Japanese view US Government - not Toyota as villain in recalls

[Chuck]

To some in Japan, the congressional hearings are reminiscent of the anti-Japanese hysteria of the 1980s.

Jerry Hirsch and John M. Glionna - LATIMES - Feb 27, 2010

Wonder how many non-American complaints on acceleration/brakes? --Ed.

A series of aggressive federal probes into the recalls of Toyota autos are looking at whether the automaker has been less than forthcoming about the safety defects in some of its vehicles.

But in Japan many believe it's the U.S. government that has something to hide. Congressional hearings on the recalls, they say, are part of conspiracy to help prop up Toyota's largest American rival, General Motors Co., which the government bailed out of bankruptcy last year, becoming the majority shareholder.... [Read More]

[moneysaver]

of course they think this way. In Japan, Toyota is the big dog. It represents everything thats right with Japanese manufactures and engineering capabilities. According to Japanese minister, I can't recall his name, this Toyota fiasco will turn perception of negativity toward Japanes products in world market.

So when Toyota's dirty laundry came out for everyone to see and now its clear that they are not above any of their competitors and are just another company that tries to generate profit, not that anything is wrong with that, Japanese people feel hurt/betrayed. But are unwilling to accept that Toyota screwed up.

[Right Lane Cruiser]

It is always interesting to see the situation from the other side of the fence. I can't really blame the Japanese population after the media circus we've been experiencing here. This "lack of real news" (else, why would they be focusing on this topic so heavily?) is extremely disconcerting.

I don't know what the end result will be but we certainly aren't cementing better relationships with Japan.

[xcel]

Hi All:

___Given the way the Japanese cover up anything wrong with their products in Japan, of course the average citizen would be shaking his head regarding the US handling of the same issue. They must have conveniently forgotten what Ford or Audi were put through a while back?

___Good Luck

___Wayne