Thats' because people still get Miroku and Howa confused. I don't know how difficult it is to comprehend that they are 2 separate companies.
I used to spend alot of time over there for NTT. And I have to admit, I kinda lumped the whole country into a group before knowing the people. But when you are in the culture, you find out, they are alot like us (but anxiety mess), with some companies being great, and some crap.