The widespread protests in China appeared to ease Thursday as Japanese companies were left with yet another stinging reminder that doing business in China comes with risks.
Experts said some manufacturers that depend on production in China are likely to accelerate plans to shift some plants to neighboring nations to reduce the possibility of disruptions from political upheavals.
Over the weekend, Chinese protesters angered by Japan's nationalization of the Senkaku Islands, which are called Diaoyu in China, damaged three Panasonic Corp. plants, burned dealerships run by Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co., and ransacked stores operated by Aeon Co. and Heiwado & Co.