Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the withdrawal of Japanese manufacturing companies from the Chinese market, highlighting the decline of brands like Canon, Sony, and Yakult, and the reasons behind this trend, including increased competition from local manufacturers and a failure to adapt to market changes [5][22][29]. Group 1: Company Withdrawals - Canon's production facility in Zhongshan, China, ceased operations on November 21, 2025, marking the end of over 20 years of presence in the region [4][5]. - Yakult announced the closure of its Guangzhou factory, which had been operational for 23 years, and previously shut down its Shanghai factory [6][17]. - Sony officially exited the Chinese smartphone market by shutting down its Xperia brand [7]. - Mitsubishi Motors completely withdrew from the Chinese market, ending both vehicle sales and its joint engine production with Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi [7][16]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The Japanese manufacturing sector's exit from China is characterized as a response to competitive pressures rather than a strategic shift, with companies facing declining market shares and sales [22][29]. - The shift towards a paperless office has led to a shrinking market for printers, impacting Canon significantly, which saw its market share drop to 3.9% by Q3 2025 from 16% in 2010 [22][24]. - In the probiotic beverage sector, Yakult's market share has been eroded by local competitors offering better price-performance ratios, with Yakult's sales declining significantly from their peak [26][27]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The decline of Japanese brands in China is attributed to the loss of technological advantages, as local manufacturers have improved their capabilities and now hold a significant market share in sectors like printing [23][24]. - Japanese companies have been slow to adapt to changing consumer preferences, such as the demand for low-sugar beverages, which has hindered their competitiveness [27]. - Despite their struggles in China, Japanese manufacturers still maintain strong global market positions, with Canon holding a 22% share of the global printer market as of 2023 [29]. Group 4: Future Implications - The article suggests that the exit of Japanese companies from China is not the end of their global competitiveness but rather a new chapter for Chinese manufacturers, who are now positioned to compete on a larger scale [32]. - The success of Chinese brands in domestic markets, particularly in appliances, indicates a shift in market dynamics where local companies are gaining dominance [30].