[Exclusive Interview] Yokowo: Advancing smart mobility through flexible mmWave connectivity

March 27, 2026
Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026

Yokowo Co., Ltd.

Sales Manager, Mr. Kensuke Oe

About This Interview

The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 was held in Barcelona, Spain from March 2 to 5, 2026. During the event, MarkLines conducted exclusive interviews with several exhibitors showcasing next-generation connectivity technologies. At the joint booth of Yokowo Co., Ltd. and Yonezawa Bussan Co., Ltd., we interviewed Mr. Kensuke Oe, Sales Manager at Yokowo, and Mr. Keisuke Fukagawa of Yonezawa Bussan.

At the booth, the two companies jointly presented a live V-Band image transmission demonstration using what the companies describe as the world’s first flexible waveguide developed with Japan’s traditional kumihimo (braided cord) technique. The demonstration highlighted how merging long-standing Japanese craftsmanship with Yokowo’s compact high-frequency connector system can enable a new class of millimeter wave (mmWave) connectivity solutions.

The showcase allowed visitors to observe stable, high speed image transmission even while the waveguide was bent, emphasizing the mechanical flexibility and low-loss characteristics of Yonezawa Bussan’s dielectric waveguide. This dynamic demonstration underscored the potential for more adaptable mmWave components that can be integrated into compact or curved device architectures.

Yonezawa Bussan, founded in 1952 as a textile-materials manufacturer, is applying its traditional braided-cord expertise to develop lightweight, highly bendable dielectric waveguides. The company currently supports up to WR-10 and continues advancing toward higher frequency applications. Beyond communications, both companies see strong potential in automotive and medical fields where flexible, low-loss high-frequency components are increasingly needed.

Yokowo, established in 1922, introduced a new compact connector system designed for the flexible waveguide. Compared with conventional MIL-standard flanges, it enables easier, more practical attachment and removal. Yokowo also highlighted its broader portfolio of spring connectors (Pogo Pins), widely used across consumer electronics, wearables, industrial/medical devices, and automotive equipment.

Through their joint exhibit, Yokowo and Yonezawa Bussan demonstrated how traditional material processing techniques and modern connector engineering can intersect to create innovative mmWave solutions. Their collaboration reflects a shared vision to advance high frequency connectivity technologies and expand their industrial applications.

About This Interview
Q1
Do you foresee this compact connector and flexible waveguide technology enabling new packaging options for automotive radar, high-speed vehicle to infrastructure modules, or ADAS sensor fusion networks?
Q2
Given that automotive platforms require precise RF performance despite vibration and temperature fluctuations, what qualification standards (AEC-Q, ISO, etc.) are you targeting for this connector system?
Q3
Could flexible waveguide in combination with compact connector solutions reduce the need for multiple coaxial cable runs in EV or SDV architectures, potentially lowering weight and EMI risk?

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