Japanese Audio

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!

I suspect that serious Japanese audiophiles like high efficiency speakers, including giant horn systems, because they sound much more lively at low volume levels than other types of speakers.  This is important in apartments with thin walls and in a culture where being polite and considerate of neighbors is important.  The natural consequence is a proclivity toward low-powered amps because they are the best sounding amps.  I own three a reasonably efficient speaker system (99 db/w) and three low-powered tube amps; the most powerful amp I own is rated at something like 8 w/ch, and my favorite amp does not even have a rating, although the builder guessed it puts out 5.5 w/ch.

It is important to note that this is not a unique thing to Japan.  There happen to be several Japanese brands but there are tons of others from outside of Japan.  

Art Audio, Sugden, KR, Canor, Audion, First Watt, Triode Labs, Raven, Sophia, First Watt, Wavelength are just a few I am thinking of off hand that produce the same type of amps in the US or Europe.   

Yep,
From what I’ve been able to gather, living conditions for many in Japan mean, limited space, close neighbors and relatively thin walls. Low power tube amplifiers driving high efficiency (Often horns) speakers is the best sounding solution (For most) with modest listening levels.

I’ve seen pictures of listening rooms in Asian homes and big efficient speakers in small rooms is not an uncommon  sight.
Charles

I think there is a cultural element here also. The Japanese tend to animate inanimate objects. An electronic device that makes music is special and every detail adds to it's spirit and the perception of the sound it makes.  They do this with cartridges. Some of this is rubbing off on us now. I know a lot more about Japanese woodworking tools with which you have a very similar situation. The too (plane iron) is imbued with a spirit by the master tool maker. Everyone is different and given a name just like samurai swords. To westerners it seem rather silly....until you realize that you cut yourself.