Shorter, Smaller, Lighter, Thinner (Tan Shou Kei Haku)

When Japan was known for manufacturing center of the world, Japan did not just copy western products, they made it shorter, smaller, lighter, thinner (Tan Shou Kei Haku). Of course, the final product does the same but they are much shorter, smaller, lighter and thinner which provide cheaper transport cost and fewer parts. That made 'MADE IN JAPAN' more reliable and desirable. That enabled Japan to become the production powerhouse.

But Japan was never good at inventing something new. Products they produced were originated in the US but evolved into the mass production model with better quality in Japan. But in the last 20 years, Japan has been exporting its production capabilities to countries like China and other South Eastern Asian Nations. First Japan thought it was okay as long as they maintain the technology and know-how. But as you now know, most of the key production technologies have been transferred to China.

But China is not applying shorter, smaller, lighter, thinner (Tan Shou Kei Haku) concepts. They are in most cases copies of what they have learned in the past. Now the US is trying to stop the technology trade to China, which will make things interesting. Would Japan ever come back as a production powerhouse? I do not know but they have lost so much already, it might be too late for Japan to come back.

But I think for the software development, Japan may be the hidden treasure of the world. People are talking about how there are not enough engineers in Japan to fill their needs. But I think what they meant is that they cannot find engineers willing to work with less pay with a long commitment. Compare to the US, labor cost for Japanese is less than 1/2. I think there is plenty of engineers when you pay enough and hold them for long long hours. I believe software can be developed in Japan for much cheaper than the US.

If you are interested in joining me to explore software development in Japan, please let me know.

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PSPINC CEO Kenichi Uchikura's Blog

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