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June 2026

The final meeting of the internal project on the load‑based test method, developed as a new testing approach, was held on May 15 at JATL. The project, referred to at JATL as “The Performance Test Project for the Next Generation,” has been led by Mr. Tsuchiya.

This project was launched at JATL in July 2024. During its development, JATL members received valuable guidance from the SAITO Laboratory at Waseda University. JATL independently developed interface software for its existing measuring system, and using this interface, installed the emulator software—which plays a central role in the new testing method—into the test apparatus.

JATL participated in the JRAIA subcommittee on performance test standards for next‑generation air conditioners, as well as in the round robin test organized by the committee. JATL was also commissioned by JRAIA to conduct a load‑based performance test, and we believe that the original objectives of the project have been successfully achieved.

This test method is different from the conventional one and enables testing under realistic operating conditions for air conditioners. Going forward, the testing department of JATL will continue to accumulate practical experience and share testing‑related knowledge, from the perspective of a testing laboratory, with the SAITO Laboratory and the committee.

April 2026

JATL held its annual business plan meeting on April 15th. President Mr. Kishimoto attended the meeting, and the director along with the general managers of the Planning Department, Operations and Planning Department, and Testing Department gave presentations to all members about the achievements of 2025 and the plans for 2026.

At the end of the meeting, Mr. Kishimoto gave us some comments on our presentation. He talked about JATL’s position in the industrial market and emphasized the importance of looking at the world from a broader perspective. He also encouraged us to work with confidence, because our job—evaluating the performance of products in the market—is very important.

February 2026

We visited SIRIM QAS, one of the main laboratories in ASEAN countries with which JATL has established a relationship through our overseas activities. We decided to visit them in person this time because we had previously conducted capacity building on air conditioner performance testing online during the CSPF project implemented by ACE in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

We shared technical information with SIRIM QAS regarding inter-laboratory validity assessment tests (proficiency testing) and the accuracy of testing in JATL’s common activities, and we gained an understanding of their issues and how they address them as a governmental laboratory.

JATL introduced the load-based test method, considered a next‑generation performance test method for air conditioners by the ISO committee and developed by Waseda University, to the management and testing personnel in the testing section. JATL also shared the outline, testing procedure, and several test results obtained using JATL’s test apparatus.