In recent years, the term "Artisan Spirit" has become a symbol of excellence for many consumers, often associated with iconic examples like Germany's century-old pressure cooker or Japan's legendary "Sushi God," who has spent a lifetime perfecting his craft. However, this image of craftsmanship and integrity has been challenged in recent times, particularly within Japanese companies that have long prided themselves on their dedication to artisan values.
The past year has proven difficult for many self-employed Japanese artisans and companies that uphold the traditional spirit of craftsmanship. Notably, major scandals have shaken the reputation of once-respected firms. For instance, Kobe Steel, Japan’s third-largest steelmaker, was caught falsifying data and producing substandard products. Later, Mitsubishi Materials’ subsidiary was also exposed for decades of similar misconduct, undermining the very essence of the "artisan spirit" that Japanese businesses once stood for.
These issues didn’t end in 2018. On February 9th, local time, Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. disclosed a major scandal, revealing widespread manipulation of product test data and parts production. This marked yet another blow to the credibility of Japanese manufacturing and highlighted how far-reaching these fraudulent practices have become.
According to a report, Citizen Electronics, a subsidiary of Citizen Watch, altered test data for 21 LED components between April 2012 and December 2016. The company reportedly changed the measured lifespan of these components from 1,000 hours to 6,000 hours. Additionally, it misrepresented the origin of 166 product types and over 1.3 billion parts produced by its Chinese subsidiaries, labeling them as “Made in Japan†and supplying them to 119 customer companies. This misleading practice continued for more than seven years until June 2017, accounting for 6.7% of all products during that period.
The manipulated data and parts included critical components such as LED equipment, switches, and sensors, which are widely used in mobile phones and home appliances. Some of these products may have entered international markets, including China. In response, three senior executives, including the president of Citizen Electronics, were dismissed.
This incident has raised serious concerns about quality control and ethical standards in Japanese manufacturing. While the country is still known for its high-quality goods, these scandals have cast a shadow over its reputation and prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability. As consumers continue to demand trust and integrity, the challenge now lies in restoring faith in the "artisan spirit" that once defined Japanese craftsmanship.
MINI FAKRA Automotive Cable Assembly
Dongguan Zhuoyuexin Automotive Electronics Co.,Ltd , https://www.zyx-fakra.com