“日本制造”系统性崩塌

Core Insights - Japan is significantly adjusting its security policy, increasing defense budgets, and relaxing weapon export restrictions, aiming for a breakthrough in military capabilities [2][7] - The credibility of Japanese manufacturing is declining, with numerous scandals affecting major companies, leading to a loss of the once-revered "craftsmanship spirit" [3][4] - Japan's manufacturing sector is facing structural challenges, including a significant decline in its global manufacturing value added share over the past 20 years [3][4] Group 1: Defense and Security - Japan's Defense Minister announced the deployment of medium-range air defense missiles on Yonaguni Island, just 110 kilometers from Taiwan, and is negotiating the export of air defense missiles to the Philippines [1] - The push for enhanced defense capabilities is criticized for lacking domestic industrial support, as exemplified by scandals at Kawasaki Heavy Industries, which has admitted to long-term, large-scale fraudulent transactions [2] Group 2: Manufacturing Sector Challenges - Major Japanese manufacturers, including Toyota and Kobe Steel, have faced scandals involving data manipulation and quality issues, undermining their reputations [3] - The traditional manufacturing sector in Japan is experiencing a significant decline, with a structural lag in digitalization and new energy transitions [4] Group 3: Automotive Industry - Japanese automakers are struggling to adapt to the electric and smart vehicle market, with a slow transition to electric vehicles due to a defensive strategy focused on existing fuel vehicle supply chains [4] - The aging population and declining birth rates in Japan are contributing to a shortage of talent in advanced technology fields, further hindering innovation [4] Group 4: External Economic Pressures - Japan's exports to the U.S. fell by 3.1% in October, with significant declines in automotive (7.5%), semiconductor manufacturing equipment (49.6%), and pharmaceuticals (30.8%) [5][6] - The decline in exports reflects both U.S. tariff pressures and a weakening position of Japanese manufacturing in global competition [6] Group 5: Structural Issues - The decline of Japanese manufacturing is attributed to an aging manufacturing system, rigid governance, and technological stagnation, indicating a structural crisis rather than isolated corporate issues [7] - Attempts to shift focus to military issues as a means to cover economic and technological stagnation may exacerbate internal social divisions and regional instability [7]