JIMTOF2024 Post Show Report: Automation proposals reach maturity (1/3)

December 24, 2024

The 32nd Japan International Machine Tool Fair (JIMTOF2024), the largest machine tool exhibition in Japan, was held November 5-10 at Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo, Japan. A record 1,262 companies and organizations participated in this year’s JIMTOF, with an unprecedented 5,743 booths showcasing the latest advancements. Cutting-edge hardware, such as machine tools and related equipment, remained in the spotlight, but the variety and sophistication of software solutions, including robotics, IoT and AI, were particularly impressive. With over 160,000 visitors, JIMTOF2024 was a vibrant success.

Record number of exhibitors and booths

Held every two years, JIMTOF serves as Japan’s largest platform for machine tool innovation. JIMTOF2024 broke records with 1,262 exhibitors filling every hall at Tokyo Big Sight, including East, West and South Halls, for a total of 5,743 booths, the largest in its history.

During the six-day event, a total of 162,670 visitors attended, including 18,515 international visitors – a figure more than double that of JIMTOF2022. While not breaking the all-time attendance record, this year’s numbers represented a significant increase of more than 20,000 visitors over the previous show. Exhibitors have noted a particularly high level of participation from East Asia, especially China.

Opening ceremony highlights

The opening ceremony was held in the South Hall on November 5. Dr. Yoshiharu Inaba, Chairman of the Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA) and Chairman of FANUC, addressed the attendees, emphasizing further progress in digitalization and process integration, which was the focus of the previous JIMTOF. “Technologies that contribute to labor-saving solutions have evolved since the last show. This year, we look forward to proposals that improve the overall efficiency and optimization of production systems,” he remarked.

Yoji Muto, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, also delivered a speech, highlighting the key role of Japan’s machine tool industry on the global stage. “The machine tool industry is one of Japan’s core industries. Through JIMTOF2024, I hope that Japanese companies’ commitment to capital investment will be strengthened, thus promoting new opportunities for future development,” he said.

To be continued in part 2

A busy East Hall 4 on November 8, the busiest day of the event, with about 44,000 visitors.

The entrance near the West Hall served as a hub of activity, connecting each exhibition areas.

The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoji Muto (center), JMTBA Chairman Dr. Yoshiharu Inaba (right), and Tokyo Big Sight President Nobuhiro Maeda.