love-hate and the japanese company

Just when I think I have finally and definatively made up my mind about Japan something happens and I am launched in an emotional tumult back to the dizzying highs and lows of incomprehension.

Take my growing love,hate relationship with japanese companies.

Two weeks ago I was ranting about working conditions in Japan. Yet, this week hearing a lecture by a Swiss environmental accounter made me deeply envious of japanese environmental policies, which are working to factor in the environmental cost of products, not just at the manufacturing level but throughout the product's life cycle right through to its disposal. this is achieved not because japanese citizens are hyper aware of climate change, soil erosion and waste disposal, but because japanese companies are taking the lead. A hierachical business structure, accompanied with Japanese love for technology and a recognition of long term rather than short term goals means that Japan's environmental movement functions not because of any kind of grassroots activism or consumer choice individually but through companies and the ministry of trade and industry getting together and figuring out how legally and financially they can factor in the larger cost of products. Through this 'old boys network' they manage to push green issues way beyond consumer demands, and create a market for green products by aggressive marketing and legal reforms. This is all done with incredible efficiency as the men (and yes it is over 90% men) at the top coordinate their efforts to work hand in hand to push their green products.