Evolution of Advanced Printing Technology in Japan
Japan's advanced printing technologies are reshaping global business strategies across multiple sectors. Innovations such as deep-layer holograms and special inks are being used not only for secure product authentication, but also to enhance brand value through visually striking and interactive packaging. Both large corporations and agile SMEs are driving this transformation, applying these tools in cosmetics, apparel, healthcare, and education. These advancements help combat counterfeiting, differentiate products in competitive markets, and align with growing demand for eco-conscious, high-value manufacturing solutions from Japan.
Latest Technologies Applicable to All Businesses, from Product Authentication to Brand Value Enhancement
Industrial Revolution Brought About by New Japanese Banknotes for the First Time in 20 Years .
In 2024, Japan began issuing new banknotes for the first time in approximately 20 years. Three denominations---ten thousand yen, five thousand yen, and one thousand yen---have been redesigned, but this technological innovation extends far beyond merely updating currency. The printing technology developed here has the potential to revolutionise business across all industries as a product authentication system, a means to enhance brand value, and as a powerful marketing tool.
The most prominent feature of the new banknotes attracting attention is the adoption of advanced anti-counterfeiting holograms---a world first. By combining this cutting-edge technology with the traditional techniques of Echizen Japanese paper, which boasts a history of over 1,500 years, an unparalleled level of sophisticated anti-counterfeiting functionality has been achieved.
In particular, new anti-counterfeiting technologies such as deep-layer holograms and pearl ink provide innovative solutions that can be directly applied to product differentiation and counterfeit prevention in your business. These technologies have begun to be utilised across various sectors, from securities to luxury brand products, food packaging, medical devices, cosmetics, and apparel products, garnering attention as a new standard for security and brand strategy.
Deep-Layer Holograms
There is a clear distinction between conventional holograms and deep-layer holograms. Until now, holograms merely displayed rainbow-coloured patterns or simple three-dimensional images on the surface, showing similar light reflections from any viewing angle. However, with recent technological advancements, these simple hologram structures have presented an increased risk of counterfeiting.
In contrast, the deep-layer holograms adopted for the new banknotes incorporate different images and effects across multiple layers, allowing three-dimensional patterns to emerge depending on the viewing angle, whilst creating dynamic three-dimensional effects. Unlike conventional simple rainbow colour changes or flat pattern variations, these achieve more complex and precise visual effects. Additionally, through specialised optical design, they possess unique optical properties that are extremely difficult to reproduce using common duplication technologies.
Three-Dimensional Visual Recognition Hologram Technology Development History
This innovative technology was realised as the result of over 10 years of collaborative research between the National Printing Bureau, major printing companies, and optical technology research institutions. The development process can be divided into three main periods, each marked by significant technological advancements.
During the basic research period from 2012 to 2015, the development team worked on researching light interference and diffraction phenomena at the nano level to break through the limitations of existing hologram technology. They particularly focused on clarifying the relationship between human three-dimensional visual recognition mechanisms and light wavelength control. Through this process, the research team successfully identified the possibility of new optical effects through multi-layered structures.
In the subsequent technology establishment period from 2015 to 2019, full-scale technical development towards practical application progressed based on the results of the basic research. The most significant achievement during this period was the establishment of a new manufacturing process that achieved nano-scale processing precision. The research team developed technology to precisely control multiple optical layers and also succeeded in developing new materials that combined durability with optical properties. During the same period, optical simulation technology utilising AI was also established, enabling the design of optimal layer structures that take human visual characteristics into account.
In the implementation period from 2019 to 2023, integration and verification of the technology for actual banknote production took place. The research team verified the stability of optical properties under various environmental conditions and thoroughly conducted performance checks for practical aspects such as wear resistance, temperature resistance, and chemical resistance. Simultaneously, they also advanced the optimisation of manufacturing costs, the establishment of quality control standards, and the development of manufacturing process automation systems, establishing a pathway towards mass production.
What is particularly noteworthy is that the technology established during this development process possesses versatility that makes it applicable to fields beyond banknotes. Its utilisation is anticipated across a wide range of areas, including authentication of important documents and luxury brand products, and quality assurance for medical devices. Furthermore, the knowledge gained during the development process has had a significant impact on next-generation optical technology development, forming an important foundation for advanced technology development in Japan.
This technology is purely domestically developed, having been consistently developed within Japan from basic research to practical application. Its development process has not only demonstrated Japan's high level of technological capability to the world but has also established a new standard in next-generation anti-counterfeiting technology. Currently, new applied research based on this technology has also begun, raising expectations for further technological innovation.
It should be noted that the success of this technology development was made possible only through the accumulation of steady research and development over many years, and close collaboration between industry, academia, and government. In particular, the cooperation of experts across diverse fields such as optical technology, materials engineering, and manufacturing engineering was a crucial factor that enabled the establishment of this innovative technology.
Major Domestic Companies Advancing Innovation
Major domestic companies are also advancing innovative technology development in this field. Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. has developed "LED Authentication Holograms," commercialising technology that allows verification of authenticity simply by shining a smartphone light on them. Only with genuine products will specific letters or images appear, and the verification results can be photographed and shared with relevant parties.
