The interesting part is that while Japanese may be quite insensitive to non-Japanese customs and traditions, when it comes to designing products that appeal to a global market, the Japanese companies are unmatched.  The depth of research conducted by Japanese executives through personal exposure is considered to be the most effective way to understand unmet needs of consumers.

There was a time not too long ago that Japanese had no role to play in the global automotive industry.  The situation is absolutely the opposite today.  While the Japanese companies excelled in engine design first, they were able to build on it by infusing it with the traditional Japanese aesthetics concepts, to come up with innovative products, including motorcycles.  

Since Japan is a tiny country with narrow streets and heavy traffic, cars are not ideal vehicles for local transport.  No surprise that Japanese companies like Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki were able to learn from product development at home and were able to come up with motorbikes that would appeal to young people all over the world.

As is widely known, it is not common for young Japanese people to use cars as is almost standard in the United States and other industrialized countries.  However, if at all Japanese teenagers own a vehicle, it is generally a motorbike.  Teenage girls are extremely unlikely to drive either a car or a motorbike but cool Japanese guys are always willing to give them free rides on their bikes.

Next article:  Japanese motorbikes now compete with BMW and Harley Davidson