Japan once dominated global shipbuilding with 40% market share, but fell to just 8% as China and South Korea surged ahead. Now the government has unveiled a $6.5 billion public-private investment roadmap to double shipbuilding capacity by 2035. With industry mega-mergers, a historic frigate export to Australia, and US-Japan cooperation, can Japan reclaim its maritime manufacturing glory?

Furuno Electric, headquartered in Nishinomiya, Japan, has grown from a small radio repair shop in postwar Nagasaki into the world's dominant marine electronics maker, holding 49% of the fishing vessel electronics market and 43% of commercial ship radar. From inventing the world's first practical fish finder in 1948 to today's AR navigation and autonomous vessel technology, discover how Furuno's "seeing the invisible" philosophy is shaping the future of seafaring. In 2024, their fish finder was recognized as an IEEE Milestone.

Japan's first nuclear-powered ship "Mutsu," launched in 1969, was plagued by a radiation leak incident and fierce public opposition. Yet engineers cut the hull apart, removed the reactor, and spent roughly $1.3 billion (in today's value) transforming it into "Mirai" — one of the world's largest ocean research vessels. Over 28 years, Mirai sailed 2.3 million km (58 trips around Earth), pioneered Arctic research, and even surveyed Fukushima's nuclear contamination. Retired in December 2025, its story of dramatic reinvention now passes the torch to the icebreaking successor "Mirai II."

Japan's autonomous container ship "Genbu" has begun the world's first commercial operation with both bridge and engine room automation. Built from scratch over three years under the MEGURI2040 project, this AI-powered vessel features automatic route planning, collision avoidance, and self-docking — addressing Japan's critical crew shortage and logistics crisis.

Shimizu Corporation's world-class SEP vessel "BLUE WIND" has arrived in Maizuru, Kyoto. Learn about this massive 142m construction ship with 2,500-ton crane capacity and Japan's offshore wind power development projects.

Japan launched the 12th and final Mogami-class frigate "Yoshii" in December 2025. With 12 ships completed in just 5 years without delays, Japan demonstrates superior shipbuilding capability while Western nations struggle. Australia has selected Japan's New FFM as its next frigate.

Discover why methanol fuel ships are emerging as a game-changer in 2026. From Tsuneishi's world-first Kamsarmax bulker to Mitsubishi's pioneering RORO vessels, Japanese shipbuilders lead the decarbonization race. Learn about methanol's advantages, IMO regulations, and the future of green shipping.