Greatest Japanese contribution to the world ?

[EnzoHonda]

The Japanese have made all automobile and motorcycle manufactureres around the world work harder.

[epigene]

I personally think that most people who were involved in the manufacturing industry in Japan will vote unanimously for Japanese recognition of Dr. William Edwards Deming, who was little known until he was embraced wholeheartedly by Japanese industrial scientists and engineers:

http://www.deming.org/demingprize/

His concepts of quality control led to growth of Japan's manufacturing power and its economic expansion, which through material affluence indirectly promoted growth of its modern-day culture.

The Deming Prize is well-known in Japan.