Does TOYOTA Spell a Turning Point For Japan? (Part 2)
There’s a strong discourse [formalized way of thinking] in Japan that Japanese, the elite at any rate, are superior to any other races in the world.
And it doesn’t matter how many times they have been proven wrong, the belief still stands out like a cold sore. But that’s hardly the issue.
In a historical context, the fallout from this way of thinking has proven catastrophic. We all know that. But the Japanese ruling class are at a denial. [Hence interfering with the history books, etc.]
On a day-to-day practical level, there are three disturbing consequences to the discourse: Xenophobia, extreme hubris and unacceptable performance.
Added to Japan’s ills, is the fact that Japanese use China as a benchmark. Perhaps, the line of reasoning goes something like this:
If China can get away with flooding the world markets with their products [low-quality junk]
And since we are superior to the Chinese
Therefore, our products must have a better chance
Consequently, we shall have no problem staying ahead of the Chinese.
That works, of course, but only so long as the accelerators don’t jam, and the brakes operate properly to prevent fatal accidents.
Up to 98 percent of everything we buy in Japan is made in China. The kids plimsolls, about $50 a pair last up to three weeks, if we are lucky. But they look terrible well before they meet the bin. Manufacturers glue on thin pieces of plastic to the sole of the shoes, so that they hang from the shoe after just a few hours of walking, looking completely worn-out and ready to throw away during the first day.
Most toys last from about a few minutes to more than a day. This ¥1,200 [$13] ball lasted more than 30 seconds and 6 gentle throws before bursting! Luckily, I had had an encounter with the Toys R Us manager about another toy the previous month, and she refunded me without any squabble this time.
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