S Korean small businesses urged to boycott Japanese goods

Mon-and-pop stores account for a large volume of Japanese consumer product sales, >particularly cigarette brands like Mild Seven and Asahi beer. they should have done it long ago regardless of islets dispute.

Give the island back Japan. You already own the senkaku islands or however they are spelt. China is like your position in the dispute over the Korean held islands...they won't give them up...why? Because possession is 9/10ths of the law. They own it now. Same as Japan and their newly bought island....We own it now!

Notice that they did not decide to boycott Chinese made goods = they would have little to sell.

Some people wear their hearts on their sleeves. But can people with that sort of passion last long term.

SK is getting exciting once again and it will be interesting to watch.

Let's do the same on this side. Boycott all products lg, samsumg ....

Being mature is not reacting tit for tat, but looking for the best solution and working at it.

issa1, boycott all you like. I don't think there's any significant SK products on sale for Japanese to boycott anyway. Even without boycotts, Japanese do not buy Korean products. As for the Korean boycott, I don't feel I feel I need to join it since I've already stopped buying anything Japanese long time ago.

AlexNoaburg, Being mature is not reacting tit for tat, but looking for the best solution and working at it.,

Here in the Far East all have to be resolved in eye for an eye a tooth for tooth.

If I could only buy Korean and Chinese goods I would have stopped buying anything made in Asia decades ago.

I believe the girl in the photo, center with brown handbag, is not Korean, (her fashion sucks) so if the Koreans want to boycott Japanese products, Japanese should just avoid Korea all together.

That is stupid!!!

To OssanAmerica

If I could only buy Korean and Chinese goods I would have stopped buying anything made in Asia decades ago.

Unfortunately there are no many products “made ​​in japan” to buy more. Even paying more expensive I prefer products made in my country.

Japanese need to boycott Koreans goods in return.

So who was "the highest-ranking Japanese official"?

issa1Feb. 26, 2013 - 07:46AM JST Let's do the same on this side. Boycott all products lg, samsumg ....

And replace Galaxy SII it with what Japanese product? Outdated Sony walkman?

Yuri

Most of the smart phone LCD screens are sourced by Korean TV makers. Even Sony is sourcing from them. You have to boycott all smart phones except Nokia made by Finland for boycotting Korean products.

Let's do the same on this side. Boycott all products lg, samsumg ....

...korean dramas and band!

Maybe Japan can boycott K-pop boy and girl bands? Too hopeful?

I love my gadgets “Made ​​in Japan”. Generally products made in korea are imitation or second-tier. My Eizo monitor and my toshiba TV after 10 years is like brand new .

Japan just keeps making more friends every day.

It is noticeable that once people start talking about boycotts, it is the boycotts which become the centre of attention. The root of the problem is pushed aside, and people focus on the effects of boycotting rather than further discussion of the root cause.

Oh,but most Koreans love Japanese products!

Give the island back Japan. You already own the senkaku islands or however they are spelt. China is like your position in the dispute over the Korean held islands...they won't give them up...why? Because possession is 9/10ths of the law. They own it now. Same as Japan and their newly bought island....We own it now!

Well at least Japan isn't sending planes and boats, or locking fire-control radar on to Korean vessels.

Why not split the islands down the middle? There two main islets - perfect for splitting and joint development. Of course Korea won't have a bar of it.

Is there another country as petty and small-minded as South Korea? Well, perhaps North Korea and China. If South Korea feels it has a legitimate claim to Takeshima, why not take their claim to the World Court or the International Court of Justice? There will never be any real peace in Asia as long as Korea and China insist on living in the past, they seem unable to realize or accept that it is impossible to change history..

An association of South Korea shopowners Monday urged millions of its members to boycott Japanese goods in protest at Japan’s continued claim to a tiny set of islets at the heart of a decades-old dispute.

They are just opportunists. Tip for tat, don't buy Korea products and don't drink Jinro and other Korea Liquor.

you can not get into a trade war.. that will accomplish nothing and plays into the hands of those who want to bring down Japan... neighbors should be working to build each other up.. healthy economy and friendship between peoples creates economic wealth for both ... there are also a lot of Koreans in Japan are you going to boycott them also? America is basically neutral on this issue.. and just would like everyone to get along and remember there is North Korea is the bad guy here.. Are these islands worth anything for fishing or as a base for military or scientific study... make them independent countries... part of no mans land... is this just ego and revenge?

Japan is losing friends fast.

Which "friends"? South Korea always hated Japan. Idem for China and Russia. It's natural, because of history and silly territorial disputes. So, I don't get your point.

Another nail in the coffin for the increasingly bankrupt Japan Inc.

"herefornowFeb. 26, 2013 - 09:14AM JST

Japan just keeps making more friends every day."

I am not sure what you mean; when was Korea ever a "friend" of Japan? Korea has hated Japan with a passion for a very long time, probably ever since Korea was annexed by Japan in 1910 or even earlier. That was supposedly all resolved in 1965; however the Korean nature will not allow them to move on; they regard past grievances as if they happened yesterday. There is also great resentment toward Japan in Korea because Japan has always been ahead of them economically, technologically and culturally. Korea suffers from the same kind of envy, jealousy and inferiority complex as their cousins in China, which is why there will never be real peace in Asia. Every generation feels it has to fight and re-fight the battles of their ancestors.

Japanese do not buy Korean products

That's funny...I see Hyundai cars all over the place. Especially rental cars.

Another nail in the coffin for the increasingly bankrupt Japan Inc.

While Japanese economy is in a very bad condition, I don't think Japanese products have a big market in South Korea, so the impact shouldn't be important. When China boycotts Japanese products, well it's a completely different story. If Japan started to boycott K-pop stuff, this could be painful for K-pop industry. Basically around 50% of their earnings is from Japanese market.

