Asianometry

Discover the dramatic rise of Japan's semiconductor industry in the late 20th century. From capturing nearly 40% of the market to shaking American business confidence, their unique vertical integration played a key role. Yet, as quickly as they ascended, factors like global competition contributed to their decline. This intriguing analysis reveals whether Japan's semiconductor prowess was genuinely exceptional or if it was a case of overstated capability.

Discover the incredible journey of Sweden's computing innovation in the late 1950s, when they boasted the world's fastest computer. Learn about the rise of groundbreaking companies like Saab and DataSaab, and their pioneering military and tech advancements. However, the glory was short-lived, as competition with IBM led to significant financial struggles for DataSaab. The narrative explores not only the successes but also the eventual sale of Ericsson Information Systems, shedding light on Sweden's pivotal role in computing history.

Discover how Indonesian instant noodles, specifically Indomie, transformed into a beloved staple in Nigeria. The journey reveals historical ties and economic factors that fueled its rise. The initial hurdles of gaining acceptance are discussed, showcasing clever marketing strategies that turned skepticism into popularity. Indomie's surprising presence in Nigerian culture, even appearing in rap lyrics, highlights its status as a favorite packaged food across Africa. It's a fascinating exploration of globalization and culinary crossover!

Nissan Motors is facing a critical turning point with a proposed merger with Honda, driven by the Japanese government's push to rescue the beleaguered automaker. The tumultuous history of Nissan includes leadership controversies and struggles in adapting to the evolving EV market, where competition from Chinese companies looms large. Internal management issues further complicate their strategy. As merger talks progress, the outlook for Nissan's independence appears grim as pressure mounts for profitability by 2026.

Explore the rise and fall of mobile telecommunications, highlighting the shift from 1G to 3G and the revolutionary impact of the iPhone. Witness how the launch of this game-changing device reignited consumer interest and reshaped mobile technology. Delve into the explosion of mobile data usage driven by the iPhone and Android, revealing the challenges networks faced in managing this surge. Unearth the competitive battles between Apple and Android amid rising concerns over data consumption and network strains.

Discover the rise of DeepSeek and its groundbreaking advancements in AI, including the efficient V3 model and the innovative R1 reasoning model. Explore how DeepSeek's unique strategies tackle challenges in the Chinese AI landscape while optimizing resources. Learn about the team's dynamic philosophy that fosters creativity and long-term thinking, setting them apart from other tech giants. The podcast also touches on the financial implications of these advancements, highlighting the contrasting operational costs in the sector.

Throughout most of Japan's automotive history, there were two companies in the lead: Toyota and Nissan. Everyone talks about Toyota. They are the unquestioned giant and the champion of Japanese cars. But what about Nissan? How did they come about? The history of Nissan Motor is a fascinating reflection of a world-famous industry. In today’s video, the rise and first death of Nissan Motor. Get all episodes of Asianometry, Sharp Tech, Sharp China, Stratechery Updates and Interviews, Greatest of All Talk, and Dithering as part of Stratechery Plus for $15/month or $150/year. Listen to Stratechery. Listen to Dithering. Listen to Sharp China. Listen to Sharp Tech. Listen to Greatest Of All Talk.

South Korea's Yulsan Group (율산그룹) really speed-ran the rise and fall of a business empire. Founded in 1975 with nothing. Two years later, $165 million in export revenue. 14 subsidiaries, 8,000 employees. A year after that, bankrupt. In this video, the story of a chaebol. They never even made it five years. Get all episodes of Asianometry, Sharp Tech, Sharp China, Stratechery Updates and Interviews, Greatest of All Talk, and Dithering as part of Stratechery Plus for $15/month or $150/year. Listen to Stratechery. Listen to Dithering. Listen to Sharp China. Listen to Sharp Tech. Listen to Greatest Of All Talk.

Japan’s influence in the semiconductor industry remains strong, particularly through its photoresist technology. This essential chemical plays a pivotal role in lithography, with 90% of the market controlled by Japanese companies. The evolution of photoresist has seen firms like Tokyo Ohka Kogyo and JSR rise to global prominence. Geopolitical tensions and strategic partnerships, including IBM's collaborations, shape this industry. The recent state-controlled buyout of JSR highlights the effects of global competition on Japan's semiconductor landscape.

Toshiba's dramatic $5 billion acquisition of Westinghouse Electric is examined, showcasing how it led to ruin for the proud Japanese company. The podcast outlines the U.S. nuclear energy landscape post-World War II, including innovations and the rise of civilian reactors. It also discusses the economic challenges that plagued the nuclear sector, marked by events like the Three Mile Island incident. Finally, the conversation touches on the collapse of nuclear ambitions driven by fracking and renewable energy shifts, highlighting management failures along the way.