World high tech economies tied to Japan, “…can’t do high tech without Japan.”

“There are a huge number of little bits of the high-tech food chain which are done nowhere but in Japan. Nobody else has the quality or the consistency, and in some cases the technology to do it.”-Sam Perry, senior investment manager of Pictet Japanese Equity Selection Fund.

Canon Inc has suspended all of its domestic camera production. One of the problems was a lack of gas which was affecting distribution, and stopping employees from getting to work where train services are minimal.

Nikon warned that power cuts, and shortages of parts, will make full production difficult.

Renesas Electronics Corp, the world’s No.5 chipmaker, started operations at one semiconductor plant.  Six of the company’s 22 factories remain closed.