Market Overview

A car seat is a piece of equipment used in automobile models to improve the comfort of both the passenger and the driver. Most of these seats are inexpensive because they are made with high-durability materials that can withstand repeated use. Polyester is a commonly utilized material in the manufacture of automobile seats. The driver seat is provided as an integral part of the vehicle to provide access to controls and comfort to the driver.

Automotive seats are typically classified into three categories: bucket seats, bench seats, and folding seats. A bucket seat is a distinct, one-person seat with a curved framework; they frequently have rounded backs and may be adjustable to accommodate different passengers. A bench seat is a full-width continuous pad that forms the front seat of a vehicle. Most sedans have a bench seat in the second row, and even most SUVs and minivans have a bench seat in the third row, which can be forward-facing or rear-facing. A folding seat folds away to take up less space. Folding seats are also used to facilitate entry and exit in stadiums, arenas, theatres, and auditoriums.

Major Japan OEMs have been following the trends of western automakers and reducing their reliance on Japan's well-established "keiretsu system," instead seeking to establish business partnerships with new suppliers, in response to the growing globalization of the relationship between Japanese OEMs and suppliers in the area of procurement.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for Japan automotive seat market based on various segments and regions and forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the Japan automotive seat market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, and development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segments of the Japan automotive seat market.

Driving Factors

In Japan, rising demand for hybrid and electric vehicles drives up demand for automotive seats, propelling the market growth. Rising growth in the automotive industry, increasing technological development, automotive manufacturers focusing on lightweight seats, increasing rider comfort, and other growth factors are accelerating market growth. An increase in vehicle production is also boosting Japan’s market. Hunyadi Transys has served as an autonomous car seat for the past half-decade. These seats come in five different modes: easy access, independence, connectivity, relaxation, and payload. Also, every mode provides an additional position enabled by forward-backwards tracking on the floor, a 180-degree swivel base, and a lighter and slimmer seat that improves space utilization.

The major automotive industry in Japan is increasing its focus on the development of advanced driver assistance technologies to develop and introduce a fully automated driving experience. There has also been an increase in consumer preference for mobility-on-demand services such as car and ride-sharing. Japan's government has taken a step closer to legalizing driverless cars, bringing the country one step closer to fully autonomous driving. According to the Yano Research Institute, a Tokyo market research firm, by 2030, 60% of Japan’s vehicles will have at least Level 2-based technology. In response to OEM and consumer preferences, seat manufacturers will be driven to innovate or acquire innovative and compelling products that capitalize on new technologies.

Restraining Factors

Customers' growing preference for opulent and comfy amenities is putting additional pressure on vehicle OEMs to save production costs. The market's predominant constraints are a limited selection of materials, high prices, a complicated manufacturing process, and the need for high-quality, reasonably priced seats. Nearly 5% of the overall cost of a car is spent on seats, which is limiting the market for automotive seats. The manufacturing of these seats is quite expensive.

COVID 19 Impacts 

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the growth of Japan automotive seat market since the virus was contained by continual lockdowns and travel restrictions in Japan. Additionally, the market's production line was disturbed due to the shutdown of manufacturing facilities. Furthermore, the high costs of modular and sophisticated seats, when compared to standard seats, may hinder the development of the automobile seat market.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at the country level from 2019 to 2030. Spherical Insights has segmented the Japan Automotive Seats market based on the below-mentioned segments:

• In 2022, the synthetic leather segment is witnessing a higher growth rate over the forecast period. 

Based on material type, Japan Automotive Seats are segmented into genuine leather, synthetic leather, fabric, and others. Among these, the synthetic leather segment is witnessing a higher growth rate over the forecast period. The Japanese population is increasingly turning vegan, and they are becoming more aware of the cruelty perpetrated on animals in the leather industry. As a result, manufacturers of automotive parts have begun using various synthetic leathers in place of real leather, which will allow the market to expand at a significant rate in the years to come.

• In 2022, the heated & powered segment is witnessing significant CAGR growth over the forecast period.

On the basis of technology type, the Japan Automotive Seats market is segmented into heated & powered, massage, standard, memory, ventilated, and others. Due to its capacity to provide both electricity and temperature control, the heated & powered segment is among those experiencing strong CAGR growth during the forecast period. High-end automobiles often come with heated seats, which is anticipated to help the Japan market grow over the forecasted period.

• In 2022, the passenger cars segment is dominating the market with the largest market share of 55% over the forecast period.

Based on vehicle type, the Japan Automotive Seats market is segmented into passenger cars, commercial vehicles, electric vehicles, and others. Among these, the passenger cars segment dominates the market with the largest market share of 55% over the forecast period. The passenger car category is dominating the Japanese market share as a result of the increased demand for automobiles including mid-range sedans, sedans, and luxury sedans.

Regional Analysis

Japan’s seat suppliers are continuing to be proactive in establishing and expanding production and development facilities in emerging markets such as China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Brazil. Japan’s suppliers have also started to form new alliances and change their business strategies. Toyota Boshoku and TACHI-S joined forces in 2017. Japanese suppliers in China are not only focused on supplying finished Seat Assy to local automakers, but also on using China as a manufacturing base for seat trim and sewed parts for export to Japan. One example of a supplier is TACHI-S. Similar to how Japanese OEMs have expanded internationally, many suppliers have built factories and development centers there. Japanese manufacturers like Toyota Boshoku and TS Tech have been players in this market from the Asia region. Toyota Boshoku products are extensively used in Lexus and Toyota cars. TS Tech products range from 2-wheeled vehicles to cars supplying to leading OEMs in Japan.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the Japanese Automotive Seats market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Alps Co., Ltd.
• TACHI-S Co., Ltd.
• Marubishi Industries Co., Ltd.
• IBC Japan Ltd.
• Toyota Boshoku Corporation
• Japan Trust Co., Ltd.
• SHIGERU
• Sas3 Trading Co., Ltd.
• Daiso Industries Co., Ltd.
• Marubishi Industry
• Delta Kogyo Co., Ltd. 
• Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
• Toyo Seat
• Arai Shoji Co., Ltd.
• Houwa Kogyo
• Imasen Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
• Toyota Tsusho Corporation

Recent Developments

• In March 2022, The Toyota Boshoku Corporation acquired commercial rights from Shiroki for the automotive seat frame parts for Suzuki Motor Corporation.

• In January 2022, Toyota Boshaku Corporation created the LEXUS NX's seats and interior components. An electric retraction framework and optimized cushioning by distributing body pressure across the buttocks area are among the features of the seats.

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2019 to 2030. Spherical Insights has segmented the Japan Automotive Seats Market based on the below-mentioned segments:

Automotive Seats Market, By Material Type

• Genuine Leather
• Synthetic Leather
• Fabric
• Others

Automotive Seats Market, By Technology Type

• Heated & Powered
• Massage
• Standard
• Memory
• Ventilated
• Others

Automotive Seats Market, By Vehicle Type

•  Passenger Cars
• Commercial Vehicles
• Electric Vehicles
• Others