Japanese product philosophy demands that products work properly every time—not usually, not typically, but always. Reliability is not a feature among features but foundational requirement. Products that sometimes fail are defective regardless of other qualities.
This imperative shapes quality systems focused on consistency: statistical controls, testing protocols, inspection procedures exist substantially to ensure reliability. Variation threatens consistency; control maintains it. Reliability extends temporally to durability—good products remain reliable throughout intended lifespans. Trust between makers and users depends on reliability; products represent commitments that reliability failures break. When evaluating Japanese products or working with Japanese makers, understand that reliability expectation is non-negotiable.
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