Like I said before, the people in JP will suffer the consequences for Abes actions. Its so sad for the hard working people who have to suffer because of a stupid dispute. Any sensible person would see how pointless this fight is, but I doubt any sense is left in JP at all.

So let me get this straight. The members of this organization are urging other members to not sell Japanese products. Knowing the Koreans, what's going to happen is that some of these members will go against the these members wishes and actively sell Japanese products to make a killing off of these numb nut members.

@humanrights: while I don't support Abe at all, Japan isn't the only "bad" guy in these territorial disputes. China, South Korea and Russia are very nationalistic and aggressive as well. These idiotic disputes are all about money and supremacy in the Pacific area, and all the countries involved are acting shamefully. They would be ready to start a war for a bunch of damn rocks in the sea. All of them are acting like pathetic losers, to me.They talk about "learning from history", when a bunch of rocks is apparently more important than peace in their mind. Tsk.

You don’t see Hyundai here in my place, because you don’t know where I live. Pulse those cars are ugly anyway.

Maybe if Korean beer didn't taste like water they wouldn't need to import Asahi in the first place.

Nationalism rears its ugly head once again, bringing with it unnecessary suffering for more people. And for what? Two ugly rocks inhabited by seagulls. Human beings are truly stupid.

@bannedacctsam: Uh? Troll story? There's an article about this fact also on The Korea Times: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2013/02/123_131118.html

A vast majority of moderate Japanese and Koreans acknowledge that there are differences between the two nations but they also want a productive and measured resolution.

Instead of focusing on the opinion and view of the vast majority, this article is catering on the idiotic actions of fringe to incite a reaction from it's readers.

They were showing one of these protests on the news. One of the Korean protesters pulled out a box cutter and started slashing his arms/belly as part of the protest.

Seriously.

Cutting himself... Over a couple of islands that he will probably NEVER visit.

I remember seeing a site that documented some of the sillier things Korean people do when they start protesting. While not "trash the entire city" Chinese style, it really makes you question the sanity of these people.

@bannedacctsam: so, you are basically ignoring the fact that this story is reported also by The Korea Times. I think there are both some Japanese and Koreans that want have a good relation between their countries.

Japan already 'boycotted' Gangnam style, so a super sensitive S Korean is more likely to boycott anything Japanese!

And replace Galaxy SII it with what Japanese product? Outdated Sony walkman?

Sony Xperia is very similar. Xperia Ion/TL with the 4.6" is bigger than the Galaxy Sii 4.3"

Issa: "I love my gadgets “Made ​​in Japan”."

They're all made in China, actually. 'Made in Japan' failed a long, long time ago. And go ahead and try and boycott SK products all you like: won't change the fact that Samsung outsells all Japanese electronics companies, or that K-pop, Korean movies, and Korean dramas are more popular around the world and in Japan than their Japanese counterparts.

afanofjapan: "I remember seeing a site that documented some of the sillier things Korean people do when they start protesting."

Beats the netuyou freaks in Japan.

K-pop, Korean movies, and Korean dramas are more popular around the world and in Japan than their Japanese counterparts.

I question your claim that K-pop, Korean movies and Korean dramas are more popular in Japan than their Japanese counterparts.

@smithinjapan: well, do you think Samsung is really made in Korea?

Sorry smith.

Samsung does not outsell all Japanese electronics companies. Nit even close.

i will stop listening to KARA instead will stock up my pod with AKB48!!! >:(

http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2011/07/30/34/0301000000AEN20110730001800320F.HTML

The Dokdo islands is maybe the only topic NK and SK agree on.

Let South Koreans boycott Japanese goods in South Korea. No problem. Sell Japanese goods on huge Russian market instead of Korean one. After that Koreans will forget about their "boycott".

@nigelboy: he is right about that. But he is wrong if he thinks that Korean companies don't outsource their manufacturing to China. Anyway, companies go up and down. I'm sure the next greatest electronics companies ever will be Chinese. Only look at Haier. It's like history works. So stuff like "oh, my products are better than yours" is so...childish.

slumdog: "I question your claim that K-pop, Korean movies and Korean dramas are more popular in Japan than their Japanese counterparts."

Then you better question all the black trucks demanding Japanese TV stop broadcasting them and Tsutaya stop renting them as they top the charts. http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment/view/korean-tv-drama-dvd-rentals-exceed-hollywood-japanese-films

Of course, you COULD be immature like iTunes Japan and other Japanese firms and not offer Gangnam Style for sale because you're insanely jealous of its success.

Alex80

Do you know how many Japanese electronic companies are listed on the Fortune 500? Nine.

nigelboy: "Samsung does not outsell all Japanese electronics companies. Nit even close."

It does, actually. Beats Panasonic in sales by far. Don't you remember denying that last year?

smithinjapan http://www.who-sucks.com/people/the-exciting-world-of-south-korean-protests It really is a laugh

nigelboy: "Do you know how many Japanese electronic companies are listed on the Fortune 500? Nine."

COMBINED they outsell Samsung. Individually they do not. You may not like that fact, but it's true.

Sorry alex80. Make that ten.

@nigelboy: I know that Samsung is the greatest electronic company in the world, and yeah, it outsells all Japanese electronics companies. Anyway...is that really important? All these nationalistic rants are stupid, in my opinion. They are damn companies that exploit tons of people in the poorest countries. Yesterday Sony, today Samsung, tomorrow another brand...who cares. Always the same crap, in ethical terms.

Smithinjapan

Then what are you bragging about considering the fact Samsung is half owned by a foreign entity?

