Introduction

In the early 1970s, after Japan took a major step forward economically and its industrial successes infused the consciousness of the American public, “quality control” of industrial products became a major issue of American industry and a household word in America. Actually, the concept of quality control of goods originated in the United States, but it has been publicized here as if it were a trademark of Japan. ¹ Extravagant tales of quality, by Americans as well as by the Japanese themselves, have prompted many jokes. David Halberstam entertains with one that goes: “A Frenchman, an American, and a Japanese are captured by a hostile tribe. All three are to be killed but are granted one last wish. The Frenchman asks to sing the ‘Marseillaise,’ and the Japanese asks to give his lecture on quality control one last time. It is the American’s turn. His request is to be shot before the Japanese, so he will not have to listen to any more Japanese lectures on quality.” ²