There has been much in the international media lately about Toyota Motor Corp.'s woes, with some journalists even referring to news reports as "Japan bashing." I personally do not agree with this assessment, nor do many residents of the United States. Rather, we are simply shocked and amazed that Toyota now finds itself in this mess, as it has, for so long, been the pride of the world's drivers — as perfect an automobile company as possible. In fact, we in America tend to view Japan as the country where "simply the best" is produced, be it in electronics, automobiles or almost anything else.
I, for one, have had many Toyotas, including a Corolla, two Land Cruisers and other models. (I might add that Japan Airlines, another Japanese company that has run into trouble, was long my favorite way to fly in Asia.)
I should probably point out my love — and my family's love — for Japan. We have traveled there at least three times, and my son, Jonathan, has gone there many more times as a JET instructor. He lived in Japan and speaks fluent Japanese. He has just returned from a month stay there. It's all I can do to keep him from moving to Japan — I want him closer to home — but I feel this is a step he will take soon.
In closing, may I say to all Japanese people — and Japanese companies — that I, as an American, honor you and hope to spend much more time in your country in the coming years.