Smart speaker household penetration Japan 2020-2026

The number of households owning smart speakers in Japan was expected to reach approximately 5.8 million as of 2020. The forecast further projected that the number of households would increase to more than 15 million by 2026.

Smart speakers in Japan

Smart speakers are a category of smart devices that can be interacted with via voice recognition. They can serve as assistants, music players, or smart home interfaces, among other functions. Leading global vendors include large technology companies such as Google, Amazon, and Apple, as well as their Chinese competitors Baidu, Alibaba, and Xiaomi. Amazon Echo and Google Home became available in Japan in 2017, the same year that LINE launched its AI assistant Clova. Apple’s HomePod followed in 2019. According to survey data, the vast majority of people in Japan are aware of smart speakers, and a considerable proportion is interested in using them.

The smart home environment

Next to smart speakers, the category of smart devices encompasses products such as smart televisions or smart appliances, which can be used inside the home. Many of these devices possess connectivity features, which allow for remote control and interaction with other devices. The number of households owning internet-connectable televisions is expected to increase steadily in the coming years. Smart appliances, which can include products such as refrigerators, air conditioners, or coffee machines, make up the largest share of the smart home market in Japan.