Comments by "Jordan, inside-outsider in Japan" (@Jordan-inJapan) on "Japanese Thermos Bottles (I'm Slightly Obsessed)" video.

  1. I read a lot of comments about how Japanese products are so much better/cooler/cuter than those from other countries. And I agree, the selection and quality of products here is pretty amazing. I think it all comes down to the fact that most companies around the world are overly focused on the bottom line — a product is selling well, so there’s no need to waste money updating or improving it. Better to keep the product cheaper for the consumer, right? But NOT Japanese companies. Here, companies are focused on making the best product possible. They just trust that consumers are willing to pay a little more for something new and slightly better. Then there is the business culture of “KAIZEN”... the constant striving to improve products and practices. Because…well, that’s the culture.
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  2. I think it comes down to this: it’s slightly more expensive to make a lighter, but still-well-insulated thermos. American companies (or those in most other countries) just see the bottom line and think it’s better to make a little more profit or else make the product a little cheaper for consumers. Japanese companies, on the other hand, are focused on making the BEST product possible. They just trust that consumers are willing to pay a little more for something new and slightly better.
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  3.  @menpee  Well, I was trying not to be negative. But yes.
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  4. Hahah I know, right? But I think it comes down to this: companies in other countries just see the bottom line and think that if a product is selling well enough, there’s no reason to waste money to change/improve it. Japanese companies, on the other hand, are focused on making the BEST product possible. They just trust that consumers are willing to pay a little more for something new and slightly better.
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