Vendor Lock-In Drives Open-Source Adoption in Japan

I have been looking at open source development in Japan, which is showing increasing signs of playing a bigger part in corporate strategy and becoming more global in reach. 

Koichi Shikata, Head of Solutions Architect Division, SUSE Software Solutions, Japan, is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the software industry, having held significant roles at SUSE, Wind River, and Intel, based both in Japan and the US. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in promoting open-source solutions and fostering innovation within the industry. 

I spoke with Shikata-san to get his insights into the Japanese market and emerging trends around open source use in Japan.

The insights shared here are Shikata-san’s personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of his employer, SUSE.

Trends in Open-Source Adoption in Japan

1. You've had extensive experience with SUSE, Wind River, Intel, and more. What trends do you see around Japanese open source in 2025?

Open source adoption in Japan is expected to expand significantly in 2025, driven primarily by advancements in AI, cloud-native adoption, and expanded use in the manufacturing industry. In recent years, manufacturers, traditionally reliant on proprietary operating systems with lengthy development cycles, have begun embracing open-source technologies. This shift has notably reduced development times, enabling more efficient deployment of services. Even companies supplying machinery for integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing are recognizing the benefits of this transition, indicating a broader trend across the industry.

2. What initiatives, policies, or industry movements are currently driving open-source adoption in Japan, and how do they impact developers and businesses?

A significant factor influencing open-source adoption in Japan is the growing awareness of the risks associated with vendor lock-in, especially highlighted by recent events involving proprietary technologies like VMware. 

Editor’s note: In late 2024, VMware in Japan, now owned by Broadcom, started being investigated by the Japanese Fair Trade Commission for suspected antitrust violations related to "bundling practices," where they are allegedly forcing customers to buy packages of VMware software together, potentially raising prices and limiting customer choice compared to when products were sold separately; this is seen as a form of unfair market dominance. The investigation is ongoing.

Customers are increasingly discussing their vendor’s proprietary technologies and expressing concerns about dependency on single vendors. This is new. This heightened awareness is prompting businesses to consider open-source alternatives as a safety net, leading to a more diversified and resilient technological landscape. 

Traditionally conservative Japanese companies are now acknowledging the potential downsides of relying solely on a single technology and are proactively seeking open-source solutions to mitigate these risks.

3. Recently, Japanese companies like Toyota and Hitachi have established open-source program offices (OSPOs) to strategically manage open-source software. Is this a sign that Japanese companies are integrating open source more than in the past?

Yes, this development signifies a positive shift towards greater open-source integration among Japanese enterprises. Notably, major banks in Japan have been utilizing Linux for their core banking systems, reflecting a level of trust in open-source technologies. 

The establishment of OSPOs by prominent companies indicates a strategic move to harness the innovation and collaborative potential of the global open-source community. This trend suggests that even traditionally cautious organizations are recognizing the value of open-source methodologies and are actively incorporating them into their operations.

4. SUSE has developer communities around the world. What are the main strengths and characteristics of the Linux developer community in Japan?

In Japan, while the Linux developer community may not have widespread visibility, it plays a crucial role in supporting mission-critical systems, particularly in sectors like banking. Many Japanese companies are conservative and prefer not to publicly disclose their use of open-source and other technologies. 

This cultural tendency towards discretion presents an opportunity for growth. Enhancing the visibility and awareness of SUSE and its contributions within the Japanese market is a priority. Efforts are underway to expand community engagement and demonstrate the value of open-source solutions to a broader audience, aiming to build trust and encourage more open collaboration within the industry.

Conclusion

Competition serves as a catalyst for technological advancement. The drive to outperform rivals fosters innovation and continuous improvement, ultimately benefiting the industry as a whole.