Be Careful When Practicing Your Supplier Strong Arming Tactics in Japan

Japan, which is often known for its more knowledge-driven approach to managing supplier relationships and negotiations rather than old fashioned strong arming tactics, recently recalled a video game that could have served as a metaphor for GM’s approach to managing supplier relationships. According to the BBC headlines, "a Japanese arm wrestling game is being withdrawn from arcades across the country after three players broke their arms, company officials said." Curious about how it works? "Arm Spirit gamers advance through 10 levels, pitting their strength against a French maid, a drunken martial arts master and a Chihuahua dog before reaching the final challenge -- a professional wrestler." Rumor has it that when played in Detroit, there's a secret "11th" level as well with some particularly dirty tactics. If you're curious to see how these machines work, check out this video (hat-tip: Tony Poshek).

- Jason Busch