Japan carmakers tap cheap overseas labor to break 'reverse import' record

AutomobilesSuzuki and Toyota use factories in India, Thailand to roll out vehicles for home marketSuzuki Motor's India-made Jimny Nomade helped put the automaker in first place for imports to Japan in January-June. (Photo by Itsuki Miyake)SOTA TANAKA and ITSUKI MIYAKEJuly 30, 2026 06:41 JSTTOKYO -- Japanese automakers set a record for imports of vehicles made outside the country to Japan in the first half of the year, as manufacturers increase production in emerging markets to keep costs low.