WSJ: Questions Grow on Japanese Manufacturing Quality
Toyota Motor Corp.'s massive recall comes at a time when Japanese manufacturers across the board, known for their attention to detail and craftsmanship, are facing a sharp spike in customer complaints, accident reports and product recalls at home. The number of incidents rose dramatically after the introduction of a new law in 2007 requiring Japanese companies for the first time to report all accidents involving their products that result in death or major injury. In the past, it was left to the company's discretion to disclose accidents. A series of high-profile product safety scandals spurred a change in regulation. It is unclear how much of the jump also flows from a decline in the quality of Japanese manufacturing as companies look for ways to slash costs and compete globally. Any tarnish on Japan's manufacturing prowess is especially touchy, because of the country's obsession with "monozukuri," literally translated as "making things." It is a source of national pride and a spirit of craftsmanship widely credited for the post-war success of Japan's biggest companies including Toyota, Sony Corp. and Panasonic Corp...more...
