Is Japan as innovative as it portrays itself? Are they still riding the tech-savvy image we have of them? I'm sure they are still creating products but South Korea and China are quickly taking over (has it happened already?)
I think its still like that in most cases especially in electronics and as a result of this, same product carry different price tag. some seller are faithful to show you the difference while some dont care.
I would agree with that, Adeniji. Without looking at the facts, and just my opinion based on Japan products vs. China products, I would rate Japan higher than China. This is just how society has made me view Japan and China products.
@Clairvoyant, i like your perspective. And besides, i am pretty much agree with you on Japanese technological's contribution to the world economy. Infact, Japan would still continue to be amongst the drivers of electronics world.
Japan has just launched a multi-linguistic software - phone call translator app. "An app offering real-time translations is to allow people in Japan to speak to foreigners over the phone with both parties using their native tongue". However, in emerging economies and developing world, where mobile access has created many opportunities - multilingual one of them. Multilingualistic technology has been identified as one of the drivers to spur technology growth in those areas.
Meanwhile, according to both World bank and IMF GDP's statistical data, Japan ranked 3rd in the world in 2010 and 2011, and would still occupy same spot this year. But World bank Knowledge Economy Index (KEI) ranking for 2012, Japan placed 22nd position behind likes of Finland, Sweden, Belgium, China, Taiwan, US, UK, Netherland, Iceland, Australian, Ireland, Norway and etc.
Hi Shelly, I think many people know about the significant impact that Japan has on electronics. There are many technologically advanced companies that supply the worldwide market that are based or got their start in Japan.
I disagree with some of the points you make regarding Japan's involvement in WWII. However, this topic goes beyond the scope of this website, so I won't elaborate.
Japan has always been a title-occupying country; since the World War II, Japan has always shown a unique national identity. As a small country, during the World War II, it seriously attacked world's strongest country—the United States with small price, and occupied over the whole big China. Then after the World War II, the majority of its people welcome the US troop marching into Japan regardless of the US throwing two atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki; until it surprised the world again in 1980s with economy ranking the second.
Previously, the most eye-catching news in Japan undoubtedly is about Foxconn investing Sharp. It seems everyone is waiting for when Foxconn will acquire Sharp, but things development completely turns over, it is reported METI is planning to rescue Sharp through Japanese enterprises, retaining Sharp's technology from being controlled by Foxconn; this kind of case also happens on Olympus. Before Sony investment, Samsung and General Electric intends to invest in Olympus, but also denied by METI. Generally speaking, the investment and cooperation from foreign investor will do well to these Japanese nearly bankrupt enterprises. But in order to maintain the advanced technologies from flowing into outside world, Japan held back the cooperation, which is believable to continue this case.
There is no doubt that these technologies about panel and electronics is state-of-the-art around the world, which previously won the prosperity of Japanese enterprises such as Sharp, Renesas, Sony and so forth. Admittedly, it benefited Japanese enterprises during 1970 to1980, but now it means nothing but hurt the enterprises development. The strengthening of Yen and other factors may cause more sharp-like enterprises. New blood infusion can bring new successful management, technology progress and a fully new recovery and development. By contrast, for Sony who is also struck in difficulty, investing Olympus likely drags itself.
At least, it is not a right decision to some extent. Recently, the Diaoyu Island dispute has caused great damage to Japan's enterprises, especially for the automotive industry and home appliance industry. Since the Diaoyu Island dispute, IHS estimates Japanese automotives all suffer damage; as for Japanese home appliance brands, also did not lift sales even in the 8-day National Day of China; the semiconductor industry development also will be blow. So in the condition of economic malaise, refusing foreign investment not only has an impact on the enterprise development, but also on the whole domestic economic environment.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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