Perspective on the future of Japan's manufacturing sector

A primary factor in Japan's rise to the status of major economic power following the end of World War II was the immense support provided by the United States and other foreign countries. The key to economic growth at the time was the introduction of improvements to the manufacturing sector and the superior competitiveness that resulted. However, following the drastic downturn in the late 80s, the Japanese economy has hovered in a state of recession throughout the 90s and early years of the 21/sup st/ century. In this paper, the authors explain their thoughts regarding the concept of resurrecting Japan's competitive superiority through the utilization of "techniques for attaining perfection.".