SINGAPORE — "Localization" has become the new catchword as Japanese electronics manufacturers play catchup in Asia.
Japanese makers have scrambled this past year to roll out goods that cater to the needs of emerging markets in the region while struggling to keep costs down as the yen climbs in value and competition thickens.
Companies such as Panasonic Corp. and Toshiba Corp. have launched products with special features that suit local tastes and conditions, ranging from televisions that can run on rechargeable batteries to tiny refrigerators.