Japanese managers alarmed in land of the rising yen

Article Abstract:

From September 1985 to December 1986, the Japanese yen appreciated in value by 57 percent against the US dollar. This rise in value has effectively offset some Japanese firms' international competitive advantages, including: the elimination of cheap labor in Japan, the inflation of prices for Japanese goods on foreign markets, and declining profits for Japanese multinational corporations (such as Hitachi, Nissan Motors, Canon, Honda Motors, Isuzu Motors, Mitsumi Electric, Sony, and Toshiba). In response to these currency pressures, many Japanese firms are increasing prices on exported goods by modest amounts, seeking to purchase manufacturing operations in their best foreign markets (such as the U.S.), reducing employees' and executives salary levels, implementing employee lay-offs, and minimizing profit margins on products in order to retain market share. The marketing and management strategies of several Japanese corporations are briefly described.

Economic aspects, Prices and rates, Corporations, Monetary policy, Industrial development, Industrialization, Yen (Japan), Export marketing, Corporations, Japanese, Convertible money

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The next high-tech gem from Japan

Article Abstract:

The introduction of Japanese digital audio tape (DAT) equipment into US and Western European markets has been delayed because of the influence of the music business in general and Netherlands-based Philips in particular. Recording company and musician profits could be affected if high-quality copies of DAT tapes could be made by consumers. Philips is said to be glad to go along with the artists' controversy as a way to obtain more profits from sale of compact disc players, a technology which it largely invented. Another obstacle to DAT market introduction is price, with many models costing $1,600. Another problem for Japanese DAT manufacturers is that nearly all their software subsidiaries and affiliates are members of the International Federation of Phonogram and Videogram Producers, which opposes DAT.

Household audio and video equipment, High technology industry, Equipment and supplies, Consumer electronics, International aspects, Economic policy, Copyright, Copyrights, Philips Gloeilampenfabrieken N.V., Digital audio tape players and recorders, DAT recorders

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The oracle of TRON

Article Abstract:

Ken Sakamura is heading The Real-time Operating Nucleus (TRON) Project based in Japan. It is a multimillion-dollar project to develop a new global standard for computing by creating a new operating system utilizing new microprocessors, new keyboards, new software and new applications programs. It also represents Japan's first major attempt to challenge the US's dominance of computer architecture. Thirty companies, mostly from the Japanese electronic sector, have spent $35 million to create TRON hardware and software. The first TRON 32-bit microprocessor will reach the market by the end of 1989.

Standards, Innovations, Software, Computers, Digital computers, Operating systems (Software), Operating systems, Sakamura, Ken

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