If the Japanese companies can't make mass products the consumers can afford, they simply produce off target. Sure, there are plenty of rich people who can afford high-end consumer products, but they would rather buy a Ferrari, Leica or Miele, even in the high end hi-fi category, there are plenty of European brands to choose from.
They produce many products that are considered low end commodities, to high end commodities.
European brands such as Ferrari, Rolls Royce are super duper high end commodities. I don't the average Takeshi or the average Joe can afford a $300,000 Rolls Royce , or a $200,000 Maybach. lol
For a fraction of that amount, Takeshi can afford a $80,000 Toyota Land Cruiser, or a $70,000 Infiniti QX80,
2014 Infiniti QX80, starting at $70,000
2014 Toyota Land Cruiser, starting at $80,000