The car was built to compete with cheap Japanese imports taking over the American auto market, and only cost $2,000 ($12,000 in 2015 dollars).

Is that reference to the Japanese proverb: "Fall down seven times, stand up eight"?

Apparently there's a large community of us ex-pats investing in Japanese real estate.  

Are Japanese (large multi-family building) apartments typically rented out by individual apartment owners or by building owners?

My wife is Japanese (non-US citizen), we have a kid with dual citizenship and we live and work in Japan.

If you're european or japanese with some capital to allocate US treasuries look pretty damn good compared to the sovereign debt available in your home currency.  

I work full-time at TOTO, the Japanese plumbing and fixture manufacturer known for their reliable toilets and state-of-the-art Washlets.If you have any questions on Washlets or thinking about putting in one for your high-end rehabs or projects, feel free to contact me any time.

I did get a little boost on that property from the Japanese buying spree in Hawaii in the 80's and the lack of inflation is slowing my snowball growth on appreciation.

For a flip I would invest the money in body spray showers, frameless doors or maybe even the automated Japanese toilet seats/bidets.

She rented the condo to about 10 Japanese college student's made thousands in profit every month.