Additionally, TOPPAN Holdings, Inc. announced "Twilight Gram" in April 2023. This hologram features hidden letters or images that appear when tilted, allowing anyone to easily authenticate genuineness without special equipment or specialised knowledge. Furthermore, by combining it with other anti-counterfeiting technologies, even more advanced anti-counterfeiting effects can be achieved.
Behind the development of these new technologies lies the increasingly serious problem of counterfeit and imitation products. The global market size reached approximately 515 trillion yen (US$ 3.6T) in 2022, and with the spread of online shopping in particular, there is a growing demand for technology that allows even general consumers to easily verify whether products are genuine or fake.
Whilst anti-counterfeiting technology continues to evolve steadily, its applications have recently expanded further. Research is progressing on utilisation in new areas such as car displays and AR glasses, and continued technological innovation is expected in the future.
Innovative Anti-Counterfeiting Technology Development by Small and Medium Enterprises
Not only large corporations, but small and medium enterprises throughout Japan are also developing and providing their own anti-counterfeiting technologies. In particular, regional printing companies and special ink manufacturers are leveraging their long-cultivated techniques and know-how to develop unique products and services.
#New Developments in Hologram Technology
Taking advantage of the agility unique to small and medium enterprises, the development of hologram products specialised for specific industries and applications is also progressing.
Nishikawa Co., Ltd. (https://www.nishikawa-gr.com/) Nexmedia Division is developing innovative services in the field of spatial entertainment digital content. The company's 3DCG hologram technology is realised primarily through two methods. The first is a modernised evolution of the Pepper's ghost effect (a special effect technique), which combines specialised optical film with high-brightness projectors to enable the projection of clear three-dimensional images in mid-air. This system is utilised in exhibitions and showrooms as a means of impressively showcasing products, enabling innovative presentations that combine physical products with 3D visuals. The second is a fan-type hologram display that creates three-dimensional images using rapidly rotating LEDs. This technology is particularly suited for product introductions at retail shops and event venues, achieving three-dimensional images that are visible from any angle at 360 degrees. Furthermore, in addition to these hardware technologies, the company possesses proprietary 3DCG content creation technology, providing customised video production tailored to customer requirements.
Droots Inc. (https://droots.inc/) continues to grow as a comprehensive solution company in the digital signage field, handling everything from hardware to content creation and system development. The company's distinctive feature is that it directly procures the latest digital signage equipment from manufacturing companies worldwide and optimises it for the Japanese market. Particularly noteworthy is the proprietary 3D hologram display system developed by the company. This technology achieves more natural depth perception in three-dimensional displays by layering multiple transparent displays. Additionally, the company has developed its own content management system, which can efficiently control multiple display devices. This system enables effective information dissemination in various locations, from street advertisements to signage within commercial facilities.
The technologies of both companies enable a departure from conventional flat visual expressions, providing more attractive and impressive visual experiences. Particularly in recent years, they have been working on the development of next-generation digital signage systems that incorporate AI-powered audience analysis and interactive elements, opening up new possibilities in the advertising and publicity fields. These technological innovations continue to evolve beyond digital signage as a mere means of information transmission, becoming a new communication medium that appeals to people's sensibilities.
Technological innovations by such small and medium-sized enterprises are making significant contributions to the diversity and development of Japan's anti-counterfeiting technology. In particular, close collaboration with local industries and the provision of solutions tailored to region-specific needs, which are possible precisely because these companies are rooted in their communities, are expected to become increasingly important in the future. Through distinctive product development such as heat-resistant and water-resistant hologram seals for food packaging, highly durable holograms developed for medical device authentication, and holograms combined with Japanese washi paper for traditional craft certificates, each company is advancing the technological capabilities of the industry as a whole.
Pearl Ink
Another important anti-counterfeiting technology drawing attention in the new banknotes is pearl ink. This ink possesses a special optical effect where the colour changes depending on the viewing angle. For example, it may shine gold when viewed from the front, and change to green when viewed from an angle. This effect is created by a special substance called pearlescent pigment contained in the ink.
In the manufacturing of pearl ink, advanced technology is employed to coat thin films of metal oxides onto the surface of minerals such as mica. By precisely controlling the thickness of the film, specific wavelengths of light are reflected and interfered with, realising distinctive colour effects. Japanese chemical manufacturers in particular, DIC Corporation and Toyo Ink, possess world-leading technology in this field and have developed pearl inks with various colour tones and effects.
As practical applications, pearl ink has been adopted in a wide range of products including luxury cosmetics packaging, automobile body colours, and brand product wrapping paper. For example, the packaging of Shiseido's prestige line "Clé de Peau Beauté" uses special pearl ink developed by DIC Corporation, creating an elegant pearl effect and sense of luxury. Additionally, high-quality pearl ink developed by Toyo Ink is used in the body colours of Toyota's luxury car "Lexus", achieving a deep lustre.
