1.   Japanese firms have been setting the pace in electronic engineering.

2.   American car makers wanted to buy into Japanese firms.

3.   Sony has already been sounding out other Japanese firms about joining the project.

4.   Investment by Japanese firms has exploded.

5.   Japanese firms have moved steadily upmarket.

6.   Such changing managerial attitudes have been largely a result of declining profitability and the increasing challenge of Japanese firms.

7.   The two Japanese firms are exchanging information on batteries and control systems and will soon begin working together on other aspects of electric car development.

8.   The first cars to be made in Britain by the Japanese firm Honda have rolled off the production line.

9.   Japanese firm Fujitsu, based at Newton Aycliffe, is selling a collection of household items to raise money for Oxfam.

10.   Japanese firms prefer long-term reliable and exclusive business relationships and they tend to turn to established channels to develop new business initiatives.