Japanese quake shock absorber maker admits data fabrication

fabricated quality data for seismic absorption and control devices installed in nearly 1,000 buildings across the quake-prone country.

Wow, since 2003! Going for the world record. Lying and falsifying reports ...again!

Unbelievable! Japan’s reputation for quality has pretty much been shot away by these serial fraudsters fiddling the data in company after company.

There are undoubtedly many companies who are honest, but perception is everything and reputation is shaped by perception.

Template for press conference:

”Sorry bla-bla-bla internal investigation bla-bla-bla”

bow at 90 degrees

Oh? But but Japan makes no mistakes and has highest quality standards in the entire known galaxy (massive eyeroll)

Flashbacks to Takata anyone? Japan used to have a reputation of supplying quality products. However, that reputation has now change to money-grubbing liars who will do and say anything to keep the money coming in.

Yaaaay, another one to add to the massive list of scandals. These especially are worrisome since we are talking about safety and lives here. Deserves a harsher punishment.

How can they replace already installed shocks on completed buildings ？

What is happening to Japan ？？？

Wash... rinse... and repeat.  (See translation below)

Falsify... deep bow... wait till things cool down and do it again.

S

Unbelievable! Japan’s reputation for quality has pretty much been shot away by these serial fraudsters fiddling the data in company after company.

If that is the case, it has not yet significantly impacted exports.

If this does damage "Japan's reputation," that would indicate a double standard. Germany, another country with a reputation for very high quality standards, has also had a series of corporate scandals in the last few years but this has not been generally seen as something that would harm the overall reputation of Germany.

Search on "Germany corporate scandals" to see what I am thinking of. A number of the most famous German companies have been caught out for various offenses quite similar to those of Japanese companies.

@bullfighter - where the (recent?) scandals in Germany related to the manufacturing and engineering of safety components like Japan's recent scandals are?

I would have to agree with other posters. Japan's reputation is floundering. It will catch up with them. I stopped buying Japanese cars years ago, even though I live in Japan.

Fake Japan strikes again

A city like Tokyo can only exist because people have confidence that they buildings they are in will remain standing if and when the next big one hits. If that confidence is misplaced, it's a very, very bad thing indeed. KYB should face the harshest possible penalties for this. People entrust their lives to their products.

And another... what a surprise!

Like I said YESTERDAY, there is good Reason why the term "Japan inc." is Always used as a pejorative. Made in Japan means like worse than Chinese or Korean products, but 10 times more expensive. Those who say Japanese products are Superior have zero proof, whereas we all know that this scandal is the tip of the iceberg with fabrications, that most other companies have been caught in similar scandals, and that they keep doing it because there is ZERO punishment. No one can from now on say "Japan makes the best products" and actually be serious about it. Best cars? Show me a car company not embroiled in data falsification and/or without parts made by a company engaged in the same. When your Honda crashes because of falsified safety data, the Takata airbag will send shrapnel flying through you and kill you. Cameras? Olympus, Sony, and others all engaged in scandal. Medical Equipment? Vehicles? Toshiba and Mitsubishi Heavy among others.

No country is above engaging in scandalous behavious, but other nations punish those found, often very seriously. In Japan? Well, let me switch over to the thread on Shimizu, former TEPCO operator, now in a very well-paid advisory position in a related field.

How can they replace already installed shocks on completed buildings ？

I don't know how they do it, but I understand these shock absorbers need replacing every 10 years or so. It's something to bear in mind if you are thinking of buying a menshin (免震) mansion: the cost of the replacement is going to be paid by you.

Are there ANY honest companies in japan?!?!!!

that have raised questions about the quality of Japanese products.

For me, the questions are about the quality of the data that was fabricated, more than the quality of Japanese products.

We keep hearing about problems with Japanese data, but little about problems with Japanese products.

The infrastructure ministry denied there was a risk that the affected buildings could collapse

So then what is the utility of that data?

Is the ministry correct that its data standards are useless, or lying that there is no risk? Which?

So then what is the utility of that data?

Is the ministry correct that its data standards are useless, or lying that there is no risk? Which?

In this case? Likely a slight fabrication in relation to the amount the systems absorb shaking. Instead of 70% mitigation like they said it could be 69% in reality. Still likely above the required mitigation for certification and standards. That being said, its all conjecture, but really what other data would their be for a shock system? It doesnt necessarily mean that the product itself is of bad quality. Just like the minicar scandal. The cars themselves are great, their stated gas consumption was off but that doesnt automatically mean the car is going to explode.

smithtinjapan ... nailed it again.

But data fabrication is not just in the manufacturing sector.

Look at the national government falsifying data regarding compliance to its own law covering hiring of the handicapped.

And look at one college after another, coming forward to apologize for doctoring entrance exam results ... with a satisfying bow of apology, and a promise of putting together a committee to make sure 'it will never happen again' ... again.

So quality standards in Japan aren't as high as people initially thought

Fabricated in what way ?

Modifying the data to lower the indicated quality to match requirements, or raising it - the latter being more serious.