Then you better question all the black trucks demanding Japanese TV stop broadcasting them and Tsutaya stop renting them as they top the charts. http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment/view/korean-tv-drama-dvd-rentals-exceed-hollywood-japanese-films

First, rentals of DVDs in the month of July 2011 does not equal your claim that K-pop, Korean movies and Korean dramas are more popular in Japan than their Japanese counterparts in total.

If you have a source that is current and proves your claim, I am happy to look at it. However, linking a JT article talking about one month's rentals a year and a half ago seems to lead to the conclusion you are looking for proof after coming up with your claim and not the other way around.

They're all made in China, actually

So, are a lot of Samsung's. What is your point?

chucky3176FEB. 26, 2013 - 07:59AM JST issa1, boycott all you like. I don't think there's any significant SK products on sale for Japanese to boycott anyway. Even without boycotts, Japanese do not buy Korean products. As for the Korean boycott, I don't feel I feel I need to join it since I've already stopped buying anything Japanese long time ago.

Why do Koreans have such an inferiority complex when it comes to Japan?

Well, they should try to boycott North-Korean goods since this country has claims about the same islets + the whole South Korea. Oh wait, there is nothing to boycott.

Not at all. I would never buy the cheap inferior Japanese goods. Go to any electronic stores in the West, the cheap crap that sits in the back of the stores gathering dust, are the Japanese ones. Only in Japan do they sell number one - despite the fact that they are inferior products. Japanese will only buy their own companies because they think they are the best, when they are not even close.

smithinjapan: Of course, you COULD be immature like iTunes Japan and other Japanese firms and not offer Gangnam Style for sale because you're insanely jealous of its success.

...or you could just ban the broadcast of all Korean programming altogether. After all, that's what was at the root of all those protests last year - the Koreans refuse to broadcast any Japanese media, and Japanese actors face legal barriers as far as working in Korea is concerned. It's only 8 years ago that you could even legally sell Japanese music in Korea, and before 1999 there was an outright ban on all Japanese media and performance, so I guess that's progress.

Oh, and itunes Japan certainly does offer Gangnam Style for sale - I just checked.

Not at all. I would never buy the cheap inferior Japanese goods.

Says who? Proud Chinese, huh?! :-)))))))

afanofjapan: "smithinjapan http://www.who-sucks.com/people/the-exciting-world-of-south-korean-protests It really is a laugh"

You get this from 2channel?

nigelboy: "Then what are you bragging about considering the fact Samsung is half owned by a foreign entity?"

I'm not bragging about anything, except that you are wrong, as usual. I don't use Samsung -- I prefer Japanese products (usually assembled and/or made in China, of course) -- I was just pointing out the facts. Samsung outsells Japanese companies. I'm sorry that makes you upset. My comment was made to counter those who knee-jerk and say things like Issa does.

JanesBlonde: "Why do Koreans have such an inferiority complex when it comes to Japan?"

You're joking, right?

http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment/view/korean-tv-drama-dvd-rentals-exceed-hollywood-japanese-films

After this news was released right-wingers went on a rampage, demanding Japanese broadcasters stop showing Korean dramas. Why? the insecurity you speak of.

slumdog: It is a reflection of how things were and still are. Granted, the Japanese industry is doing its best to pimp little girls in lingerie (AKB) while not offering the Korean goods the public wants, but hey. You may not like it, but the facts remain the facts. But go ahead and show me how many J-pop bands, Japanese movies, or Japanese dramas are popular anywhere but Japan vs. Korean acts making it big in the US and in extremely high demand in Japan and at home.

You can't, can you?

slumdog: you can easily find the facts yourself. I just chose to give you an example from JT's own finest. K-pop now essentially OWNS Oricon, and even Johnny's Jimusho is raking in heaps more from individual K-pop boy-bands than most of their Japanese counterparts combined. Japanese pop and dramas fail on so many levels compared to Korean work, and there are next to ZERO cross-over attempts in other nations, whereas K-pop and Korean works lend easily to doing so -- superior music, choreography, etc. You want links? type any K-pop band into your Google search window; you know the names already because they are huge here.

@ Technosphere

"Says who? Proud Chinese, huh?"

Do read carefully that this article is about S. Korean small business urged to boycott Japanese goods and has nothing to do with the Chinese. You are barking up the wrong tree.

technosphere: "Says who? Proud Chinese, huh?! :-)))))))"

Weren't you guys calling him Korean yesterday? make up your minds! He's right, though. Add to the fact that Japanese electronics companies force their staff to buy everything from their company and you account for most of the sales. Some goods are decent, but are usually rip-offs and overpriced. I still like my Sony goods, but given the problems Sony is having I'm not sure that will last.

I'm not bragging about anything, except that you are wrong, as usual. I don't use Samsung -- I prefer Japanese products (usually assembled and/or made in China, of course) -- I was just pointing out the facts. Samsung outsells Japanese companies. I'm sorry that makes you upset. My comment was made to counter those who knee-jerk and say things like Issa does.

Why would it make me upset when I just pointed out to you the fact 10 Japanese electronics companies are listed on Fortune 500 while it just so happens that the largest electronics company in the world which is the pride of Korea is owned half by a foreign entity.?

It's a typical Korean response when they compare themselves to Japan.

"Korea is dominating the world market. Look at Samsung, LG, Hyundai, etc!!"

When asked what "etc" are, you usually get a non response. So how about it smith? Can you brag about Korean products that doesn't involve the overused Samsung, LG?

