While the enormous earthquake that struck eastern Japan is forcing many firms to suspend operations, two economists contacted by The Japan Times on Monday said it is difficult to predict just how dire the impact will be.
Major companies are shutting down their factories indefinitely, especially in quake-damaged areas.
Due to an inability to get parts, Toyota Motor Corp. said all of its domestic factories will be closed until Wednesday. Honda Motor Co. closed all factories until Sunday, except for a motorcycle unit in Kumamoto Prefecture that will shut down on Tuesday.