In a context shaped by accelerating technological change, the constant emergence of new innovations, and a global landscape where uncertainty and volatility are also ever-present, it is particularly valuable to pause and listen to companies whose track record speaks to their ability to adapt. With that in mind, we turned to Ikegami, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year

*This content is included in the June issue of TM BROADCAST. You can access the full magazine here.

Over the course of these eight decades, the Japanese company has accompanied some of the most significant technological transformations experienced by the audiovisual industry and has managed to remain a leading manufacturer throughout all this time.

What are the keys to remaining in the market for so long? Masayoshi Hirashita, President of Ikegami Electronics (Europe) GmbH, shares some of them in this new edition of Industry Voices, TM BROADCAST’s space dedicated to gathering the views of some of the most influential voices in the sector.

“Companies that last for generations usually have a strong sense of purpose, accumulated expertise and a commitment to continuous improvement,” Hirashita points out as one of the reasons behind the company’s longevity. At the same time, he recalls that “Despite all these changes, one thing has remained constant: the importance of providing high-quality, reliable storytelling and live content”.

The conversation also allows us to take the pulse of the European market and analyse the role Ikegami aspires to play in a context of growing competition and global uncertainty. Among the differentiating factors identified by Hirashita is the weight that public broadcasters continue to have in Europe. “Public broadcasters remain highly influential in many European countries, shaping technology adoption, production standards and investment priorities.”

We also discuss market transformation, the emergence of new players, pressure on margins, the evolution of customer requirements, and the way Ikegami is responding to these changes. “The challenge — and opportunity — lies in addressing a broader spectrum of customers without diluting the brand’s core identity,” he summarises.

The full interview follows.

Ikegami is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. Over such a long period, many companies have come and gone. From your perspective, what have been the key factors behind Ikegami’s longevity?

In my view, Ikegami’s longevity stems from a combination of technical excellence, consistency and the ability to evolve while maintaining its core identity.

Firstly, Ikegami has built a reputation for reliability and quality. In industries such as broadcasting and professional video, trust is paramount. Customers depend on equipment that performs flawlessly in high-pressure environments, and Ikegami has consistently delivered products that are renowned for their durability, precision and robust engineering.

Secondly, the company has remained closely connected to the real needs of broadcasters and production professionals. Rather than simply chasing trends, Ikegami has focused on practical innovation, developing technologies that genuinely improve workflow, image quality and operational efficiency. This customer-focused mindset helps to create long-term relationships and loyalty.

Another important factor is adaptability. Over the past 80 years, the media and broadcast industry has undergone dramatic changes, evolving from analogue to digital and from SD to HD, and now transitioning to IP and UHD production. Ikegami has successfully navigated these transitions by embracing new technologies while maintaining the craftsmanship and dependability that define the brand.

Finally, longevity often reflects corporate culture. Companies that last for generations usually have a strong sense of purpose, accumulated expertise and a commitment to continuous improvement. Ikegami appears to have balanced tradition with innovation, which is a rare achievement.

Reaching an 80th anniversary is not only a milestone of survival, but also evidence of sustained relevance and trust within the industry.

“Rather than simply chasing trends, Ikegami has focused on practical innovation, developing technologies that genuinely improve workflow, image quality and operational efficiency”

The broadcast and media industry has undergone major transformations over the past decades. Which changes have had the most profound impact from your perspective?

From my perspective, the broadcast and media industry has undergone several fundamental transformations, but a few stand out as especially significant because they changed not only the technology, but also how audiences consume content and how broadcasters operate.

The first major shift was the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting. This change transformed image quality, audio performance, storage, editing and transmission workflows. Digital technology dramatically improved efficiency and paved the way for HD, UHD and multi-platform production environments, which are now standard across the industry.

Another transformative change has been the rise of IP-based and networked production. Broadcasters are no longer limited by traditional hardware infrastructure. IP workflows enable greater flexibility, remote production capabilities, scalability and integration between facilities in different locations. This has become particularly important in live production and global event coverage.

Equally important has been the explosion of streaming and on-demand media consumption. Today’s audiences expect content to be available anytime, anywhere, and on any device. This shift has transformed the economics of broadcasting, intensified competition and compelled traditional broadcasters to reconsider their distribution strategies and approaches to audience engagement.