If Japan boycotted Korean pop, then that's up to the Japanese to do so. Frankly, I'm sick and tired myself, of seeing Korean acts getting exploited and pimped over there in Japan, and making Japanese promoters rich. And I certainly don't like Korean acts singing in Japanese either. Japan, if they boycott, will do a ton of favors for lot of Koreans who are sick of seeing Kpop acts in Japan.

the Koreans refuse to broadcast any Japanese media, and Japanese actors face legal barriers as far as working in Korea is concerned.

You are quite wrong there. There are no legal barriers for Japanese actors to work in Korea. There have been a number of Japanese who have worked in Korean TV dramas recently, from top of my head, at least three, probably more. As for broadcasting Japanese media being prevented from being air, I don' t know what you're talking about, because the cable channels are full of Japanese media. But unfortunately, Japanese drama and JPOP are not popular at all - they have low ratings because they are not quality shows. But hey, Koreans like Japanese anime and porn. That's something isn't it?

nigelboy: "It's a typical Korean response when they compare themselves to Japan."

True, the typical Korean response is to point out the facts when Japan likes to pad itself and pat itself on the back.

"Why would it make me upset?"

Beats me, but it does.

"So how about it smith? Can you brag about Korean products that doesn't involve the overused Samsung, LG?"

First admit you were wrong about Samsung not outselling Japanese companies -- and don't mistake it, you were wrong. I won't hold my breath.

chucky: "But unfortunately, Japanese drama and JPOP are not popular at all - they have low ratings because they are not quality shows. But hey, Koreans like Japanese anime and porn. That's something isn't it?"

Bang on, so to speak. When you point out the fact that Japanese pop music, dramas, movies, etc. just don't cut it in other nations people here get pretty upset and demand you ban anything else that does. There are exceptions, of course, and as you mention anime and porn (Japan produces 99% of porn from Asia), but on the whole it's generally agreed that Japan produces little of value in terms of entertainment. Wait, horror movies from Japan can be pretty amazing.

Nigelboy, those Korean companies are doing very well, it looks stupid to knock them. But what about the ten Japanese companies? They are all facing bankruptcy. Companies like Sony, Sharp, Panasonic, Elpida - none of them are profitable, and are losing fists full of money. They are still up and running only because the Japanese government bails them out every time. I think that's why so many Japanese are hating on Koreans these days, because they blame all their problems on Korea.

xIt's a typical Korean response when they compare themselves to Japan.

"Korea is dominating the world market. Look at Samsung, LG, Hyundai, etc!!"

When asked what "etc" are, you usually get a non response. So how about it smith? Can you brag about Korean products that doesn't involve the overused Samsung, LG?

Umm, so tat for tit, I guess I will buy my next desert from Sakura-ya grocery store, 1 block away, instead of from Natural delicatessen/Korean market, here in polyglot Forest Hills NYC USA. Oh, you silly children.

True, the typical Korean response is to point out the facts when Japan likes to pad itself and pat itself on the back.

Pointing out facts is never a strong suit among Korean posters.

Beats me, but it does.

Why would I? They're merely assemblers of consumer electronics gadgets which I again, reiterate the fact that they are half owned by a foreign entity.

First admit you were wrong about Samsung not

Not wrong. Just wasn't sure what you meant. You could of just stated your point by stating that Samsung is the largest electronic company in the world.

you can easily find the facts yourself. I just chose to give you an example from JT's own finest. K-pop now essentially OWNS Oricon, and even Johnny's Jimusho is raking in heaps more from individual K-pop boy-bands than most of their Japanese counterparts combined. Japanese pop and dramas fail on so many levels compared to Korean work, and there are next to ZERO cross-over attempts in other nations, whereas K-pop and Korean works lend easily to doing so -- superior music, choreography, etc. You want links? type any K-pop band into your Google search window; you know the names already because they are huge here.

I found absolutely no links showing the following:

K-pop, Korean movies and Korean dramas are currently more popular in Japan than their Japanese counterparts. That K-pop essentially owns Oricon That even Johnny's Jimusho rakes in heaps more from individual K-pop boy bands than most of their Japanese counterparts combined

Could you point me in the direction of links that show these things?

Back on topic please.

S. Korea should be thankful that Japanese TV broadcasts allows so many shows to be aired and K-bands to appear, what is all this aggravation. I applaud Japan for being openminded as opposed to S. Korea who are quite nationalistic when coming to buying only S. Korean products. Korea should be thankful that they have been allowed to penetrate the U.S. market., through low pricing and decent quality. Japanese electronics have had it difficult because of the bad dollar yen rates which now with the slight correction will allow Japanese makers to make a come back. So don't count out Japan Chucky cheese.

This boycotting act continues in a vicious cycle. Japan knew this was coming. But Japanese don't buy korean goods so a boycott from the japanese won't do much. Plus historical and territorial issues will further isolate japan.

@chucky: Go to any electronic stores in the West, the cheap crap that sits in the back of the stores gathering dust, are the Japanese ones.

Dream on, dream on.

Japanese products are not cheap and the price is one of their disadvantages. But you pay for quality so if you want good quality you do not hesitate to pay more.

Amazing how virtually all Koreans believe these rocks jutting up out of the ocean exactly halfway between Korea and Japan belong to Korea, and virtually all Japanese believe these rocks belong to Japan.

nigelboy: "Not wrong. Just wasn't sure what you meant."

Sorry, bud. You were flat out wrong. "Samsung outsells Japanese companies" is not that hard to misinterpret, unless you are trying to do so of your own volition.

"Pointing out facts is never a strong suit among Korean posters."

So find a Korean poster and say that to them, instead of being wrong, yet again. No surprise you can't differentiate among nationalities, seeing as how wrong you are about Japanese companies outselling Samsung ("nit even close!")

slumdog: You tend to find nothing when you have blinders on, my friend. I can give you links but it won't matter because you'll refuse to acknowledge them because they are not from 2channel or the netayou. It's fact, bro, same as the fact Samsung outsells its Japanese counterparts, which even nigelboy admits he was wrong about.

