The ever-entertaining Onion is running a skit about Yamaha of Japan under the headline:
Yamaha CEO Pleased With Current Production Of Jet Skis, Alto Saxophones, Snowmobiles, Power Generators, Scooters, Golf Carts*
The Onion futher refers to Yamaha’s production of synthesizers, PA systems, DVD players, tone generators, motocross bikes, power amplifiers, heart-rate monitors, signal processors, analog mixers, engine oil, microphones, HiFi systems, grand pianos, sound chips, ceiling brackets, editing software, race-kart engines, sport boats, flugelhorns, ATVs, sequencers, outboard motors, conference systems, golf clubs, projectors, MIDI controllers, lamp cartridges, portable recorders, subwoofers, component systems, and motorcycles.
It is a bit unfair – Yamaha Corporation now owns only 15 per cent of Yamaha Motor, which makes about half of these products – but the Onion could have added unmanned helicoptors, health supplements, and swimming pools to the mix, with plenty more products left over.
What is so striking is that the US satirists thinks this broad array is funny – whereas Japan’s technology industry sees it as laudable and prudent diversification.
It highlights an enduring difference between technology companies in Japan and the US. Microsoft makes software, Intel makes chips, and Google runs websites, but ask a Japanese technology executive, “What does your company do?”, and there is every chance the reply will be, “We are a manufacturer”. What the company makes is down to circumstance and opportunity.
Some US corporations are becoming more diverse – Microsoft now makes game consoles; and some Japanese companies are trying to focus – Fujitsu wants to concentrate on IT services; but that fundamental difference in approach is still there and explains some of the contrasting behaviour of companies on opposite sides of the Pacific.
* Not to labour the point, but the Onion is satirical, and I’m sure Yamaha’s Mr Umemura never made any such comments.
