Why Are Japanese Products Of Such High Quality?

The reason is actually quite simple: Japanese producers have honed their crafts to a superlative level over long periods of time and they can produce things very efficiently. As a result, the prices are surprisingly low.

Japanese Perfectionism

Japanese companies constantly strive to improve both their products and the methods they use to produce them. There is a strong motivation among producers to reduce inefficiencies and waste, while craftspeople themselves take the lead in quality control, making sure that every element of the final piece meets their exacting standards. If improvements can be made, they will be.

Cultural Practices Drive Ingenuity

The motivation for constant improvement stems from two central concepts in Japanese culture: hospitality (omotenashi) and attentiveness (kikubari). These ideas run deep in the thinking and practices of companies, which are always working to meet their customer’s needs and wants to the very best of their abilities. Producers will, therefore, spare no effort in enhancing, developing and innovating to reach ever higher levels of quality.

Collaboration Between Trusted Suppliers

The manufacture of some products is a collaborative effort; often different supplies and producers come together with their own specific skills and materials to create the finished article. With each supplier involved taking the usual dedicated approach to delivering the best and delivering it at the right time, you can rest assured that the final product will always be of the utmost quality.

The Demanding, Discerning Japanese Customer

Japanese consumers are famously fastidious and demand the very best. Every detail of the product - its design, quality, finish and aesthetics - will be meticulously scrutinized. Meeting such high expectations is critical for companies and is an important driver of ever-higher standards. And for those buying products outside Japan, this rigorous attention to detail means you can know you can rely on receiving something of superlative quality.

Long-established Companies

Japan is very fortunate in still having many companies around today that have been operating, in some cases, for centuries. In fact, Japan has the highest number of companies over one and two centuries old in the world; no other country comes close to Japan's total of long-established firms. These companies have passed down their unique knowledge and skills over many, many decades, with each successive generation innovating and improving on the last.