Bochum, Jan. 26, 2026 — Bochum-Based Expert Nispel Honors Japanese Firms with Medical Technology Award for the First Time
At MEDICA, the world’s largest medical technology trade fair in Düsseldorf, six Japanese companies were recognized at the end of 2025 with the newly launched “German Market Award for Product Innovation”—an accolade celebrating exceptional achievements in medical technology.
The award was presented by Birger Nispel, a Bochum expert specializing in medical technology and Japan-Germany trade relations.
The recipients include TOKO Co., Mitsufuji Co., Asahi Denshi Co., NAKANO Inc., E.S.Q. Co., and Eyes Japan Co.
Top row (left→right): B. Nispel (BN Intl), J. Yamadera (Eyes JP), T. Sato (Asahi D.), M. Terashima (TOKO). Bottom row (left→right): S. Sakuma (Mitsufuji), Y. Takano (Nakano), A. Matsuno (E.S.Q.)
The winning innovations span a broad range of technological breakthroughs—from surgical tools and smart fabrics to highly precise microcomponents.
These developments aim to solve existing challenges in healthcare and could potentially shape the European medical market.
“These awards underscore the forward-thinking vision and dedication of these companies to enhancing healthcare through technological progress,”
Nispel commented during the ceremony.
The German Market Award was created to recognize Japanese companies that combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of European healthcare sector needs.
The award-winning products offer solutions that may make treatments safer and processes more efficient.
For instance, TOKO Co. has developed a surgical drill that remains stable even when used at a 30-degree angle, boosting surgical safety and precision.
Mitsufuji Co. produces smart textiles capable of collecting health data without cables or disruption to daily life.
Asahi Denshi Co. has created a device to help patients apply eye drops correctly, reducing costs from repeated instillations due to misapplication.
NAKANO Inc. sets new standards in manufacturing technology via innovative machining methods for advanced materials like titanium, nickel alloys, and carbon fiber composites.
E.S.Q. Co. is lauded for its ultra-thin metal tubing and microcomponents, essential for modern nanomedical technology.
Eyes Japan Co. uses artificial intelligence to analyze medical data and improve patient care.
Overall, the award demonstrates that Japanese medical technology is gaining growing recognition in Europe and that tech cooperation between Japan and Germany is likely to strengthen further.
The German Market Award has the potential to act as a bridge between the two nations and promote the integration of innovative technologies into the European market.
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About Birger Nispel
Brief overview of Birger Nispel for journalists
Birger Nispel is an international expert in market entry strategies, focusing on the Germany-Japan economic area. As an entrepreneur, award-winning speaker, and author, he has helped companies—especially those from Japan—successfully launch products in Germany and Europe for over two decades. His work combines deep market knowledge, cultural intelligence, and a sharp understanding of sales.
On January 15, 2026, Birger Nispel was the only German entrepreneur invited to Governor Uchibori’s seminar, held to mark the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between North Rhine-Westphalia and Fukushima Prefecture. This MOU was established after the March 11, 2011 triple disaster (earthquake, tsunami, nuclear accident) and symbolizes long-term economic and technological cooperation. Nispel is regarded as a bridge builder between Western businesses and Japanese culture, aiming to foster sustainable trade relations and mutual growth.
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About Birger Nispel International Academy
Founded by economic strategist Birger Nispel, the Birger Nispel International Academy supports non-EU companies—particularly from Japan, Taiwan, and North America—in entering the German and European markets. The academy specializes in building local visibility, securing distributors or partners, and setting up subsidiaries, offering structured strategies and hands-on implementation to drive long-term market success in the EU.
Press Inquiries
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