Moderator: The next time you are impolite toward another reader, you will be suspended from the discussion board.

@smithinjapan

Generous japan had a protest from those few hours of Korean content shown on japanese television. Holding the rising sun flag and shouting out racial slurs is not what I call generous and being open minded.

Plus, japanese companies profit from this too. It's called business.

One thing is for sure without Japanese components, neither Sumsung or LG will have a product to sell. On the other hand if it's just LC monitors Sharp's Igizo had sparked Sharp back to life.

"I would never buy the cheap inferior Japanese goods. "

In the mobile sector, yes, despite the higher prices, Samsung is outselling J competitors in every aspects.

That's the only exception while on every other sectors, K products are known for cheap prices, not quality.

Then, do you know that Camry is the best car in Korea in 2012? Canon and Nikon lead the world in the Camera sector.

Just because you don't like Japan and don't want to use its products, doesn't mean they are inferior. What you are doing basically similar to those Detroit workers in the 80's. Also, you have the same mindset and mentality as some Japanese that you always criticized for looking down on Korea.

S. Korea should be thankful that Japanese TV broadcasts allows so many shows to be aired and K-bands to appear, what is all this aggravation.

They do this because there's a demand, and money to make. But I know many Japanese will keep on insisting Korean conspiracy.

I applaud Japan for being openminded as opposed to S. Korea who are quite nationalistic when coming to buying only S. Korean products.

There are on the average, five anti Korean demonstrations per month held in Tokyo for the last two years, demanding Koreans to be kicked out. There have been many protests in front of TV stations, demanding a couple of hours of Korean shows being shown daily to be stopped. Koreans buy a boatload of Japanese cars made in America, and European cars - foreign cars now represent 12% of the market. South Korea has a trade deficit with Europe. I think you are confusing Japan with Korea.

Korea should be thankful that they have been allowed to penetrate the U.S. market., through low pricing and decent quality. Japanese electronics have had it difficult because of the bad dollar yen rates which now with the slight correction will allow Japanese makers to make a come back.

If you did check of the US electronics market, it was the Japanese makers who were on discount pricing, not the Korean products which amazingly were more expensive than the Japanese makes. This, despite Japan at that time having a very strong Yen. The world isn't going to buy Sony Xperia's over Samsung Galaxy, just because the Yen has gotten cheaper now. Times are changing, Japanese have to start getting used to the new world order.

SamuraiBlue: Cars and cameras weren't invented by the japanese. Japan developed none of these and the list only grows. Japan was known for copying a few decades back. also We should be thanking the West for the tech.

JA_Cruise: "S. Korea should be thankful that Japanese TV broadcasts allows so many shows to be aired and K-bands to appear,"

Don't say that to the obasan next door who is sad about the last K-drama ending and is looking forward to the next. Don't say it to the hundreds of thousands of Japanese who don't know the name SMAP but can sing KARA or 2PM. The companies make profit, and hence the broadcasts -- it's not out of the goodness of their hearts or anything.

One thing is for sure without Japanese components, neither Sumsung or LG will have a product to sell. On the other hand if it's just LC monitors Sharp's Igizo had sparked Sharp back to life

I believe you have it wrong the other way. If it wasn't for Samsung and LG buying Japanese components, many Japanese companies like Sharp wouldn't be around by now. For instance, Samsung buying Sharp panels and displays because Samsung can't keep up with production demand, so they order extra displays from Sharp. Without Samsung business which keeps Sharp afloat, Sharp would have been buried long time ago. Japan is not in a condition to start boycotting Korea, which is Japan's third largest export destination in the world after the US and China.

That's the only exception while on every other sectors, K products are known for cheap prices, not quality.

Those are your own perception backed up by none. Check out the US Consumer reports and see how many Korean and Japanese products compare in reality. I concede that Japan still has the slight upper hand in auto industry in terms of technology.

Then, do you know that Camry is the best car in Korea in 2012? Canon and Nikon lead the world in the Camera sector.

Which shows you the openness of the Korean auto market, to allow the Japanese car to become the car of the year. No way Japan will be as open. And who cares about cameras, other than the small mania population? Most people carry around smartphones for that.

EastAsiaForeigner

So?

What's the problem?

Toyota is the biggest Automobile manufacturer globally today and beside Canon and Nikon the camera industry is virtually non-exsistant except maybe one or two minor German/Swiss manufacturers.

JA_Cruise: "S. Korea should be thankful that Japanese TV broadcasts allows so many shows to be aired and K-bands to appear, what is all this aggravation."

They do this because it makes them money, as it is in demand, same as others have pointed out after me without their posts being removed as "off topic". Any "Tit-for-tat" game played here would be a loss to all, and moreso to Japan.

>There are on the average, five anti Korean demonstrations per month held in Tokyo for the last two years, demanding Koreans to be kicked out. There have been many protests in front of TV stations, demanding a couple of hours of Korean shows being shown daily to be stopped. Koreans buy a boatload of Japanese cars made in America, and European cars - foreign cars now represent 12% of the market. South Korea has a trade deficit with Europe. I think you are confusing Japan with Korea.

This is a small population and is not in the media. Cannot remember the last time i saw a demonstration in Japan against S. Korea and don't see any bad sentiments towards SK. S. Korea is just now starting to compete with Japan on foreign imported cars and really around the same level, check out Wilkpedia. But Japan has had a much longer history of importing foreign cars than Korea. And what electronics shops do you shop in, clearly Samsung and LG are undercutting the market, which they had to, to break in to the market. And clearly Japan cannot compete with such a lopsided FX market. Just take a look at LCD and plasma screens, LG is incredibly cheap.

