Bluetooth SIG reinforces global commitment with establishment of Japan entity
Tokyo, Japan – 2 September 2026 – The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), the not-for-profit membership organization responsible for overseeing Bluetooth® technology, today announced the formation of Bluetooth SIG Japan G.K., a formal entity in Japan. Based in Tokyo, the Japan entity reinforces the Bluetooth SIG’s commitment to its growing membership in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. Alongside this milestone, the Bluetooth SIG also launched the Japan Member Group (JMG) to enhance collaboration, education, and market development in Japan.
“Japan has long been a vital contributor to the global Bluetooth ecosystem,” said Alain Michaud, Chair of the Board, Bluetooth SIG. “The establishment of the Bluetooth SIG Japan entity marks an important milestone in our long-term commitment to Japan. It reinforces our ability to engage more closely with members and stakeholders in the region and support the continued success of Japan’s Bluetooth community.”
“The establishment of the Japan Member Group marks an exciting new chapter for the Bluetooth community in Japan,” said Katsumi Adachi, Board Director, Bluetooth SIG, and Bluetooth Executive Strategy Advisor, Toshiba Corporation. “For the first time, Japanese member companies have a dedicated forum to bring local market perspectives and technical expertise into the global Bluetooth community. The JMG will help ensure that Japan’s strong tradition of innovation continues to contribute to the future growth and development of Bluetooth technology.”
Japan is home to one of the Bluetooth SIG’s largest member communities. More than 2,900 Japanese companies have joined the Bluetooth SIG since its founding, ranking third globally. Japan also ranks third globally in Bluetooth product qualifications. Together, Japan’s strong member participation and product qualification activity underscore the country’s significant contribution to the continued growth and evolution of Bluetooth technology.
The establishment of an entity in Japan reflects the important role Japanese members play in shaping the Bluetooth ecosystem and reinforces the Bluetooth SIG’s commitment to supporting their continued success through stronger local engagement and collaboration.
“The strength of international standards like Bluetooth comes from the participation and collaboration of companies from around the world,” said Neville Meijers, CEO of the Bluetooth SIG. “By establishing a formal presence in Japan and launching the Japan Member Group, we are creating more opportunities for Japanese member companies to engage with the Bluetooth SIG, collaborate with peers, and help ensure Bluetooth continues to evolve as a resilient, flexible, and globally relevant standard.”
In addition to the establishment of the Japan entity, the Bluetooth SIG will continue to strengthen engagement with the Japanese Bluetooth ecosystem through upcoming activities in October, including hosting a dedicated session at CEATEC 2026, bringing together industry leaders at the Bluetooth Japan Summit 2026, and convening the inaugural Japan Member Group kick-off meeting.
Japanese industry leaders have voiced support for the Bluetooth SIG’s expanded local presence, recognizing the opportunity to deepen collaboration and support the continued evolution of wireless communication technologies.
“Bluetooth® technology powers many of the audio, gaming, and entertainment experiences that customers enjoy every day,” said Masaaki Oshima, Head of Personal Entertainment Business Unit, Sony Corporation. “We welcome the Bluetooth SIG’s expanded presence in Japan. This milestone will strengthen collaboration across Japan’s Bluetooth ecosystem and create new opportunities for innovation that benefit both the industry and customers.”
“Open, global standards are essential to enabling interoperability and accelerating innovation,” said Shigekiyo Fujii, General Manager of Hearing Instruments Products Department, Panasonic. “We believe the Bluetooth SIG’s expanded presence in Japan will enable broader industry participation and help advance the continued evolution and adoption of Bluetooth® technology.”
“At Sharp, Bluetooth® technology plays an important role in delivering connected experiences across our portfolio of consumer electronics,” said Kenichi Yamane, Deputy General Manager of PERSONAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM BUSINESS UNIT, Sharp Corporation. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Bluetooth SIG and member companies to accelerate innovation, enhance user experiences, and unlock new opportunities for next-generation connected products.”
Participation in the Japan Member Group is open to Bluetooth SIG Promoter and Associate member companies operating in Japan. Eligible companies can apply to join via this link.
About The Bluetooth SIG
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) is the international standards development organization responsible for advancing, protecting, and promoting Bluetooth® technology, the global standard for connection. With over 43,000 member companies, we are a community of the world’s most inventive people collaborating to fulfill the essential need to connect. Driven by a shared vision of creating a better world through connection, our members ship over 5 billion Bluetooth enabled products each year that make our lives safer, healthier, and more joyful, while helping businesses and industries become more efficient, sustainable, and productive. For more information about the Bluetooth SIG and Bluetooth technology, please visit www.bluetooth.com.
