I was cleaning out my notes and found the following piece of observation. Unfortunately I couldn't find the original source. If you are the author let me know! In japan, product designers tend to listen more to consumers ("the customer is God"), and rarely allow their egos or individuality to interfere with customer needs.

One way to make tech fashionable is to make it wearable.

Another reason for Japan's love of converged appliances is the combination of complexity and subtlety -- always a central theme in Japanese culture

A good converged product reflects both these elements. It can be complex in function, yet condensed so it's efficient in use and appearance."