Hans Greimel's column hit home, as I just completed a similar journey to Thailand ("A traveler's Japan quarantine ordeal: Toyota's hyperefficiency meets 'Squid Game,' " autonews.com, Jan. 9). I felt the different processes between Asia and the United States provided a chance to contrast the cultural differences in order to promote better understanding on both sides of the Pacific. The strict Japanese measures reflected the Asian concept of safety, namely, protecting the community, and contrasted with the Western concept of safety, namely, protecting myself and my loved ones. Both are correct, but they provide insight into how best to understand our colleagues from other countries.
JIM PRESS, Hermosa Beach, Calif. The writer is a senior adviser in the auto industry and former president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., former senior managing director of Toyota Motor Corp. and former co-president of Chrysler Group.
