Japanese like small things, according to Microsoft

In another sign that Microsoft may never understand the Japanese market, Peter Moore, vice president of the company, claims the Japanese will like the Xbox 2 because it will be smaller. Sure, the Japanese like small products.
We all do. But was this a wise thing to say in public? Is it really the kind of selling point an AMerican company wants to trumpet in a foreign land? Think about it. Wasn't it Bill Gates who claimed the Xbox S controller would be popular in Japan because its smaller form factor would fit in their hands better? Oh, that went over really well. The latest statement may be factually true; indeed, it may be a sign that the company is grasping the Big Picture of its failure in the country. But if they're not careful they may have a publicity error on their hands of the highest magnitude.
Make good games that the Japanese customer enjoys, and you'll succeed.