Another significant development is the growing convergence of broadcast, IT, and software technologies. Modern production environments rely heavily on cloud services, automation, AI-assisted workflows and data-driven operations. Today, broadcasters are as much technology companies as media companies.

Finally, the pace of change itself has become a defining characteristic of the industry. In earlier decades, technological transitions unfolded gradually over many years. Today, however, innovation cycles are much faster, requiring companies to be more agile, collaborative and forward-looking than ever before.

Despite all these changes, one thing has remained constant: the importance of providing high-quality, reliable storytelling and live content. Technologies evolve, but our core mission of connecting audiences through compelling content never changes.

 “Today, broadcasters are as much technology companies as media companies”

How would you define Ikegami’s position in today’s European market, and what do you see as its key strengths in this region?

In today’s European market, I would describe Ikegami Europe as a highly respected specialist brand, particularly renowned for its work in high-end broadcast production. Although the market has become more competitive and consolidated, Ikegami continues to occupy a unique position thanks to its engineering heritage, exceptional image quality and strong relationships with broadcasters and production professionals throughout the region.

One of Ikegami’s key strengths in Europe is its long-standing expertise in broadcast camera technology. The company is widely recognised for providing robust, high-performance systems for live production, sports coverage, studio operations and outside broadcasting. Its commitment to reliability and consistent image performance is particularly valued in environments where technical failure is not an option.

Another important advantage is the company’s strong regional presence and support structure. With its European headquarters in Germany and an established network of channel partners and system integrators across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Ikegami maintains close proximity to customers and local markets.

Ikegami also benefits from a reputation for practical innovation. Rather than introducing technology for its own sake, the company focuses on solutions that address real operational requirements, including UHD, HDR, IP-based workflows, and future-proof system architectures. This balanced approach appeals to broadcasters looking for long-term value and dependable technology investments.

Finally, Ikegami’s strength in Europe stems from trust and continuity. Many broadcasters and production companies have worked with the brand for decades, and this kind of long-term loyalty is extremely valuable in a market where reliability, service quality and technical expertise are critical differentiators.

 “One of Europe’s defining characteristics is its diversity. Unlike more unified markets, Europe comprises many countries, languages, regulatory environments and audience cultures”

How would you describe the current state of the European broadcast market, and how does it differ from other regions from your perspective?

In my view, today’s European broadcast market is both highly sophisticated and highly complex. While it is a mature market with deep technical expertise, strong public and commercial broadcasting traditions, and a strong appetite for innovation, it is also operating under significant economic and competitive pressure.

One of Europe’s defining characteristics is its diversity. Unlike more unified markets, Europe comprises many countries, languages, regulatory environments and audience cultures. This creates complexity, but also drives demand for flexible, adaptable technologies and localised solutions. Vendors and broadcasters must navigate a much more fragmented landscape than in regions such as North America or parts of Asia.

Another key feature of the European market is its advanced transition towards IP-, software-driven and increasingly cloud-enabled workflows. Broadcasters across Europe are investing in remote production, virtualisation, automation and more agile infrastructures, while balancing these developments with the operational realities of existing legacy systems.

Europe also differs in that public service broadcasting remains highly influential. Public broadcasters remain highly influential in many European countries, shaping technology adoption, production standards and investment priorities. This creates a market environment in which long-term reliability, interoperability, sustainability and regulatory compliance carry particular weight.

Compared with other regions, Europe can sometimes adopt a more cautious approach to large-scale technology transitions, partly due to regulatory considerations, procurement structures, and the complexity of multi-country operations. At the same time, however, European broadcasters are often highly demanding and technically knowledgeable customers, making the region a strong driver of high-end innovation and engineering quality.

 “I would describe the European broadcast market as technologically advanced, operationally demanding and uniquely diverse”

As the industry shifts towards software-based and virtualised workflows, how does a company with a strong hardware heritage like Ikegami adapt to this transition?

Another distinction that is becoming increasingly important is Europe’s focus on issues such as digital sovereignty, data governance and media independence. This is particularly relevant as cloud technology, artificial intelligence and platform ecosystems become more central to media operations. These considerations are becoming increasingly evident in strategic technology decisions across the region.

Overall, I would describe the European broadcast market as technologically advanced, operationally demanding and uniquely diverse. Not only does it differ from other regions in terms of scale and structure, it also differs in the balance it seeks between innovation, regulation, cultural diversity, and long-term operational resilience.

