Core Insights - Lixil Group has established an international R&D center in Guangzhou, marking a significant step in enhancing its global R&D system and international collaboration capabilities [1][4][5] - The center spans 1,600 square meters and integrates functions from design and R&D to supply chain management, directly serving global brand technology development [4][5] - The investment reflects a broader trend of foreign companies shifting towards high-value chain R&D in Guangdong, with actual foreign investment in the province increasing by 8.9% year-on-year in the first four months of the year [4][6] Company Strategy - Lixil Group's CEO, Setsu Shinaya, emphasized the importance of Guangzhou's complete industry ecosystem and the availability of electronic components and rapid market validation for smart product development [5][7] - The Guangzhou center will focus on global markets and non-ceramic products, differentiating itself from the Shanghai center, which targets the Asian market and ceramic technology [8] - The center aims to leverage consumer insights and product innovation to meet the rapidly changing demands of Chinese consumers, who are increasingly willing to try new products [9][14] Market Dynamics - The Chinese smart toilet market has seen a twelvefold growth over the past decade, with expectations to reach 12 million units by 2025, indicating a significant opportunity for innovation [9] - Despite challenges such as tariff friction, Lixil Group maintains confidence in the Chinese market, viewing it as the largest consumer market globally [11] - The company plans to enhance its competitive edge in the high-end segment through differentiated value propositions and a multi-brand strategy [13]