#Japan #Tokyo #RPA #BizRobo! #RobopatDX

FCE and Open Sign Strategic Partnership

In a groundbreaking move for the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) sector in Japan, Open Group Inc., a subsidiary of Open Corporation, has entered into a business partnership with FCE Corporation. This collaboration is set to address the increasingly diverse needs of companies navigating the digital transformation (DX) landscape. The partnership promises mutual client referrals, leveraging each company's strengths to significantly accelerate DX support through RPA implementations.

The Catalyst for Collaboration: Evolving Corporate Needs

Japan faces a pressing challenge of chronic workforce shortages, expected to peak at a staggering 580,000 IT professionals lacking by 2030. As workstyle reforms take hold, businesses have seen annual working hours decrease by approximately 70 hours compared to 2015. These shifts necessitate a fundamental change in how companies operate, pushing them to transition from a model characterized by increased labor input to one focused on productivity enhancement through technology.

The nation's ongoing digital deficit—estimated at around 6 trillion JPY annually—further exacerbates these issues. A significant contributing factor is Japan's reliance on overseas IT solutions, which highlights concerns regarding compatibility with local business practices, support infrastructure, and data security. Furthermore, the export of license fees abroad diminishes the competitiveness of domestic industries. Thus, there is heightened national interest in fostering indigenous digitalization initiatives.

However, while the RPA market is expanding, companies often encounter challenges in selecting the most suitable products, particularly as needs differ greatly between those seeking quick results through local teams and those requiring centralized oversight from IT departments. This complexity often leaves organizations struggling to find a single RPA solution that meets all their diverse requirements.

Strengths of BizRobo! and RPA RobopatDX

Open's flagship product, BizRobo!, is engineered for handling large-scale operations and rapid processing, making it favorable among many enterprise-level users. As of December 2025, BizRobo! had surpassed 3,200 installations throughout Japan. It's not just an automation tool; it also emphasizes operational standardization, log management, and security, catering to environments demanding comprehensive oversight. This RPA tool ensures a holistic approach to driving automation across departments while supporting skill development and governance, crucial for successful company-wide rollout.

On the other hand, RPA RobopatDX, developed by FCE, is a homegrown RPA product that requires no programming skills, enabling employees in sales and admin roles to create and manage their own automation solutions. As of November 2025, the product had been adopted by 1,900 companies and has consistently ranked highly in user satisfaction surveys, being recognized as the top IT tool in Japan in 2023 and maintaining its status as a leading choice for RPA in subsequent years.

Both companies bring a profound understanding of the unique operational requirements and cultural contexts inherent to Japanese businesses. With this partnership, Open and FCE aim to deliver tailored solutions that consider various company sizes and maturity levels, effectively promoting efficient DX implementation across diverse industries. Moreover, by collaborating to lessen reliance on foreign products, they aspire to reinvest digital expenditures back into the local economy, thereby addressing Japan’s digital deficit and fostering a sustainable digital future.

Leaders Speak on the Partnership

In expressing optimism about their collaboration, Junichiro Nagata of FCE stated, "The synergy that will arise from the combined expertise of both companies in the RPA field promises to significantly enhance productivity for Japanese businesses. Our partnership is designed to meet the diverse needs of companies in Japan effectively."

Gakunoshige Ishii, President of Open Corporation, added, "Digital utilization is crucial for improving productivity in Japanese firms. Despite recent global price fluctuations primarily from foreign vendors, both our companies have remained committed to providing appropriate pricing reflective of the local market. Together, we will support sustainable growth and digital adaptation for Japanese enterprises."

Company Profiles

FCE Corporation

• - Headquarters: 9-10th floor, Shinjuku NS Building, Nishi Shinjuku 2-4-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• - Established: April 21, 2017
• - Leadership:President Jun’etsu Ishikawa
• - Securities Code: 9564
• - Business Focus: DX Promotion, Training and Education, Publishing

With a mission to maximize human capital, FCE provides comprehensive digital transformation services and educational programs, gaining recognition for delivering top-tier IT solutions.

Open Corporation

• - Headquarters: 3rd floor, KDX Nishinbashi Building, Nishi Shinbashi 3-3-1, Minato, Tokyo
• - Established: July 2013
• - Leadership: President Gakunoshige Ishii
• - Capital: 300 million JPY
• - Business Focus: Information processing services, consulting, RPA, AI, digital marketing, outsourcing

Open Corporation specializes in advanced technology applications for business solutions, emphasizing the transformative potential of RPA and AI in contemporary business practices.

Through this partnership, FCE and Open position themselves as pivotal players in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by Japanese enterprises in enhancing productivity and embracing digital transformation.