Furthermore, in recent years, pearl ink technology continues to evolve, with new products being developed one after another that possess new characteristics such as more complex colour changes and features that only develop colour under specific light sources. For example, Teikoku Databank's certification documents use special pearl ink that reveals specific patterns when exposed to ultraviolet light, enabling more reliable authenticity verification.
In this way, pearl ink technology has become an important element that provides advanced security functions beyond mere decorative effects. In the future, it is expected that even more advanced anti-counterfeiting functions will be developed through combinations with new material technologies such as quantum dots.
Special Ink Technology Applications
Whilst building on conventional pearl ink technology, technological innovations by small and medium-sized enterprises that have added their own improvements are advancing.
The innovative initiatives of small and medium-sized enterprises utilising special ink technology are creating new value in Japan's printing industry. San-A Kagaku Printing Co., Ltd., headquartered in Osaka City, has established printing technology with deep lustre that was previously unachievable with conventional printing through their proprietary pearl pigment formulation technology. The distinctive feature of the company's pearl printing technology is that it optimises the balance of light reflection and transmission by precisely controlling the particle size and dispersion state of fine pearl pigments. This technology enables print expressions that show various appearances depending on the viewing angle and has been adopted for cosmetics packaging and high-end brand catalogues. In particular, the multi-layer pearl printing technology developed by the company enables the expression of different lustre effects within a single printed item, providing a richer visual experience.
Kuboi Ink Co., Ltd. (https://www.kuboi.co.jp/) has established a unique position in special ink development. At the core of the company's technological development is the fusion of UV inks and special sensory inks. Particularly noteworthy is the technology that incorporates fragrance into printed materials. This technology achieves a mechanism where fragrance is released upon touch by encapsulating aromatic compounds in special microcapsules. Furthermore, by combining this microcapsule technology with pearl ink, the company has enabled innovative printing expressions that appeal to both visual and olfactory senses. The company is also engaged in the development of functional inks that change colour in response to temperature and humidity, and is advancing their practical application in food packaging and medical packaging.
Teikoku Ink Mfg. Co., Ltd. (https://www.teikokuink.com/) has developed "Stella Ink", a high-brightness pearl ink that is an innovative product developed based on special optical design. The core of this technology lies in the company's proprietary technique of blending multiple luminous pigments of different particle sizes in optimal ratios and controlling the orientation of each particle. It has successfully achieved both deep brilliance and uniform colour development, which had been considered difficult to realise with ordinary pearl inks, and has received high acclaim particularly for luxury cosmetics packaging and limited edition book bindings. Building on this technology, the company is further advancing research and development of new colour expressions utilising light interference effects, and has succeeded in expanding the colour gamut that could not be expressed with conventional ink technology.
These technological innovations by small and medium-sized enterprises are opening up possibilities for new value creation, not just improving printing technology. Particularly noteworthy is that these technologies are being developed with consideration for reducing environmental impact. For example, environmental considerations have become important elements in technological development, such as the use of highly biodegradable materials in San-A Kagaku Printing's pearl printing and the adoption of naturally derived fragrances in Kuboi Ink's fragrance printing.
Potential New Business Development Utilising Pearl Ink Technology
Special ink technology is attracting attention for potential new business development by small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in adding value to local traditional crafts. For example, incorporating temperature-responsive pearl ink into certificates for ceramics or lacquerware can ensure product authenticity whilst also expressing Japan's traditional aesthetic sensibilities. By leveraging the characteristic of colour changes with temperature, touching the certificate could express the climate of the traditional craft's production region, creating a presentation that enhances the story behind the product.
The education sector is also considered a promising area for expansion. By collaborating with science teaching material manufacturers, it is possible to develop educational materials that allow visual understanding of chemical changes. For instance, creating experimental kits that combine pH indicators with pearl ink enables the observation of chemical reaction processes as beautiful light transformations. This is expected to develop as a new educational tool that visually stimulates interest in science.
Security applications offer opportunities to build more robust anti-counterfeiting systems by adding a new layer of special ink authentication to existing verification methods. Specifically, printing minute pearl ink patterns that can be read by smartphone cameras enables authentication systems that combine digital and analogue technologies. This technology could be applied to point cards for local shopping districts or various certificates issued by local governments.
For the apparel industry, it is possible to develop highly aesthetic product tags and packages utilising special inks. By using inks that change colour in response to environmental conditions, care instructions can be conveyed intuitively through reactions to temperature and humidity. This functions not only as quality control for luxury clothing but also as an element that enhances brand value.
In the medical and care sectors, there are possibilities for using special inks in medication management and hygiene control. For example, using temperature-responsive ink on drug packaging allows visual confirmation that proper storage conditions have been maintained. Additionally, utilising stickers printed with special ink during handwashing can help verify appropriate washing time and thoroughness, thereby improving hygiene management quality.
As demonstrated, special ink technology is not limited to merely decorating printed materials but can be expected to find applications across various sectors including education, security, apparel, and healthcare. By leveraging the agility and flexibility that are strengths of small and medium-sized enterprises, it is possible to develop unique solutions tailored to regional and niche market needs. Future developments are expected to expand into even broader fields, including integration with digital technologies and the development of environmentally conscious special inks.