What happened to Japan?

[komitsuki]

Originally Posted by MMM

We really don't see that in this part of the US where I live...I can't say if it is just Norway or not.

Sony is still one of the leaders in HD tech here, along with Panasonic. Samsung exists, but isn't as strong. Never heard of HTC or Acer...

Are you sure? HTC and Acer are occasionally mentioned in American newspapers.

Originally Posted by noodle

You've never heard of Acer or HTC? Wow, I really need to visit the US soon! I never imagine life and consumer electronics being that different to Europe! I guess I was wrong, because HTC and especially Acer are huge in this part of the world! As for TV's, Sony and Panasonic are known to be VERY expensive, so most middle class members of society would go for something like Samsung or LG!

Similar to one half of Canada: Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime Provinces.

[MMM]

Originally Posted by komitsuki

Are you sure? HTC and Acer are occasionally mentioned in American newspapers.

Maybe it is because I live on the West Coast...not sure. But if I had heard of them, I would have said so.

[WingsToDiscovery]

Yeah, I don't know if it's an East/West coast thing, but here on the east coast of the US I see Acer products all the time. Granted, Acer here is generally considered low-end as far as things like laptops and monitors are concerned, but they do exist as an alternative to people who can't afford some of the bigger brands.
As far as HTC, the only thing I've seen from them are some smart phone commercials. Not really that popular here.

[samurai007]

I live in northern California, and I've seen plenty of Acer products, but not HTC.

What happened is Japan has been going through a very loooong recession, and businesses in a recession tend to slow down and cut back on things like R&D, or turning inventions into new products (because if a new product fails, it'll hurt the company). So they tended to stick with what they know, and make slight tweaks and changes rather than do something totally new and innovative, but risky.

And an example of that is right in MMM's post:

Originally Posted by MMM
I am playing Tekken 6 on my PS3 on a Sony HDTV and am wondering what in the world you are talking about.

Version 6 of a game, on version 3 of a game system, on a Sony TV, which is what they are known for. And a lot of games from Japan are known and successful franchises that they keep bringing out stuff for because it's "safe". Mario Bros, Final Fantasy, all the fighting games, etc... The fact that there is Tekken 6 or FF9 instead of "New and different 1" is itself a sign of lack of real innovation. And it's not because the Japanese can't do it, it's because of the economy and a "let's hunker down, play it safe, and hope this all blows over eventually" corporate mentality.

[nobora]

Dude what are you talking about? japan has alot of cool gadgets. All their video games are fun and stuff

[MMM]

Originally Posted by samurai007

And a lot of games from Japan are known and successful franchises that they keep bringing out stuff for because it's "safe". Mario Bros, Final Fantasy, all the fighting games, etc... The fact that there is Tekken 6 or FF9 instead of "New and different 1" is itself a sign of lack of real innovation.

I have to disagree with this here. Take Mario for example. Look at Super Mario Bros. and then look at the variety of titles coming out now. Sure Super Mario Bros. Wii is based on the original game, but look how far we have come. And then you have titles like Super Mario Galaxy, Paper Mario, Mario Kart, Wario games, etc.

A lack of originality doesn't mean a lack of innovation.

And who is asking for completely new franchises and not continuing series? Not the market.

[Tyrien]

Originally Posted by samurai007

I live in northern California, and I've seen plenty of Acer products, but not HTC.

What happened is Japan has been going through a very loooong recession, and businesses in a recession tend to slow down and cut back on things like R&D, or turning inventions into new products (because if a new product fails, it'll hurt the company). So they tended to stick with what they know, and make slight tweaks and changes rather than do something totally new and innovative, but risky.

And an example of that is right in MMM's post:



Version 6 of a game, on version 3 of a game system, on a Sony TV, which is what they are known for. And a lot of games from Japan are known and successful franchises that they keep bringing out stuff for because it's "safe". Mario Bros, Final Fantasy, all the fighting games, etc... The fact that there is Tekken 6 or FF9 instead of "New and different 1" is itself a sign of lack of real innovation. And it's not because the Japanese can't do it, it's because of the economy and a "let's hunker down, play it safe, and hope this all blows over eventually" corporate mentality.

Hah, don't even try and say that there's something special about Japan and rehashing established video game franchises. It's what the entire industry does. Activision and EA are far worse than anything Nintendo or Squeenix will ever do.

I'm shocked MMM hasn't heard of HTC. Acer I can understand, but there's so many AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon all carry several HTC phones. HTC is probably one of the largest supporters of the android OS.

[MMM]

Originally Posted by Tyrien

I'm shocked MMM hasn't heard of HTC. Acer I can understand, but there's so many AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon all carry several HTC phones. HTC is probably one of the largest supporters of the android OS.

I have never seen an ad for HTC phone that says "HTC" so maybe I know their products, but I have never heard of the company.

[Sangetsu]

HTC makes smartphones, the AT&T "Tilt" is one. Many of Softbank's smartphones are also HTC models.

Unfortunately, Japan is following America's lead in outsourcing. The first thing usually outsourced by a company is basic manufacturing, then comprehensive manufacturing, followed eventually by R&D itself. Even HR and other tasks are now being outsourced. The only thing which comes from the original county is the name printed on the box (printed with Chinese ink on Chinese cardboard).

If you look at your Sony TV or Playstation 3, you'll probably find a label somewhere on it which says it was made in Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, or even China. My new $7000 Nikon D3X is also made in Thailand, new Ipods and Ipads are made in China, etc. It's almost impossible to find American or Japanese brand products anymore which are actually made in America or Japan.

I do look at labels when I shop, and I buy locally made products whenever I can. I wanted a new computer and I looked at getting a new 27" Apple I mac, but the I mac is made in Taiwan. I ended up getting another HP because HP products sold in Japan are manufactured in Tokyo.

A friend of mine works for Hitachi as a video screen designer. Hitachi operates a factory in Taiwan, and my friend spends most of his time working in the Taipei factory. He says the Japanese factory no longer has the ability to manufacture even test units, so all the work is done in Taiwan. Of course the Taiwanese workers get paid about 1/4th what a Japanese worker would be paid for the same job.

[darksyndrem]

Lolz they had to start focusing on Toyota.