And in regards to Xperia versus Samsung, in worldwide markets they get beat because Xperia just has so much functionality on it and too advanced for those markets. But for the domestic market, Xperia is a great phone, one I much prefer over Galaxy.

JA_Cruise: "This is a small population and is not in the media. Cannot remember the last time i saw a demonstration in Japan against S. Korea"

Try the other day when people protested against SK and held the silly 'Takeshima Day' event. If that's not soon enough for you to recall, I can go back a ways to at least a few dozen protests last year, including wingers demanding Japanese companies stop airing SKorean dramas. Would you like the 65 million links?

"And what electronics shops do you shop in, clearly Samsung and LG are undercutting the market, which they had to, to break in to the market."

Which is to say Japanese companies are used to screwing the customer and still getting paid for it.

"And clearly Japan cannot compete"

Agreed.

"And in regards to Xperia versus Samsung, in worldwide markets they get beat because Xperia just has so much functionality on it and too advanced for those markets. But for the domestic market, Xperia is a great phone, one I much prefer over Galaxy"

'Xperia is too advanced' for other markets? Sorry, but it's an inferior product, and that's all.

Agreed.

Japan is competing just fine. Japanese products, including the number one selling brand Toyota are still quite popular. I think it is great Korea is doing so well. However, I see no reason to claim things that are not true to exaggerate Korea's performance.

slumdog: That's what this thread is ultimately about, isn't it? one nation saying its goods are above the other and they should avoid the other's for something that is completely unrelated. Japan's performance as you say is great when it comes to Toyoto, and Korea's when it comes to most other electronics. In either case, it's petty that either nation should avoid buying something out of spite.

China, Korea and Japan may have long histories and rich cultures, but they sure behave like cliquish schoolyard kids. Nyahnyahnyah......my xxxx is better than yours.

Let me get this straight. So it is claimed Korean islands in the "Sea of Japan". gee if there was a sofa in the "House of mine" then maybe the fact that it is mine would have some bearing.

How about this: Move the said "Korean islands" out of the "Sea of Japan". Otherwise have a cig and a beer and chillax.

Both of these peoples just want any excuse to hate each other. Asians are a jealous tiny people with napoleon syndrome and childish attitudes. I think they outta just fight and hate each other. Oh they already do. small, small, small.

Korean are slowly replacing Japan world's no. 1 ranking in global electronic high end productions, follow by automobile and computerize field, soon Japan will need to bow to Korea...

That's what this thread is ultimately about, isn't it? one nation saying its goods are above the other and they should avoid the other's for something that is completely unrelated.

The one nation in this case happens to be Korea. Which begs the question why there is so much untrue and unnecessary bashing of Japanese products.

Japan's performance as you say is great when it comes to Toyoto, and Korea's when it comes to most other electronics. In either case, it's petty that either nation should avoid buying something out of spite.

I agree. I doubt South Korea will follow through with something like this. Both countries produce great products, including their electronics and automobiles.

This pickering is getting neither side anywhere.

And in regards to Xperia versus Samsung, in worldwide markets they get beat because Xperia just has so much functionality on it and too advanced for those markets. But for the domestic market, Xperia is a great phone, one I much prefer over Galaxy.

http://www.androidpit.com/video-test-xperia-z-note-2-nexus-4

These are all heavy hitters in the big Android phone/computer contest. If great audio is the must then Xperia may be your choice. The Galaxy S4 comes out in March with a 5" The Galaxy Note I/II has been ahead of the curve (and still is). -a very innovative device.

People should be happy that NK and SK finally agree on something (DokDo islands). That is a big first step in any relationship.

Let me get this straight. So it is claimed Korean islands in the "Sea of Japan". gee if there was a sofa in the "House of mine" then maybe the fact that it is mine would have some bearing.

By that reasoning, 'East China Sea' means that those rocks belong to the Chinese, try telling that to your avarge black van hinomaru waving flat-head.

Why is this news? Some tiny business association calls for a boycott of Japanese goods and it gets top billing here on Japantoday? Absurd.

glad I never own any Korean branded products

jaseinspace1, it's obviously big news in Japan because they are worried. In Korea, hardly anyone even notices, because nobody cares. It's some tiny group of grocer's association who says they won't offer to sell Japanese beer and cigs. You look up the numerous number of negative stories on Korea in Japan, then look at the few number of stories about Japan in Korea, and you get the feeling Japan is getting less and less relevant in Korea.

The problem is similar to mainland China, the disparity of wealth is a fast growing problem and they need some kind of distraction to deflect it. The main reason why Korean products are so low in cost is because of the national policy to devalue their currency and all the international Korean companies keeps the pay to their employees at a low rate so they can lead in competition.

If you look at the breakdown of their national reserve of foreign currencies you'll find that they are mostly junk bonds that are considered toxic in the global finacial market.

Another interesting point is how their industy is built. SInce the Koreans had selectively placed emphasis on certain industries while neglecting others, there is a large gap that they themselves cannot cover. For example if you look at crude oil import, Japanese trading companies are doing the actual purchasing and Korea is placing the orders from these Japanese trading comapnies. Same with exports in which many heavy electric machineries are sold through Japanese trading companies as well in which Japan acts as the international agent for their products.

If you look at the breakdown of their national reserve of foreign currencies you'll find that they are mostly junk bonds that are considered toxic in the global finacial market.

http://www.google.com/finance?q=USDKRW (Korean Won is stable to US dollar, but most currencies are being devalued down together now) -hit the 10yr chart.

