Geography of Asia Globalization Project                                                    

Due Next Monday (which is the day after Easter so try and get it done earlier)

The goal of this project is to collect and interpret data on the influence of Japan, China, and other East Asian countries on our own through economic and cultural globalization. 

For this project you will need to collect and present the data in table form and then an analysis of that data by answering the questions that follow. Your total report will probably be between 3-4 pages.  I prefer that you type up your data rather than simply handing in your notes.

Product Search

1.  Search your dorm room, apartment, or other living quarters for products that are

a)  made in Japan or China or b) made by Japanese or Chinese Companies in other places.  Look at a variety of objects from textiles to electronics, to food products.  If you are not sure if a Japanese or Chinese company made the product use the Internet to do a bit of research to find out.  A few familiar Japanese companies include Sony, Nintendo, Yamaha, Honda, Toyota, Casio, Canon.  Present your research in the form of a list noting the following for each product.

The Product, Where it was made, What Company Made it, Where That company is Headquartered (likely US, Japan, or China), Approximate date the product was purchased (year is fine)

2.  In which country were most of the products you found produced?  In which country was the company that “made” (or subcontracted) the product most often found?

3.  In your list of products can you detect any signs of Japanese, Chinese, or US Foreign Direct Investment?  Is the place where the products are produced generally the same as or different from the place where the companies that make them are headquartered?

4. Were you able to find any products made by a Chinese based company (not a subcontractor)?  Why did you get this result?

 

Cultural Production

5.  As you go about your daily life for the next week note down every instance of Japanese or Chinese cultural products that you encounter.  This could be references on TV, video games you play, novels you read, things you see as you drive or walk around town, music you hear, web sites that you surf, etc. Be on the lookout.  You should try and notice things that you may take for granted. We are looking to get some measure of how Chinese and Japanese culture are being transmitted and integrated in to American culture.  Make a table and note the following for each entry: Cultural product observed, context (where and when),

6.  Offer an analysis of your findings.  What types of cultural products did you encounter?  Did you find any that surprised you or that you had not noticed before?  In what areas of cultural production did you tend to find Japanese or Chinese cultural influence?  What types of cultural images were presented?  How have these cultural products been adapted or modified for an American audience? 

Finding a Subcontractor

7.  You have decided that after graduation you are going to go into the manufacturing business. Of course you won’t be making the product yourself but will be subcontracting with a firm in China.  You decide to manufacture ______________(pick a product) and need to find a subcontractor in China.  Hop on the Internet and see if you can find a few companies advertising for your potential business.  You might search on subcontractor China, or SEZ or use the specific name of some SEZs. Be creative in your search.  It may be that you will find local governments operating web sites in order to attract business.  That’s OK. Note those down if it sounds like a good deal. .  For each company that you find note down the following: Name of the company, where it is located, and its web site.

8.  How successful were you in your search?  What capabilities does the subcontractor offer?  What promises does it make about labor standards, quality standards, price, etc? What might be some of the logistics in setting up and managing production?  What are the tariff/taxes involved if any are mentioned? How well are the web sites designed?  Do you trust the sales pitches you are being offered?  What other observations do you have about the process of finding a subcontractor or about the ones you have found?