BBC "TWO" | Nippon | Episode 5 of 8 - "Taking on Detroit"

Summary

The video chronicles the remarkable rise of Japan's automobile industry, detailing its journey from importing cars in the 1920s to becoming a global leader in the 1970s. It highlights the strategic moves by Japanese firms, the influence of foreign companies, and the pivotal role of the Japanese government. The narrative explores key innovations, labor relations, and the eventual international success of brands like Toyota and Nissan. Through resilience and ingenuity, Japan transformed its manufacturing capabilities, overcoming post-war challenges to revolutionize mass production and become a dominant force in the global car market.

Takeaways

• 🚗 Japan's car industry emerged as a dominant force in the global market, becoming a 'giant-killer' in automotive manufacturing.
• 🏭 Japan initially struggled with automobile production, relying heavily on imported cars and foreign expertise in the early 20th century.
• 🇺🇸 American companies like General Motors and Ford set up factories in Japan, significantly influencing the local automotive industry.
• ⚙️ The Japanese government pushed for domestic car production in the 1930s, leading to the establishment of companies like Nissan and Toyota.
• 🌐 World War II shifted Japanese automotive production towards military vehicles, which laid the groundwork for future industry growth.
• 🛠️ Post-war Japan faced significant challenges, including economic chaos and material shortages, but began rebuilding its automotive industry.
• 🚴 Mr. Honda adapted a small engine to a bicycle, creating the first motor-powered bicycle in Japan after the war.
• 🛣️ Despite early struggles, Japanese car manufacturers, with the support of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), began developing better models and improving production techniques.
• 💼 The introduction of the 'just-in-time' production method by Toyota's Taiichi Ohno revolutionized the efficiency of Japanese car manufacturing.
• 🌍 By the 1970s and 1980s, Japanese cars had gained significant market share internationally, particularly in the United States, due to their fuel efficiency and reliability.

Q & A

How did Japan's automobile industry evolve during the 1920s?

In the 1920s, Japan had only a few thousand cars, almost all of which were imported. Japanese manufacturers lacked the production know-how and engineering base to build cars economically.

What role did American companies play in the early development of Japan's car industry?

American companies like General Motors and Ford set up large modern factories in Japan, producing 90% of Japan's vehicles. They brought parts from Detroit and taught Japanese workers American production methods.

Why did the Japanese government expel Ford and General Motors in the 1930s?

The Japanese government was concerned about the economic drain and national defense implications of relying on imports. They wanted to build a domestic car industry, so they expelled Ford and General Motors and promoted Nissan and Toyota as principal suppliers for the Imperial Army.

How did World War II impact Japan's automobile industry?

During World War II, car production stopped, and the focus shifted to military trucks. However, the trucks were unreliable and crude. Despite the war's devastation, the demand for military vehicles laid the foundation for Japan's motor industry.

What challenges did Japan face in rebuilding its automobile industry after World War II?

Post-war Japan was in chaos, with the economy in ruins and a lack of raw materials. Companies struggled with too many workers and too few orders, and there was widespread unemployment and a thriving black market.

What was the significance of the Korean War for Japan's car industry?

The Korean War provided a crucial order for 3,000 army trucks, which helped Toyota and other companies survive financially and led to a resurgence in production.

How did Japanese car companies like Nissan and Toyota improve their production methods in the 1950s?

Japanese car companies formed technology tie-ups with foreign companies like Austin, Renault, and Hillman, learning advanced manufacturing techniques and aiming for 90% domestic production within five years.

What was the 'just-in-time' production method introduced by Toyota?

The 'just-in-time' production method aimed to produce only what was needed when it was needed, reducing inventory costs and improving efficiency. Parts were made and delivered to the assembly line in the exact quantities required.

How did Japanese carmakers address labor relations and improve productivity?

Japanese carmakers implemented new working practices and labor relations, focusing on cooperation and eliminating waste. Engineers like Taiichi Ohno at Toyota introduced innovations to maximize the use of human labor and machinery.

What impact did the oil crisis of 1973 have on Japanese car exports to the United States?

The oil crisis highlighted the fuel efficiency of Japanese cars like the Datsun, which had the best fuel economy among models on sale in the U.S. This led to a surge in demand for Japanese cars, despite the overall economic downturn.