Nihon-mart

Article Abstract:

Discount stores are booming in Japan and may oust the country's leading retailers from their dominant position. Matsumotokiyoshi, a discount pharmaceutical chain whose earnings were up 29% by Mar 31, 1993, illustrates the trend. Discount houses feature prices 30-40% less than those of traditional outlets such as department stores. Deregulation and the recession helped to cause the rise of discount retailing. The trend has increased the unwillingness of Japanese consumers to tolerate high prices and improved the ability of foreign retailers to sell in Japan.

Retail industry, Retail trade, Market share, Discount stores

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No jobs for the boys: Japanese system of hiring retired officials loses favour

Article Abstract:

Recession and public unhappiness with corruption are curtailing amakudari in Japan, meaning the employment of retired bureaucrats often by the part of the private sector they once helped to regulate. Financial hardship is prompting many Japanese firms to avoid hiring highly paid ex-bureaucrats. Moreover, recent scandals have heightened public disgust with the often very close relationship between business and bureaucracy. The number of ex-officials employed in the private sector has declined steadily since 1989.

Employment, Bureaucracy, Industrial policy, Public employees, Government employees

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Toyota city: all work and no play

Article Abstract:

Toyota city is the factory town in Aichi prefecture, Japan where Toyota was founded and which still serves as the focus of activity for the now internationally dominant automobile manufacturer. Toyota city, which changed its name from Koromo in 1959 in recognition of the company's overwhelming presence, now contains 340,000 people most of whom work for the company directly or indirectly. The Toyoda family, founders and owners of the company, still manages the company from this site.

Automobile industry, Buildings and facilities, Description and travel, Toyota Motor Corp., Company towns, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

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