Could Quake Forced Bankruptcies Lead Japan Into A Detroit-Style Decline?

For Fumihiro Shimizu and his family-owned auto parts plant in this company town, being a second-tier supplier for Japan's top car makers has never been easy.

Even in the boom years, margins were squeezed as Toyota Motor Corp and others extracted maximum value from suppliers to fight off competition from overseas rivals and keep prices down.

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internationalmanofmystery - 4/5/2011 3:32:18 PM

+2 Boost

Truly devastating! I am glad to see some people still manage to have some "fun!" ;)

"business at pachinko parlours - Japan's most popular form of gambling - is booming"

krackerhatesme - 4/5/2011 6:32:10 PM

+2 Boost

They have a different mindset compared to Detroit.

lexusrox123 - 4/5/2011 9:04:26 PM

+2 Boost

No, because Japanese cars aren't as crappy as Detroit's were.

cohwang - 4/5/2011 9:07:35 PM

+1 Boost

In North America, I only read and hear the conversations about the possible ecomomic impacts on the industries. What are the effects on auto industry, computer, Apple,.......... . All we talk about is $$. On the other side of the planet, the people, charities and the governments collect the money, donate clothing, water, oil,............ to Japan to help the victims. A nature disaster can clearly disclose the views to Japan and the Japanese from the people on different sides.

In North America, Japan and Japanese are just a business partner, a tool that we make the money from. On the side, the countries who have the historical conflicts with Japan, and at the same time, who are also the enermies of Japan, do show their love and passion.

What an iconic situation!!

irishmike - 4/5/2011 9:53:42 PM

+4 Boost

Japan will recover. They are a strong, selfless, resourceful country--kinda like USA circa 1940's. They will surprise us all.

upwards - 4/6/2011 2:40:56 AM

-1 Boost

Welcome to the divided States of America.