“The key lies in focusing on efficiency, flexibility and long-term value rather than merely reducing costs”

How do you balance the demand for high-end performance with increasing cost pressures across the industry?

Balancing the demand for high-end performance with increasing cost pressures is one of the central challenges facing the broadcast industry. In my view, the key lies in focusing on efficiency, flexibility and long-term value rather than merely reducing costs.

Broadcasters and production companies still require the highest levels of image quality, reliability and operational stability, particularly for live productions, sports events and premium content. At the same time, however, budgets are under pressure, and customers expect solutions that can adapt to changing production models and future technological developments.

Therefore, the balance comes from designing systems that deliver strong performance while also improving workflow efficiency and protecting long-term investment. Technologies such as IP-based infrastructures, remote production, virtualisation and modular system architectures help customers to scale their operations more flexibly and reduce operational complexity over time.

Another important aspect is interoperability. Customers increasingly want solutions that integrate smoothly into mixed-vendor environments and evolving workflows. Open standards and flexible system design can help broadcasters maximise the value of their existing infrastructure investments while transitioning gradually towards newer technologies.

It is also important to recognise that ‘high-end’ is no longer defined solely by technical specifications. Reliability, ease of operation, energy efficiency, remote maintainability and lifecycle support are now equally important factors in purchasing decisions. Often, customers are not simply looking for the lowest upfront cost, but the best overall operational value over many years.

In this environment, the companies that will ultimately succeed are those that can combine premium performance with practical, customer-focused innovation. The aim is to deliver technology that helps customers to operate more efficiently, sustainably and competitively in an ever-changing market without compromising on quality.

“Customers increasingly want solutions that integrate smoothly into mixed-vendor environments and evolving workflows”

The production landscape has become more accessible and fragmented, with new players entering the market. How does Ikegami approach this shift? Do you remain focused on top-tier customers, or is there a need to address a broader spectrum?

The production landscape has undoubtedly become far more accessible in recent years. Technological advances, lower entry barriers and the growth of digital and streaming platforms have created a much broader and more fragmented market than in the past. From my perspective, this shift presents both challenges and opportunities for established companies such as Ikegami.

Ikegami’s core strength has traditionally been in the high-end professional broadcast sector, where reliability, image quality and operational stability are critical. This positioning remains extremely important, particularly in live production, sports broadcasting and other mission-critical environments where performance standards are exceptionally high.

At the same time, however, the definition of ‘professional production’ has evolved significantly. Nowadays, a much wider range of content creators, production companies, streaming operators, and corporate media teams require high-quality production capabilities. Consequently, the market is no longer clearly divided between traditional broadcasters and everyone else.

The challenge — and opportunity — lies in addressing a broader spectrum of customers without diluting the brand’s core identity. In practice, this means offering solutions that maintain professional-grade quality and reliability, while also supporting flexible workflows, scalable infrastructures and different operational models.

I think the industry is increasingly valuing versatility. Customers may start with smaller or more agile production environments, but they still expect technology that can integrate into larger ecosystems and grow alongside their evolving needs. This creates opportunities for manufacturers who can combine premium engineering with practical usability and long-term system compatibility.

Importantly, focusing on top-tier customers and broadening market relevance are not necessarily contradictory goals. High-end innovation often drives technological development across the wider industry, and experience gained in challenging broadcast environments can provide significant advantages for emerging production sectors.

The key is to stay aligned with evolving customer needs while preserving the qualities that define the brand: trust, performance, reliability and long-term professional expertise.

In this evolving environment, where is Ikegami currently focusing its technological development efforts?

In today’s rapidly evolving broadcast environment, it seems that Ikegami is focusing its technological development on areas that combine high-end image quality with greater operational flexibility and efficiency.

A key area of focus is undoubtedly the ongoing development of IP-based production. As broadcasters increasingly transition towards SMPTE ST 2110 and hybrid SDI/IP infrastructures, Ikegami is investing in technologies that support this shift while preserving familiar operational workflows. Products such as the IPX-100 are specifically designed to connect traditional broadcast environments with modern IP-based production ecosystems.

