Japan’s Office Equipment Industry: A Transformative Turning Point

I am Koichi Yoshizuka, the founder and CEO of QRIE LTD., a company specializing in the sale of third-party ink and toner cartridges in Japan. The trends in Japan’s office equipment industry are closely tied to my business, and I have been watching them with great attention. Since last year, there have been significant changes among Japanese OEM office equipment manufacturers. The industry is now at a crucial turning point, one that will not only impact Japan but also reshape the global market. I would like to share the latest insights into this evolving landscape.

OKI Joins Forces with Ricoh and Toshiba: A Major Industry Shake-up

On February 13, 2025, OKI announced its decision to join the office equipment alliance formed by Ricoh and Toshiba Tec. This move marks a major consolidation in the industry as these companies strive to optimize production and development under a unified entity called Etria Co., Ltd. Established in July 2024, Etria Co., Ltd. represents a strategic integration of Ricoh and Toshiba Tec’s office equipment manufacturing and development capabilities. OKI’s entry into this alliance, effective from October 1, 2025, brings significant implications for the industry’s future.

Market Landscape: The Formation of Three Major Groups

According to data from IDC, the market for A3 laser multifunction printers (MFPs) is now divided into three major factions:

• Ricoh-Toshiba Alliance (with OKI joining) – 23% market share, forming the largest entity in the sector.
• Fujifilm BI & Konica Minolta – 22% market share, cooperating primarily in component procurement.
• Canon – 18% market share, currently operating independently.
• Others (Sharp, Kyocera, etc.) – Various mid-sized players whose future strategies remain uncertain.

This realignment has effectively solidified the three-pillar structure of the Japanese office equipment market.

The Decline of the Office Equipment Market

The office equipment industry has been facing a steady decline due to the shift toward paperless workflows and the rise of remote work. According to the Business Machine & Information System Industries Association, global shipments of copiers and multifunction printers fell from approximately 6 million units in 2013 to 3.6 million in 2023, a decline of nearly 40%. This downward trend has driven manufacturers to seek cost efficiencies, market diversification, and technological advancements.

Why OKI Joined the Ricoh-Toshiba Alliance

OKI, known for its LED printing technology, specializes in compact, high-performance office printers. The company faced challenges in sustaining new product development independently due to the high costs associated with R&D. By joining the Ricoh-Toshiba alliance, OKI aims to:

• Leverage economies of scale for cost reduction and operational efficiency.
• Utilize its LED technology to contribute to the development of compact, eco-friendly printers for niche applications such as banking and medical institutions.
• Expand its global reach by integrating into Ricoh’s extensive distribution network.
• Strengthen geopolitical risk management by utilizing its Thailand production facility, potentially mitigating tariff impacts on exports to the U.S.

The Future of Etria Co., Ltd. and Industry Reorganization

Etria Co., Ltd.’s leadership has stated that the company remains open to additional partnerships, whether through capital participation or OEM collaborations. The goal is to standardize core components (“engines”) to maximize efficiency while maintaining product differentiation through unique branding strategies.

Implications for the Global Market

According to a January 10, 2025 interview in The Nikkei, Canon’s Chairman and CEO, Fujio Mitarai, expressed intentions to adopt a fabless model for lower-end printer models manufactured in Asia. This shift towards outsourcing assembly processes highlights a broader trend of production restructuring among Japanese OEMs.

In this context, Etria Co., Ltd. is moving towards standardizing core components, such as engines and image processing units, to achieve cost efficiency through large-scale procurement. This strategic move will likely impact non-Japanese OEMs, particularly HP and Xerox.

From my perspective, it is unlikely that HP, as the world’s largest office equipment manufacturer with a robust supply chain and independent technology base, would join any specific alliance. HP is expected to maintain its independent strategy, continuing to develop and supply its own core components while focusing on its stronghold in the global market.

However, I see a greater possibility that Xerox might approach Etria Co., Ltd. Given Xerox’s existing ties with Fujifilm BI and Konica Minolta, it could strategically balance its supply chain by leveraging both alliances. This flexible procurement strategy would allow Xerox to optimize costs and maintain competitive agility in a rapidly evolving market.

This development reinforces my belief that the impact of Etria Co., Ltd.’s consolidation will not be limited to Japan but will accelerate the restructuring of the global office equipment industry. It is crucial to monitor how non-Japanese OEMs like HP and Xerox will navigate this changing landscape.

The transformation of Japan’s office equipment industry is not just a domestic issue—it has significant global implications.

Further industry consolidation: With OKI’s integration into Etria Co., Ltd., other mid-sized players such as Sharp, Kyocera, Epson, and Brother may reassess their strategic positions.

Competitive landscape shift: Canon, currently independent, may need to reconsider its stance as the industry moves toward a more consolidated model.

Technological innovation focus: Companies are expected to shift investments toward digital transformation, AI-driven document management, and energy-efficient solutions.

Conclusion: A Critical Moment for the Industry

The Japanese office equipment industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by market pressures and the need for greater efficiency. The emergence of Etria Co., Ltd., strengthened by OKI’s integration, signals a new phase of industry reorganization. These changes will shape not only Japan’s market but also the broader global landscape.

As someone deeply involved in this industry, I will continue to monitor these developments closely and share insights as the market evolves.

About the Author

Koichi Yoshizuka is the founder and CEO of QRIE Ltd., established in 2005. QRIE specializes in importing and wholesaling compatible inks and toners for printers. The company has successfully expanded into online sales through its e-commerce site and major platforms like Rakuten, Amazon, and Yahoo! Shopping, serving a diverse clientele ranging from corporate clients to individual consumers. Renowned for quality and affordability, QRIE has won Rakuten’s Shop of the Year award in the Electronics category three times.

In addition, QRIE is actively developing new digital businesses and products driven by employee innovation. Today, QRIE boasts annual sales revenue of approximately USD 14 million and employs 45 dedicated staff members. Under Koichi Yoshizuka’s leadership, QRIE continues to thrive and innovate in the competitive printer supplies market.

Koichi Yoshizuka was also a featured speaker at the RemaxWorld Summit 2024 , held in October during the RemaxWorld Expo in Zhuhai, China. In his address, he highlighted the unique characteristics of the Japanese printing and copying market.

For communication, you can contact Koichi Yoshizuka on LinkedIn.

Other posts from Koichi:

• Japan’s Journey to Paperless: Digitization and the Decline of Office Printing
• Farewell to a Legend: David Gibbons and His Enduring Legacy
• Japan’s Office Equipment Industry: A Transformative Turning Point

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