I think Americans often look for ways to quickly processes, that’s true (the assembly line being the perfect example), but that doesn’t mean all American goods are of low quality or that there aren’t individuals who devote a great deal of time and energy to their craft. America has a greater range of quality, perhaps.

And I believe some of the trends of Japanese society are beginning to change, especially with our generation. Lifetime employment, for example, is not a guarantee as it once was. I know some young folks who don’t plan on staying with their current company or even current industry for the long term. I know a decent amount of people who are frustrated with the traditional devotion to one’s work that spills over into and dominates family and personal life. Though right now they have to deal with the system, we’ll see if things don’t change at all when they’re the ones running things.