NTN's Transportable Independent Power Supply “N3 N-CUBE” Adopted for the First Time in Japan Self-Defense Forces Equipment
June 8, 2026
- Installing in the Multi-functional container “the Mobile Container Base”
NTN Corporation's Transportable Independent Power Supply “N3 N-CUBE,” developed in-house, has been adopted for the mobile container base ordered by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) from ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd. (President and Representative Director: Takashi Kunihara; Headquarters: Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture; hereafter, ShinMaywa Industries).
This marks the first time that the “N3 N-CUBE” has been adopted in the defense sector, including use by the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).
In recent years, the JSDF has been considering the introduction of deployable infrastructure systems that enable the rapid establishment of operational bases in locations without existing infrastructure, as well as in disaster-affected areas. In response to these needs, ShinMaywa Industries has been developing the mobile container base, a new infrastructure system in which containers are equipped with accommodation and sanitation and other functions for JSDF personnel are mounted on ShinMaywa's special purpose truck and transported to destination sites.
Each container, developed for specific applications, can be transported using ShinMaywa's detachable container system. This infrastructure system can serve as daily living infrastructure for personnel under normal times and can be widely deployed as operational bases or disaster response hubs in times of emergency or disaster.
As part of the mobile container base, a total of nine container units—two restroom containers and seven accommodation containers—have adopted NTN's “N3 N-CUBE.”
The restroom containers are equipped not only with toilet facilities but also with a wastewater treatment system that breaks down and purifies sewage, enabling a clean and sanitary restroom environment regardless of installation location.
The accommodation containers are equipped with beds, lighting, air conditioning, and other amenities. Both container types are powered by renewable energy generated by compact wind turbines and solar panels. This marks the first adoption by the JSDF of mobile base that operates entirely on renewable energy and can be utilized in both normal times and emergency situations.
The JASDF evaluated the system highly for its ability to provide essential living infrastructure for personnel and disaster victims even in environments without established power infrastructure. In addition, its portability—enabled by the use of detachable container system and its container design suitable for use in harsh environments contributed to its adoption.
Following this first adoption of equipment incorporating the “N3 N-CUBE” by the JSDF, NTN will further expand its business in the defense sector. By providing this product and independent power supply systems utilizing renewable energy, NTN will expand applications in disaster prevention, defense, and other fields, while contributing to sustainable growth and the resolution of social challenges.
NTN's transportable independent power supply“N3 N-CUBE” adopted for the mobile container base
Accommodation containers equippedwith beds, lighting, air conditioning,
and other amenities
About the Transportable Independent Power Supply “N3 N-CUBE”
The “N3 N-CUBE” is a transportable independent power supply that integrates a compact wind turbine, solar panels, and storage batteries within a container. As it operates on renewable energy, it enables a stable supply of electricity regardless of installation location.
The system can be transported by truck and can begin power generation and supply immediately after installation. In addition, the interior of the container can be flexibly customized in combination with various equipment according to application needs.
Containers equipped with the “N3 N-CUBE” have been adopted as disaster-relief container toilets—primarily at disaster-resilient roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki) designated by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism—and have been installed at 11 locations nationwide. They have also been deployed for a wide range of applications, including flood control centers, disaster preparedness warehouses, and bus stop waiting areas.
Related Links
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NTN Special Website for Green Energy Products (Japanese only):
https://n3.ntn.co.jp/
About ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd.
| Corporate name | ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Head office | Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan |
| President | Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer Takashi Kunihara |
| Core businesses |
ShinMaywa Industries supports social infrastructure through a wide range of technologies across five core businesses: special purpose truck, parking systems, fluid, industrial machinery and environmental systems, and aircraft. In the aircraft business, ShinMaywa Industries has continuously delivered amphibious aircraft operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force since the 1970s. ShinMaywa Industries currently manufactures, overhauls, and maintains the US-2 STOL Search and Rescue Amphibian. In addition, ShinMaywa Industries has a track record of supplying aircraft components and products in the special purpose truck business as well. |
About the mobile container base
The mobile container base is a facility consisting of various types of containers equipped with functions such as accommodation and facilities and can be deployed on site as needed. Under normal times, it serves as infrastructure to support personnel, and by relocating it as required, it can be used for a wide range of applications, including operational bases and disaster response support.
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