Korean Won has not been historically a traded commodity, but that is changing with huge manufacturing exports (like Japan has/had). I would say Korea exports act as their currency in lieu of the Won.

national reserve of foreign currencies: Well let's take a real look at that: How much does the Federal Reserve hold in physical gold at Ft Knox and elsewhere? -It is unknown and most likely way less than 1% of printed fiat currency. How much does the BOJ (Bank of Japan) hold in reserve?

When you look at fiat currency (money) you must figure what the money is truly worth. -In the streets of Seoul you can get more for your Won than the Yen in the streets of Tokyo and that is the ultimate test for any currency. The people of Korea win vs Japan in the currency battle since their costs are lower and they can buy more. The other question would be how much do people earn and how much of that can be spent (does the cheap costs effect salary/earnings). For the outsider it doesn't matter you come in and notice you can buy more at a cheaper price in Korea -that is obvious.

Man...lol... I don't know where these crazy ideals on Korean economy come from. I think the Japanese media are pretty much the guilty party, peddling all these nonsense to deflect their own insecurities about Korea.

Fact 1: South Korea's sovereign credit rating is now higher than Japan's.

Fact 2: South Korea's credit default insurance is now lower than Japan's. This means Japan has now more chance of going bankrupt, than Korea, so therefore it's more expensive to insure Japanese credit.

Boycott ? Because Takeshima issue? Sex slave issue? Takeshima and Dokto is not the same island based on few documented proof from Korea since 512 AD. This sex slave issue is totally fabricated issue. A lot of Japanese as well as Koreans know the original source today. Who fabricated and produced in 1977 and 1982 also known today.

So, why again, this boycott movement happened? I am sick of it. Japan and Korea needs to help each other for North and China Issue. Who get benefit from this!!!

Nigelboy, those Korean companies are doing very well, it looks stupid to knock them. But what about the ten Japanese companies? They are all facing bankruptcy. Companies like Sony, Sharp, Panasonic, Elpida - none of them are profitable, and are losing fists full of money. They are still up and running only because the Japanese government bails them out every time. I think that's why so many Japanese are hating on Koreans these days, because they blame all their problems on Korea.

Chucky. Of course they are. There are 10 electronic companies listed in the global Fortune 500, all competing in the small island nation so yeah, there bound to be "losers" within the industry unlike South Korea where the major conglomorates take up over 60% of Korea's GDP.　The said 10 companies total sales is over $622 billion while Korea's big two account for $198 billion. You want to talk autos? $535 billion versus $109 billion. But do go on with "Samsung, LG, Hyundai, ETC." argument while emphasizing on few Japanese companies that lost money out of 60+ Global Fortune 500 that are doing quite well.

Also, your "perception" of Japanese products are from BestBuy where many of the features are not introduced or needed in the West and therefore boils down to how cheap they are. For instance, the feature of One seg (able to view digital TV broadcast), electronic money (ability to purchase items by placing the phone on a scanner at retail stores), smart kaden (operate washing machine, air conditioner setting, rice cooker) are some of the infrastructure that exists in Japan. In essence, the problems with some of the companies is that they were too stubborn to divest in this highly competetive hence small margin market instead of focusing on their respective strengths (like Hitachi, Toshiba, and Mitsubishi Electric)

Can't we all just get along?

Andrew Decena

Can't we all just get along?

Definitely not! and certainly not!

Can't we all just get along?

Not when we all want to be number one!

Can't we all just get along?

Not when we all want to be number one!

Why don't you let the rest of Asia (except China, of course) decide which country's products are more superior? Most people from Asian countries, especially developing ones like Vietnam and Myanmar, have begun to get tired of poisonous Chinese products and longed for Made-in-Japans. Don't you get surprised that why they don't ask for Korean products? Needless to say, most Korean products are almost the same as the Chinese, except for the fact that they are a little safer and better. Even some famous Korean instant noodles imported are contaminated with carcinogenic additives. The only brand that SK could take pride in is Samsung. On the other hands, almost all of Japanese products are safe. Ask around and find out if it's true.

South Korea and Japan both prove that they have "little" people with, these boycotts will only hurt BOTH countries!!

Tony EwFeb. 26, 2013 - 11:15AM JST

"Japan already 'boycotted' Gangnam style, so a super sensitive S Korean is more likely to boycott anything Japanese!"

I am not sure that Japan "boycotted" Gangnam style; they probably just thought that it was silly and there is a lot of other entertainment available that is much better. I am not Japanese and do not live in Japan, but I know many people like myself who watched that just once and thought it kind of amusing but rather stupid and would not bother with it again. That anybody would go ga-ga over something like that is puzzling; all it tells me is that a lot of people are very easily amused to be entertained by something as shallow as that. If the Koreans think that is great, then I believe it tells you that their culture is definitely lacking something.

@ A Realist Well said!

badsey3

Try looking at the figures IMF has about SK and compare it with Japan. Here are the links;

http://www.imf.org/external/np/sta/ir/IRProcessWeb/data/kor/eng/curkor.htm

http://www.imf.org/external/np/sta/ir/IRProcessWeb/data/jpn/eng/curjpn.htm

As you can clearly see SK's foregin currency reserves has a very high percentage of Securities in banks headquartered outside ROK which is higher than that of Japan although Japan has 4 times the amount in total offcial asset reserves.

OK, why bring this back up now?

Japan has been boycotting Korean products for decades. Most Japanese just don't buy Made in Korea because they think they are inferior. It's a superiority complex. In fact, the Japanese are the ONLY people in the world who deliberately don't buy Samsung, LG, Hyundai, Kia, or "Gangnam Style" because they're Korean. Such "unique" people, aren't they? Such beautiful, graceful people...

