Ninbari, a Kyoto-based company dating back to 1948, is addressing Japan’s labor shortages head on with cutting-edge factory automation solutions. Guided by the vision of CEO Shunsuke D. Sugiyama, who has led the family business for over a decade, Ninbari aims to become the ‘Foxconn’ of factory automation. It has forged strategic partnerships with major players such as Kyoho in the rice cooking industry and Suzuko in wood processing, providing them with innovative automation solutions that significantly enhance efficiency and productivity.

Ninbari stands out for its forward-thinking approach, focusing on automating industries integral to Japan’s cultural and economic fabric-specifically rice cooking and wood processing. Both sectors, deeply significant to Japan, face acute labor shortages that threaten their sustainability.

“When I became CEO, Japan’s population decline had begun, and I realized that modernizing our family business meant addressing this labor shortage,” says Sugiyama.

The strategic location in Kyoto positions Ninbari at the heart of Japan’s rich cultural heritage, allowing it to draw on local expertise and craftsmanship. With its main factory and innovation hub alongside sales branches in Osaka and Tokyo, it is well-equipped to blend traditional values with modern technology, driving its mission to leave a lasting imprint on domestic and global markets.

Perfecting the Art of Rice Cooking Through Advanced Automation

Ninbari’s cutting-edge rice cooking equipment is expertly designed to elevate Japanese cuisine. Prioritizing quality and efficiency, it empowers businesses to deliver exceptional rice dishes that delight customers. Its high-volume rice production machines are the backbone of operations in 7-Eleven stores across Japan. They play a crucial role in producing approximately millions of onigiri-Japanese rice balls-daily across 20,000 locations nationwide.

“Japanese consumers are highly particular about properly treating rice to enhance its flavor and quality. We are automating this process to ensure consistency and efficiency while delivering the delicious rice they expect,” says Sugiyama.

Designed for continuous operation, Ninbari’s machines meet the high standards expected by Japanese consumers.

It offers the versatility to cook various rice types simultaneously, accommodating diverse customer preferences. From fried rice to the slightly vinegared rice used in sushi, each unit automatically washes and soaks the rice to enhance flavor.

As rice is prepared, seasonings can be added according to specific recipes, allowing for a range of tailored flavors. Ninbari draws from Japan’s rich agricultural heritage to integrate deep-rooted knowledge into its factory automation solutions, ensuring every grain is cooked to perfection.

The machines also feature automated cooling processes, which are crucial for preserving quality and safety before delivery to convenience stores. This attention to detail reinforces Ninbari’s mission of producing high-quality rice at scale while sealing in the traditional flavors cherished by consumers.

Building Resilience with Wood Automation

Ninbari is also leading factory automation for the wood processing industry, addressing critical labor challenges and transforming the utilization of wood in construction. Its expertise includes the development of earthquake-resistant wooden structures, effectively tackling the distinct challenges posed by Japan’s natural environment.

When I became CEO, Japan’s population decline had begun, and I realized that modernizing our family business meant addressing this labor shortage

In a country where 70 percent of the land is forested, and wood holds deep cultural significance, Ninbari is committed to modernizing production while preserving the time-honored craftsmanship that defines Japanese woodworking. Its advanced machines enhance efficiency and quality, seamlessly blending tradition with modern technology.

Ninbari advocates for wood as a primary building material, aligning with Japan’s carbon neutrality goals and supporting responsible forestry practices. Merging traditional woodworking techniques with modern engineering enhances construction safety and contributes to creating eco-friendly buildings that respect and celebrate Japan’s architectural heritage.

Merging Heritage with Innovation for Global Impact

Looking to the future, Ninbari plans to expand its automation expertise into new sectors, such as noodles and tofu, both integral to Japanese cuisine. The focus within these innovations is aimed at identifying transformative products that can redefine its market position and drive further growth.

Ninbari is optimizing and automating processes in Japan to ensure its solutions consistently meet rigorous standards of quality and efficiency. This paves the way for effectively scaling its innovations internationally, introducing the precision and expertise of Japanese automation to markets around the globe.

As Ninbari merges its rich heritage with cutting-edge automation, it solidifies its role as a transformative force in the industry. This sets the stage for scalable innovations that showcase the enduring legacy of Japanese craftsmanship on a global scale.