What U.S. Markets Demand in Data Loggers Shock, Temperature & Humidity Control and the Strength of Japanese Quality
"As interest in data loggers and measuring instruments grows in the U.S., balancing reliable procurement and ease of use Is key to successful Implementation. Jupitor Corporation, with its extensive U.S. procurement network, tackles these challenges head-on—earning trust on the ground through solutions that integrate shock, temperature, and humidity monitoring into real-world operations. A prime example: the adoption of shock data loggers in the semiconductor industry. How do clear usability communication and timely information make an impact? We spoke with Mr.Imai, Head of Sales, and Mr.Masuya, Manager of the Industrial Trade Group and Marketing & FAE."
We would like to ask not only about WATCH LOGGER but also about data loggers in general. As you expand sales in the U.S. market, we hear that the demand for data loggers and measuring instruments is growing in the United States. First, could you briefly introduce your company? Then, please tell us about your strengths in overseas markets.
Imai Our company was founded in 1948 and has been engaged in trade for many years. In the early days, we focused on exports, but later shifted to imports. After establishing our U.S. office, procurement from the United States expanded significantly. Today, we work with many U.S. suppliers, including those in the defense sector, and the total number reaches into the hundreds.
Our strengths are threefold.
①A wide U.S. procurement network
②The ability to verify the reliability of quality and sourcing (including transit countries and regulations)
③Proposals that connect to practical operations from an on-site perspective
These points have consistently been recognized in our overseas projects.
How do you actually leverage these strengths when working with overseas suppliers?
Masuya Overseas manufacturers are generally eager to sell in the Japanese market, so initial contact is often friendly. However, differences in quality standards sometimes make troubleshooting difficult. Recently, requests for checks on sourcing reliability have increased, so we also conduct investigations on origin and supply chains. If we carefully selecting manufacturers ensures that there are many excellent suppliers in the long run.
We are also curious about how Japanese products are perceived in the U.S. market. What impressions or trends do you see locally?
Imai From what we see, trust in Japanese product quality remains high. For example, Japanese cars tend to have higher resale values than American cars, which reflects this strong reputation. However, detailed understanding of specifications and operations is not always guaranteed, so we believe explanations and demonstrations that include “on-site operational proposals” are very important.
Speaking of measuring instruments in general, not just data loggers, how are they evaluated in the U.S.?
Masuya In the U.S., Fluke has a very strong presence, and American manufacturers often dominate in field adoption. Japan has many excellent manufacturers, but in terms of brand power, Fluke stands out in the U.S. market. On the other hand, in fields like optical communication and connector standards, Japanese instruments have been adopted historically, so there are definitely areas where we can win.
Could you tell us the background behind the recent large-scale adoption of our shock data logger through the U.S.?
Masuya The trigger was a press release. Timely information reached the people who needed it, which was crucial. In the U.S. market, those looking for products are not always actively searching, so timing and the quality of information are extremely important. In this case, the press release resonated with sites facing challenges.
Also, the design and smart form factor were highly valued at first glance. In the U.S., not only functionality but also appearance and ease of use influence purchasing decisions. WATCH LOGGER has won a Good Design Award in Japan, and combined with the trust in “Made in Japan,” these factors led to adoption.
Imai The application was shock monitoring during transportation of semiconductor manufacturing equipment parts. Even minor shocks during transport can cause defects, and identifying the cause is difficult. Fujita Electric’s shock data logger records shock intensity, time, and direction (horizontal, vertical, depth), making root cause analysis much easier.
This customer is a world-leading company in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Having our product adopted for their quality control is a great honor and makes us very proud. We also look forward to increased quantities in the future.
In Japan as well, fields like semiconductors and optical equipment require strict quality assurance, so recording and verifying shock data is essential. Looking ahead, which industries do you think WATCH LOGGER should focus on?
Imai Space and satellite-related fields have high sensor demand and seem like a good match. Although the volume is smaller than logistics, there is clear demand for each mission.
Masuya Defense requires shock resistance, but monitoring adds value for transporting delicate internal components. In addition, food, pharmaceuticals, hospitals, and cold chains are key areas in both Japan and the U.S., where temperature, humidity, and shock control are essential. To strengthen proposals in these fields, we plan to purchase several WATCH LOGGER units ourselves, learn how to use them, and lend them as demo units. Letting customers handle the devices directly will help them visualize implementation more clearly.
Unexpected problems can occur during transport or storage, such as lost packages or damage from shocks. From a quality assurance perspective, what challenges have you faced, and what features would help?
Masuya We have felt the pain of lost courier shipments. Even when it is the customer’s responsibility, we want to help. Ideally, GPS tracking and shock location data would be available. Real-time monitoring is in high demand globally.
At the same time, we are considering using existing location devices like Apple’s AirTag. AirTag uses Apple’s “Find My” network to locate lost items through Apple devices worldwide. Applying this system to logistics could make it easier to track packages and create new solutions.
What is your current approach in the U.S. market, and what challenges do you see?
Imai The data logger market in Japan is said to be around 3–4 billion yen. We believe the U.S. has similar or up to 1.5 times that potential. The fact that other companies have U.S. branches shows there is real demand.
The challenge is securing sales channels and increasing local awareness. We approached more than ten potential distributors in the past, but many did not respond. In the U.S., distributors handle many products, so if differentiation is unclear, priority is low. Based on this, we believe strategies that deliver directly to those who need the product are essential.
Various new demands are emerging in the U.S. market. Which areas do you see as “hot” now, and how do they relate to data loggers?
Imai AI-related fields are a frequent topic internally, with applications in manufacturing optimization, logistics, and automated quality control. AI does not directly link to data loggers, but as data utilization becomes more important, the value of measurement and recording devices rises.
Masuya Outside AI, the pharmaceutical market is booming. New drugs, such as obesity treatments, are growing rapidly, and strict temperature control during transport is required. Cold chain quality assurance is essential, and the benefits of temperature data loggers are very clear in this field.
Delivering value to those who need it in the shortest path—that is our mission. We aim to move from “products that are bought” to “solutions that are continuously used.” Please let us support you in that journey.
Thank you for sharing such interesting insights on U.S. market trends and future focus areas. We look forward to your continued efforts. Thank you for your time today.
Imai・Masuya Thank you very much.
・"WATCH LOGGER" English materials are here
https://f-log.jp/english/
株式会社ジュピターコーポレーション
〒107-0062
東京都港区南青山3-17-4
https://www.logix.co.jp/
JUPITOR CORPORATION USA
55 Fairbanks Irvine，CA, 92618 U.S.A.
https://jpus.com/
