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FA L L 2 0 2 5 C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E 6 3 al reliability, often diverged from IPC specifications, creating friction in dealing with overseas suppliers. Up to 70–80% of potential partners declined busi- ness opportunities outright, judging that meeting Ja- pan's demands was unprofitable. Those who engaged often aimed to learn Japanese production methods during early business, only to raise prices later, forc- ing Tokai Rika to re-source suppliers. To prepare for alignment with IPC standards, the company conducted a detailed gap analysis of Japa- nese versus IPC requirements, classifying them into three categories: • Addressable through process control: Require- ments manageable within normal production oversight • Non-critical and adjustable: Terms with negligible impact on quality, allowing alignment to IPC • Needing validation: Points requiring confirmation through reliability testing on actual products Validation was rigorous. Used vehicles were disman- tled to recover boards, which were then inspected for whitening, CAF growth, blistering, migration, whis- ker formation, and solder cracks. EBSD analysis on boards subjected to thermal shock testing confirmed that IPC-compliant assemblies met Tokai Rika's reli- ability standards. Despite these findings, differences between Jap- anese and IPC requirements still required frequent technical justifications to overseas OEMs, consum- ing substantial engineering effort. The absence of Japanese representation in IPC committees meant the country's quality philosophy was absent in global standard-setting, posing strategic risks for competi- tiveness and market access. Formation of the 7-31BV-JP Automotive Addendum Task Group In 2022, with liaison support from Yusaku Kono, IPC Japan representative, the 7-31BV-JP task group was launched, chaired by Tokai Rika's Norihito Su- zuki with Hisao Nishimori, Toyota Motor Corpo- ration, as vice-chair. Comprising 23 companies and 49 members as of July 2025, it meets quarter- ly to develop Japan's proposals for automotive-spe- cific addenda to IPC-A-610 and IPC-J-STD-001. The group allows open discussions between cu- stomers and suppliers, avoiding past biases toward manufacturer-driven agendas. Proposals are present- ed to the global 7-31BV committee at APEX EXPO. Committee Focus and Achievements The committee's key focus is visual acceptance cri- teria for automotive soldering. The forthcoming IPC-A-610JA and J-STD-001JA revisions, due later this year, will incorporate Japanese proposals, includ- ing standards for mechanical-only terminals on sur- face-mount connectors. Looking ahead to the KA revision in 2028, topics under discussion include through-hole reflow solder fill, SOIC solder contact, and ceramic capacitor defect definitions. Broader PCB issues such as cleanliness, warpage, and press-fit terminals are also on the agenda. Impact and Outlook Adopting IPC standards has streamlined Tokai Rika's business with overseas partners, reduced redundant in- spections, and opened a channel for Japan to influence what are effectively international standards. Broader Japanese engagement in the Global Electronics Associ- ation is seen as essential for strengthening global com- petitiveness and ensuring the country's manufacturing excellence is embedded in future standards. Translation and editing for this article was done by Yusaku Kono, Japan Representative, Global Electronics Association. B I T S & B Y T E S