Japanese Audio


I've owned a few great low powered Japanese tube amps and wonder if anyone knows why this niche of low power class A and tube amps exists in Japan. Luxman, Leben, Airtight, Yamamoto, Almarro (no longer), SPEC, Accuphase to name a few. If your goal is building a low power amplifier, where does the inspiration come from? Did these brands spring up from western influence like other areas of Japanese culture or are there many unheard of Japanese high efficiency speakers?   
bjesien
Low powered amplifiers were born out of necessity as the average sized living space in Japan is less than 1,300 sq ft.  
I have a nice SET 2A3 amp with Tango iron MIJ. A Sanei  260A! Won at an eBay auction near Christmas a few years ago. Free shipping from Japan - included as a present from the seller!