'Japanization' is the process by which Japanese industry is influencing the policies and practices of Western industry. This influence comes about in two ways, through Japanese direct investment in Western economies and through the emulation of Japanese practice by Western companies. Japanese industrial practices such as total quality management, just-in-time methods, work teams and models of buyer-supplier relationships are now widespread in the West. However, not all Western companies have been able to imitate these practices successfully, particularly those in the organizational-political and human resource field. There is currently widespread debate about the effect and benefits of Japanization on individuals, firms and Western economies in general.

Nick Oliver