Condition of Panasonic in Japan

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bhdfield

Well-known member
In the midst of the much bigger picture of tragedy and catastrophe in Japan, I have to wonder what, if anything, has happened to Panasonic's operations there. It's hard to imagine the effects of the quake and tsunami not impacting just about every aspect of Japan's industrial machine, including Panasonic. Has anyone heard anything?
I did see some b-roll of wreckage in the foreground, and what appeared to be a large factory structure in the background with the Sony logo on it. I have no idea what or where that was. And please note, I am not suggesting that the human tragedy there does not far exceed the relevance of those companies. But I cannot help but wonder the impact.
 
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Great point. I think the shooters who went to the pre-release shootout went to Kyoto, which is in the south of Japan, so maybe they've fared slightly better than areas closer to the epicenter. Wish them all the best, from my memory of the comparatively minor Northridge quake, they're scary as hell, before you even factor in the tsunami and the power plant issues. Thoughts and hopes are with them and the rest of the country.
 
Yep. I agree, the human tragedy is what's essential and important. But this being a gear forum, it's OK to ask about factories and such, and so I'm certainly hoping and wondering about Panasonic employees - hope everyone is OK. As for gear, how much of the production of the AF100 is done in Japan? And I know the GH2 comes from their consumer division (separate company), but how does this impact the production of GH2 - I know a lot of the production is done in China, but are there any components which they make only in Japan, and ship out to other factories to add to production? Anyone know? Jan?
 
OldCorpse said:
Yep. I agree, the human tragedy is what's essential and important. But this being a gear forum, it's OK to ask about factories and such, and so I'm certainly hoping and wondering about Panasonic employees - hope everyone is OK. As for gear, how much of the production of the AF100 is done in Japan?
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Most of it, if not all of it, is done in Osaka.

And I know the GH2 comes from their consumer division (separate company), but how does this impact the production of GH2 - I know a lot of the production is done in China, but are there any components which they make only in Japan, and ship out to other factories to add to production? Anyone know?
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I don't know, but here's something on what Panasonic's state is now... http://news.softpedia.com/news/Japanese-Earthquake-Takes-a-Toll-on-Panasonic-s-Business-189357.shtml
 
Thanks, Barry. Thank God, it seems there was no loss of life at Panasonic (if I'm reading this right). Bummer about the production, though I guess that's to be expected, along with the rest of the economy.
 
bhdfield said:
In the midst of the much bigger picture of tragedy and catastrophe in Japan, I have to wonder what, if anything, has happened to Panasonic's operations there. It's hard to imagine the effects of the quake and tsunami not impacting just about every aspect of Japan's industrial machine, including Panasonic. Has anyone heard anything?
I did see some b-roll of wreckage in the foreground, and what appeared to be a large factory structure in the background with the Sony logo on it. I have no idea what or where that was. And please note, I am not suggesting that the human tragedy there does not far exceed the relevance of those companies. But I cannot help but wonder the impact.
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I was doing a grade at Deluxe last night and heard from someone there that they had started buying and stockpiling tape stock as some of the plants that make the tape stock had been wiped out.

That's completely second hand info though.

jb
 
Thanks Barry for the link.
I am deeply saddened by this disaster. I lived at the base of Mt. Fuji for a couple years and developed an enduring love for the Japanese people. They are so welcoming, kind and generous.

This site is devoted to the incredible camera technology they produce, but it's worth taking a moment to consider what's happening to the people who create it.

My best wishes for the safety and recovery of all those who have lost family members or been made homeless in the midst of winter by this tragedy.

_Michael
 
I think this tragedy may also affect the production of Voigtlander f0.95 lenses as well, as I've read they are also manufactured in Japan. Also, I wonder if it would affect the upcoming Sony nxcam 35mm camera as well.
The situation in Japan doesn't look like it's going to get any better anytime soon, I hope they are able to keep the Nuclear power plants running safely-I spoke to someone at work from Hawaii who said they are very nervous about that situation.
 
On a non-camera factory note: the production of parts for Japanese cars is expected to plummet, making it more difficult to get parts for existing cars, and slowing down the manufacturing of new cars (even if the assembly line is located elsewhere).

The strange thing is, for a country that essentially rebuilt from scratch after WWII, the leadership seems to lacking during this crisis, and is severely testing the legendary politeness of the Japanese people who are not accepting excuses from their leaders.

I've shot (and lived through) 20+ hurricanes and live 25 miles from a nuclear power plant, and would be terrified to be going through what these people are. They can't even evacuate from near the plant, they're being told to "stay in their houses"!!!

I can only wish them more success in getting the reactors shut down, and in getting food and supplies in to where they're so badly needed.

頑張ってください (best of luck).
 
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