GK had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Scott Callon, Chairman of Japan Display Inc., to explore Japan’s manufacturing strengths and how his company is advancing next-generation display technologies through monozukuri, bold R&D, and a strong commitment to sustainability and global innovation. Read more from an excerpt of our interview below.
What is it that gives Japan a competitive advantage against other regional competitors?
Japan stands out for its deep commitment to quality and customer service, backed by a long tradition of societal and environmental values. With the yen at a 50-year low, Japan’s world-class capabilities are now more accessible, sparking renewed global interest.
How is the concept of monozukuri reflected within your company?
Kaizen and monozukuri embody our ethos—serving society through quality and responsibility. Rooted in seikatsu micchaku, we integrate into daily life through display technologies, which are essential, energy-efficient, and symbolize modern digital living.
Which business area is your current focus and where are you seeing growth?
While displays remain core, we’re expanding. LumiFree introduces flexible, smart lighting. In displays, eLEAP and HMO combine for world-leading energy efficiency. Our Rælclear tech enables two-way transparent displays with growing applications in healthcare, translation, and elderly support.
How do you approach R&D in advanced technology?
Recognizing our top talent, we adopted a bold, collaborative, risk-tolerant R&D culture. Despite our size, we lead in breakthroughs thanks to expertise in optics and precision. Japanese tenacity and a deep grasp of fundamentals drive our focus on quality over quantity.
What is your vision for the future?
We aim to become a global tech leader, with innovation at our core. Though Japan’s global presence has waned, our capabilities remain. We believe technology can solve urgent issues, especially through green innovation and reducing energy use in production.
