Toyota's move to Plano and the DFW Japanese community (Dallas: broker, buying)

[Metro Matt]

Originally Posted by dalparadise

You guys realize that the entity moving to Texas is Toyota Motor Sales right? This is the portion of the business that deals with the marketing, support of the dealer network, finance, promotions, etc., not any of the R&D or design. It's probably the least Japanese piece of the business there is.

I'd bet on the Japanese influence on Texas to hover around zero as the result of this.

Wrong.

Some R&D as well as manufacturing is moving to North Texas.

[dalparadise]

Originally Posted by Metro Matt

Wrong.

Some R&D as well as manufacturing is moving to North Texas.

If you are talking about the few supervisor positions relocating from Kentucky, then I suppose you are correct. It's not a plant or design studio that is opening though, it's offices--finance guys, marketing guys, regional dealer supervisors, etc.

These are the specifically American portions of the business, staffed by Americans who know their way around American financial dealings, advertising and marketing. No Japanese influence is moving into Plano.

So, Plano can pack away the kimonos they ordered for the ribbon cutting.

[Cowboys fan in Houston]

Originally Posted by dalparadise

If you are talking about the few supervisor positions relocating from Kentucky, then I suppose you are correct. It's not a plant or design studio that is opening though, it's offices--finance guys, marketing guys, regional dealer supervisors, etc.

These are the specifically American portions of the business, staffed by Americans who know their way around American financial dealings, advertising and marketing. No Japanese influence is moving into Plano.

So, Plano can pack away the kimonos they ordered for the ribbon cutting.

Who said we were expecting that?

Im from Torrance, knew quite a few people who worked for them, and the group that worked for Toyota was still a very diverse one. Lots of all kinds of people.

[dalparadise]

Originally Posted by peterlemonjello

Who said we were expecting that?

Im from Torrance, knew quite a few people who worked for them, and the group that worked for Toyota was still a very diverse one. Lots of all kinds of people.

Sure, diverse. American. That goes without saying. This thread questions whether the TMS HQ move to Plano will have Japanese cultural effect on Plano. I contend that it won't.

The workforce that comes with it, as well as the Texans who join are going to be diverse, but the cultural effect won't be a Japanese one.

[maaku]

Moderator cut: English only

The local community here, which is larger than credit is usually given because it is dispersed over such a large DFW geographic area, seems to disagree with your assessment. There are also other supporting companies relocating here as a direct result. Seems to be common knowledge that Mitsuwa will open a new location, as well as hostess cabarets, restaurants, etc. geared for specific business clientele interests. Travel between DFW and Japan will increase.

There will be a cultural effect, but unless you are attuned to this particular local community segment it will likely not be given a second thought. The average American has little to zero understanding of Japanese culture in general beyond ill-informed sterotyping and it's no different here. That said, DFW is a culturally diverse metroplex and it will generally go unnoticed by most because the vast majority of people living here are friendly and accepting of other cultures even if they aren't familiar with them.

[Vicman]

Seems like the Japanese school (400 students right now) is expecting 150 more kids because of Toyota Toyota's move to North Texas brings more interest in Japanese schooling

[Made_it_To_the_Metroplex]

Originally Posted by peterlemonjello

I really want a Mitsuwa!

Is that something like an Uwajimaya (Seattle area)? That's a place we always visit at least once when we're in that area.

[Vicman]

Originally Posted by Made_it_To_the_Metroplex

Is that something like an Uwajimaya (Seattle area)? That's a place we always visit at least once when we're in that area.

Yes. Uwajimaya is based in Los Angeles and has stores throughout the USA.

[Vicman]

Sorry... I meant Mitsuwa is based in LA and has stores throughout the country: New Jersey and Illinois included.

Uwajimaya is based in Seattle

[Made_it_To_the_Metroplex]

Originally Posted by Vicman

Sorry... I meant Mitsuwa is based in LA and has stores throughout the country: New Jersey and Illinois included.

Uwajimaya is based in Seattle

OK, thanks for the clarification - I was confused for a bit!