP) for the next phase.In the prototype testing phase, you create a physical prototype of the product and test its functionality and features. It's always a good idea to show the prototype to potential customers and business partners and ask for their opinions.Finally, you produce the product in large quantities in the mass production phase!Collaboration Opportunities1. DMM.make AKIBA... Innovative hub in AkihabaraTheir service includes:Co-working spaceFacilities and amenitiesInnovative communityEvent opportunitiesDMM.make Akiba is a hub for leading startups and innovative companies in Tokyo. They provide mainly strong support for hardware startups from ideation to prototyping. They are part of a larger group of companies, which includes the largest electronic commerce and Internet company in Japan.The group consists of more than 20 companies and has invested in 58 businesses across a wide range of industries.They welcome support, even for short-term projects, by providing a brief usage period. Community managers facilitate connections between players in the community. Technical advisors are also available to assist hardware makers in overcoming obstacles.The Importance of Prototyping in JapanRegulatory ConsiderationsJapan has a unique IP(Intellectual Property) landscape, and it can be challenging for foreign companies to navigate the system. You need to understand what the overview of Intellectual Property framework looks like including intellectual property rights, product safety regulations, and environmental standards before it is launched in the market.When it comes to hardware manufacturing, PSE is the first thing you need to consider. PSE stands for Product Safety Electrical Appliance and Materials. If you plan to sell hardware products in Japan, you must obtain the PSE certificate.In general, all electrical products are required to pass PSE certification. However, certain B2B products may be exempt under specific circumstances. (This can be a tricky area.)As Test MarketingFurthermore, prototyping allows manufacturers to test different designs and functionalities, making it easier to make modifications and improvements to the product. Japanese companies are relatively open to trying prototyping products in POCs.I have seen prototyping products at various times in POCs. Once you do a Google search for open positions, you will find many openings.ConclusionIn conclusion, prototype development is a crucial process for bringing new products to the market in Japan. Although it may seem like a basic step, the guide discussed in this blog post serves as a useful roadmap for manufacturers looking to develop prototypes.There are many other hurdles that can arise for hardware manufacturers during the Japan market entry process, so if you are interested in the Japanese market, please feel free to contact us.”BETTER TOGETHER”