[ChrisMarshallNY]

That's actually not uncommon in Japan. CEOs are basically married to their companies, and take their performance quite personally.

Also, Japanese execs are paid substantially less than their US/UK counterparts.

I doubt that it has happened in quite a while, but there have been CEOs that have committed suicide, when their companies failed.

Doubt that will catch on, in the US.

[rippercushions]

The salaries of Japanese execs are indeed tiny by US standards. However, as Kalzumeus says, instead of paying money so you can buy status, Japanese companies give status directly: company cars with drivers, company villas, very generous expense accounts, etc etc.

[ChrisMarshallNY]

Similar to the US entertainment industry.

A lot of the nice stuff that musicians and actors have, is actually owned by the company.

Gilded cage, so to speak.