Japanese Audio

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. 

The low listening level comment is great. I hadn't thought about the need for larger speakers for lower listening levels. I'm curious if there are local companies that make high efficiency smaller speakers that would be  competitive with Cube or Devore or any of the dozens of companies that specialize in "smaller" high efficiency speakers? 

yes

small listening areas

legacy of better japanese brands stem from making the music sound beautiful 

listeners value refinement in sound over volume capability (the japanese value refinement in just about everything)

listeners listen to vocals chamber music jazz pop more than louder genres