So Koreans don't care about Japan any more.

Such "unique" people, aren't they? Such beautiful, graceful people...

Your comment is disturbing to say the least.

＞Sir_EdgarFeb. 28, 2013 - 09:49PM JST

Japan has been boycotting Korean products for decades. Most Japanese just don't buy Made in Korea because they >think they are inferior.

What products made in South Korea are "superior" to Japanese ones? I don't mean "equal" I mean "superior". I really can't think of anything other than probably Kimchee,

Noise & bluster. This isn't a govt org, just a business association, so there's no real threat behind it. If it really comprises "millions" of small shops, what will the compliance be like? Small shops run on a very tight margin, particularly mom & pop shops, so unlikely most can afford to do this.

Can these small shops afford to replace Japanese products with non-Japanese products? Likely not in the short term, and in the long term, it will be forgotten - not Dokdo, but the call to boycott. Maybe they'll hide Japanese products for a while until the hullabaloo dies down, then reintroduce them. And if a customer wants it, are they gonna say no?

Just another example of hot head blowhards getting all red in the face: sound and fury signifying nothing. Anyway, when was the last time a voluntary commercial call to boycott amounted to anything, anywhere?

OssanAmerica: Samsung mobile phones are superior to Sony Ericsson mobile phones.

Xeno23: People don't HAVE to smoke Mild Seven cigarettes. They don't HAVE to drink Asahi beer. There are so many choices now.

badsey3 Try looking at the figures IMF has about SK and compare it with Japan. Here are the links; http://www.imf.org/external/np/sta/ir/IRProcessWeb/data/kor/eng/curkor.htm http://www.imf.org/external/np/sta/ir/IRProcessWeb/data/jpn/eng/curjpn.htm As you can clearly see SK's foregin currency reserves has a very high percentage of Securities in banks headquartered outside ROK which is higher than that of Japan although Japan has 4 times the amount in total offcial asset reserves.

Korea: (iii) banks headquartered outside the reporting country 17,561.00 (i) other national central banks, BIS and IMF 617.00 (3) SDRs 3,526.00

Japan: (iii) banks headquartered outside the reporting country 1,663.00 (i) other national central banks, BIS and IMF 9,977.00 (3) SDRs 19,968.00

You do have sort of a point there but it is kind of offset by BIS (Bank for International Settlements). SDRs are IMF (special drawing rights) currency. Countries hold assets and currency outside = not necessarily a bad thing and really you are looking at low billions which is almost insignificant for Japan and Korea economy.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-16/western-asset-favors-korean-bonds-amid-global-slump.html

South Korea’s sovereign rating was raised to the fourth highest investment grade of Aa3 by Moody’s in August, after which Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings also upgraded the country. The nation’s 10-year debt yields 2.95 percent and that compares with 0.76 percent for similar-maturity bonds in Japan, which is also rated Aa3. The U.S. is rated Aaa at Moody’s and Treasuries due 2022 yield 1.68 percent, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Growth Outlook Asia’s fourth-largest economy will expand 2.4 percent this year and 3.2 percent in 2013, the central bank forecast on Oct. 11. Growth rates of 2 percent and 1.2 percent are projected for the U.S. and Japan in 2013, according to the median estimates of economists surveyed by Bloomberg. South Korea’s budget surplus is 1.65 percent of its gross domestic product while Japan has a deficit of 10.1 percent and the shortfall in the U.S. is 7.9 percent, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

=Korea economy is strong especially concerning their bond market which is rated the same as Japan. Most people say the bond market is in a huge bubble right now (interest rates to go up = bonds worth less) -so I'm not a big believer in bonds, but Korean bonds do look good if you factor in the countries growth. =Go with the short term bonds in case the rates do go up and you (for some reason) need the money and are forced to sell. ~2.96% Korea vs ~.76% Japan = that is almost 4x your earnings for a similar rated bond in a very strong Asia economy.

herefornowFeb. 26, 2013 - 09:14AM JST Japan just keeps making more friends every day.

Actually they do. Only countries that harbor rampant nationalism and have a Japan complex have any problems.

Sir_EdgarMar. 02, 2013 - 01:48PM JST OssanAmerica: Samsung mobile phones are superior to Sony Ericsson mobile phones

Many people don't think so although everyone agrees that Samsungs are cheaper pricewise.

Not gonna happen, I know first hand how much they like Jp products in Korea plus the large amout of US mil like Jp stuff over Kr stuff except for the TVs. Sony TVs suck, Samsung and LG are much better. Though i think this rock should be nuked and made to disappear from the map, that outta shut both of them up.

^ Psyops, the boycott has floundered as nobody really paid attention to it. The stores are still selling Japanese goods and consumers are still buying them up. Unlike Japan, in Korea, if your sell a competitive high quality product that the consumers want, Koreans will buy them irregardless which racial or ethnicity makes those products. This is why I support the Japanese who are calling on diplomatic cut off.

Many people don't think so although everyone agrees that Samsungs are cheaper pricewise.

I sorry dude, but go check out the prices on the Sony crap which are sold with heavy discounts, and yet still can't break the rank. Nobody really thinks Sony when they think of smart phones. Frankly Japanese electronics are in the dumpsters for a good reason, and the cheaper Yen won't help them at all. You still can't stop living in the past.

What products made in South Korea are "superior" to Japanese ones? I don't mean "equal" I mean "superior". I really can't think of anything other than probably Kimchee,

Computer chips, natural gas platforms, ships, just from top of my head.

Are you talking about consumer goods? Other than cars, I really can't think of Japanese consumer goods that are really superior to Korean products either. What Japan has though, is better reputation based on the past. But that's not going to last forever.