British images of trade relations with Japan

Abstract

In view of Western interest in learning from Japan, present knowledge of, and British attitudes to, the Japanese economy are critically reviewed through an analysis of press reports in 1977 and 1978. A variety of business people, financial Journalists, politicians and other interested parties in Britain, Japan, North America and Europe are quoted on issues such as the relative inferiority/superiority between EEC countries and Japan, attitudes and practices regarding marketing, the 'mysteriousness', cunning and determination of Japanese businessmen, and on differences between Japanese trade relations with the USA, and with EEC countries. Some recommendations are made on ways in which exchange of ideas and goods could be promoted, to mutual benefit of EEC countries and Japan.
In die lig van Westerse belangstelling om meer van Japan te leer, word 'n kritiese oorsig gegee van huidige kennis van, en Britse houdings teenoor, die Japannese ekonomie, deur 'n ontleding van verslae in die Britse pers in 1977 en 1978. 'n Verskeidenheid van sakemense, finansiele verslaggewers, politici en ander belanghebbendes in Brittanje, Japan, Noord-Amerika en Europa word aangehaal oor sake soos die relatiewe meerderwaardigheid/minderwaardigheid tussen EEG lande en Japan, houdings en praktyke wat betref bemarking, die 'geheimsinnigheid', geslepenheid en doelgerigtheid van Japannese sakemanne, en oor verskille tussen Japannese handelsbetrekking met die VSA, en met EEG-lande. 'n Paar aanbevelings word genoem, oor maniere waarop wisseling van idees en van goedere bevorder kan word, tot wedersydse voordeel van EEG-lande en Japan.