It's been two weeks since mid-November 2025 saw tensions flare after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Taiwan. But unlike past rows, Chinese consumers haven't taken to boycotts this time. Why? 🤔
The answer goes beyond politics. Over the last decade, homegrown brands in the Chinese mainland have leveled up so fast that Japanese products don't hold the same sway they once did.
Back in the mid-2010s, Japanese cars and gadgets were top picks. Names like Sony, Panasonic, Toyota or Honda signaled quality and reliability. Fast forward to 2025, and things look very different.
Take smartphones: Sony quietly exited the Chinese market this year after stiff competition from Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO and Vivo. Those Chinese brands now dominate, offering cutting-edge features and prices that make them hard to beat. 📱🔥
In home appliances, Chinese manufacturers have captured more than 65% of the smart-toilet market—an item once famous as a Japanese luxury souvenir among Chinese travelers. 🚽🇨🇳
The auto industry tells a similar story. This year, China's passenger vehicle sales are set to hit around 25 million units. Meanwhile, combined sales of Honda, Nissan and Toyota are projected to stay below 3.3 million units recorded in 2024. Their market share has slid from about 24% at its peak to roughly 11% today. ⚡🚗
Leading the charge are brands like BYD, Geely, Chery and Changan, each posting sales that rival or exceed the entire Japanese segment. With over half of new cars now electric or hybrid and Chinese firms ahead on battery tech and pricing, experts expect domestic dominance to grow.
Mark Tanner of consultancy China Skinny points out that Chinese brands "excel in design, quality and value," targeting local tastes with precision. Media commentator Ming Jinwei adds that when foreign labels fade from daily life, boycott campaigns naturally lose steam. "China isn't calling for boycotts because domestic brands are rising," he says.
In short, today's buying power in the Chinese mainland is driven by quality, value and innovation—no boycott needed. 🌟
Reference(s):
Why Chinese consumers aren't boycotting Japanese goods amid tensions
cgtn.com
