Domestic camera and appliance makers are starting to bounce back after government stimulus measures, commonly referred to as Abenomics, have weakened the yen, thereby boosting domestic demand and making Japan-based production economically feasible. With factories in Taiwan and mainland China, Canon was struggling with declining digital camera sales last year amid slowdowns in both China and Europe. Now with expectations that the yen will continue to weaken, the company plans to move more camera production back to its Oita and Nagasaki plants to meet domestic demand. Overall, it aims to boost Japan-based production from 42% to 50%. Given the favorable trend in exchange rates, other companies, such as Toshiba, Daikin and Panasonic, are also looking to move some of their production back home. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 1/9
