From Hitachi’s “Air Iron” to Panasonic’s housing systems, Japan’s craftsmanship inspires—betrayed only by analysts and media.

An essay in the form of a letter written on August 26, 2010, addressed to a person named “S-san.” The author passionately details the exceptional craftsmanship and the “artisan spirit” of Japanese manufacturing, citing specific examples like Hitachi’s “Kaze-Iron” and Panasonic’s high-end home appliances, which he argues are capable of moving people to emotion. He then harshly criticizes the current situation where these magnificent companies are struggling in a market manipulated by a few cunning individuals. The author expresses his contempt for the economic analyst (“Mr. S”) and his views, as well as for the trend of belittling Japanese technology and spirit.

Postscript
August 26, 2010

To Mr. S,

As I wrote earlier about Hitachi’s “Air Iron” washing machine—the design, the quietness, the energy-saving technology—it is truly a magnificent product. When I placed a blanket inside and it came out with a texture as if brand new, I am certain that even someone like you would feel moved.

Since purchasing this washing machine, I have been freed from the tedious need to send my shirts to the dry cleaners. Now I can simply toss them into this beautiful machine whenever I like.

But that is not all. Unlike you, who return from work to a wife—no doubt once a fine young lady—waiting with a delicious meal, I return wondering, What shall I eat tonight? I don’t want to dine alone… perhaps I’ll wander around near my usual places… No, tonight I’d rather eat silently on my own.

Over the past thirty years, my dining expenses alone could have bought three grand houses. Thus, I have contributed far more to domestic demand than you. To avoid drinking too much and smoking too much, I resolved to cook for myself and bought Panasonic’s top-of-the-line cooking system. This product too is nothing short of superb.

Every part of it—oven, grill, dishwasher, IH heater—embodies intelligence and engineering, compactly fitted into a Japanese-sized home. It is no exaggeration to call it the best in the world.

On the way home from work, I might stop at Hankyu Department Store to buy a fresh saury, fit to be eaten raw. Toss it whole into the grill, and it comes out cooked to perfection, the way only a chef with ten years of training could achieve. Even you, however boorish, would surely be impressed—unless, of course, you truly have no interest in food or in the lives of ordinary people.

In every respect, Panasonic’s housing equipment is also magnificent. Long frustrated in my ordinary apartment life, I undertook a major renovation, with the help of acquaintances, to replace the bath, toilet, and all the rest.

The Panasonic bath and toilet are movingly excellent—I feel gratitude every day. Even the hallway doors are masterpieces—the smoothness and delicacy of their opening and closing.

I say this: these great Japanese companies, whose products inspire human beings themselves, must never be allowed to vanish or be destroyed by the distortions of markets ruled by the cunning and greedy.

Mr. S, you are nothing more than one of the very culprits who defile the most important thing in the world: the spirit of craftsmanship. I despise you. And I despise even more the politicians and media who rely on you.