Open Source Becomes Strategic for Japanese Enterprises

The Linux Foundation has published its latest research report, The State of Open Source Japan 2025: Accelerating Business Value through Strategic Open Source Engagement. The report examines how organizations in Japan are increasingly depending on open-source software (OSS) as a core part of their infrastructure, while also highlighting persistent gaps in governance and security practices. 

According to the findings, 69% of Japanese organizations said they experienced increased business value from open source over the past year — considerably higher than the global average of 54%. 

This suggests that for many Japanese companies, OSS has evolved from a cost-saving alternative to a strategic asset that supports competitiveness and innovation. As the report puts it: open source has shifted from “option” to “imperative.” 

Key Gaps: Governance and Security

Yet despite the widespread appreciation for OSS’s benefits, the report notes significant shortcomings when it comes to formal management and risk control. Only 41% of organizations surveyed have established an Open Source Program Office (OSPO), and just 39% have defined a clear open-source strategy. Meanwhile, only one-third regularly publish their open-source policies or positions publicly. 

Security practices also lag. While 40% of organizations use automated security-testing tools, fewer engage in dependency audits (35%), manual code reviews (33%), or community-activity checks (26%) — the latter well below the global average of 47%. 

These gaps often drive companies to seek commercial support rather than rely solely on community-backed systems. The report notes that 89% of Japanese organizations expect sub-12-hour response times for critical OSS issues — reflecting enterprise-level expectations of reliability. 

A Mixed Picture: Infrastructure vs Specialized Tech

The report finds an interesting adoption pattern in Japan. Many organizations remain cautious about using OSS for core infrastructure — such as operating systems, cloud services, databases, or DevOps tools. In these domains, Japan tends to lag global averages. 

In contrast, Japanese firms show strong engagement in specialized or emerging areas: augmented reality (AR/VR), 3D simulation, blockchain, and manufacturing technologies see higher OSS adoption rates. 

Moreover, organizations that actively contribute to open source — rather than just consume — report more benefits: improved innovation, better software quality, stronger security, and enhanced talent recruitment. Very active OSS participants are more likely to say open source gives them a competitive edge. 

What This Means for Businesses

The “State of Open Source Japan 2025” report makes clear that open source is no longer a fringe or optional choice — it has become a strategic lever for business value and innovation. But to harness its full potential, organizations must invest in formal governance, security practices, and active participation in OSS communities.

For companies looking to scale infrastructure or build advanced applications, the report’s findings suggest a path forward: combine the flexibility and innovation of OSS with robust governance and responsible processes.

Sources: Linux Foundation, “The State of Open Source Japan 2025: Accelerating Business Value through Strategic Open Source Engagement,” press release December 8, 2025 via PR Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/linux-foundation-research-releases-new-report-the-state-of-open-source-japan-2025-accelerating-business-value-through-strategic-open-source-engagement-302634564.html