Another important area of development is compact, highly versatile UHD/HDR camera systems. The industry demands more flexible production tools for remote production, robotics, studio automation, point-of-view capture and environments with space constraints. Ikegami’s recent focus on ultra-compact camera platforms, such as the UHL-X40, reflects the growing importance of mobility and remote deployment without compromising broadcast-grade image quality, as well as the need for multi-purpose production workflows.

Overall, it seems that Ikegami is pursuing a balanced strategy of advancing towards IP-connected, flexible and highly efficient production environments, all the while maintaining the premium imaging quality and reliability that have traditionally defined the brand.

“Manufacturers are placing much greater emphasis on securing component availability, strengthening supplier relationships, and improving operational flexibility”

We seem to be entering a new global context, with shifts in supply chains, regionalisation and geopolitical dynamics. How is this affecting Ikegami as a Japanese manufacturer?

The global business environment is clearly becoming more complex, and the broadcast industry is not immune to these broader shifts. Supply chain resilience, regionalisation, geopolitical uncertainty and changing trade dynamics are now key strategic considerations for almost all technology manufacturers, including Japanese companies such as Ikegami.

In my view, one major consequence is the increased importance of supply chain stability and diversification. The industry has experienced firsthand the vulnerability of global production networks, whether due to semiconductor shortages, logistics disruptions or geopolitical tensions. Consequently, manufacturers are placing much greater emphasis on securing component availability, strengthening supplier relationships, and improving operational flexibility.

For a company like Ikegami, which has a long-standing reputation for reliability and engineering quality, maintaining consistent product delivery and support is especially important during periods of global uncertainty. Customers in broadcast environments depend on long product lifecycles and stable infrastructure planning, so resilience has become a competitive advantage in itself.

Regionalisation is also influencing how companies engage with markets. Customers increasingly value strong local support, regional expertise, and closer collaboration. In Europe, for instance, broadcasters expect advanced technology, long-term partnerships, responsive service and integration support tailored to regional operational requirements. This makes regional subsidiaries and partner networks more strategically important than ever.

Meanwhile, geopolitical developments are accelerating discussions around technological sovereignty, infrastructure security and trusted supply ecosystems. Broadcasters and media organisations are paying closer attention to where technologies are developed, manufactured and supported, particularly as production systems become increasingly software-driven and network-connected.

Japanese manufacturers can also benefit from this environment. Japan is still strongly associated with precision engineering, manufacturing quality, reliability and long-term business stability — all of which remain highly valued in professional broadcast markets.

Ultimately, I believe that the industry is moving towards a model in which resilience, trust and adaptability are becoming as important as technical innovation itself. Those that can combine global technological expertise with strong regional responsiveness and operational stability will be best placed for the future.

 “Importantly, focusing on top-tier customers and broadening market relevance are not necessarily contradictory goals”

To conclude, if you had to point to one key challenge that will shape the evolution of the industry in the coming years, what would it be?

If I had to identify one defining challenge for the broadcasting and media industries in the coming years, it would be achieving a balance between technological transformation and sustainable business models.

The industry is evolving at an extraordinary pace. Broadcasters and media companies must navigate IP migration, cloud adoption, AI-driven workflows, remote production, changing audience behaviours and growing competition from global digital platforms simultaneously. Technological possibilities are expanding rapidly, but economic pressures are rising just as fast.

The real challenge lies not only in adopting new technologies, but also in doing so in a way that ensures long-term operational and financial sustainability. Media organisations must continue to deliver higher production quality, greater flexibility and multi-platform content experiences, all while operating within tighter budgets and increasingly fragmented revenue models.

This challenge also extends to people and organisational structures. As broadcast, IT, software, and cloud technologies continue to converge, the industry must adapt its skills, workflows, and partnerships. Success will increasingly depend on integrating engineering excellence with software expertise, data management, cybersecurity, and operational agility.

At the same time, audiences expect trustworthy, immediate and high-quality content experiences across every platform. This means that reliability and production quality remain as important as ever, even as infrastructures become more virtualised and distributed.

The future of the industry will depend on finding the right balance: embracing innovation without compromising operational stability or quality and adapting to new consumption models while preserving the core values of professional storytelling and live production.

Companies that combine technological innovation with resilience, flexibility and a clear understanding of their customers’ long-term needs are likely to succeed.

“I believe that the industry is moving towards a model in which resilience, trust and adaptability are becoming as important as technical innovation itself”