Most of Apple's products are mainstream versions of technology that was available before but not suited to normal consumers.
For example, Personal Computers, MP3 players, Smart Phones and tablet PCs all existed long before Apple made products in those areas.
I wouldn't be surprised if Apple execs don't go to Akihabara every 3 months, and ask themselves how they can make what they see there, but for Americans and Europeans.
The year is 1978. Microsoft is selling BASIC interpreters. Apple exists in a garage. A Japanese company creates this quirky little tape deck with headphones which -- get this -- you're supposed to actually carry with you, so you can listen to music while not at home. Hilariously stupid idea, right? The Walkman will be lucky to sell a thousand units, to say nothing of crossing over to the mainstream. The Japanese should just stick with what they're good at -- perfecting things made by white people.
The Biplane
Graphing Calculator
Solar powered calculator
Camcorder
Digital Camera
Blue lasers
VCRs
Anything made by Nintendo
Flash memory
Various types of steel
Quartz wristwatch
The continuously variable transmission
I think the point is that the Japanese electronics manufacturers were (and are) very good at producing standalone devices, but missed the boat on devices (like the iPod) which get their power from their tight integration with the PC.
The standalone-device model works really well for some applications (e.g. digital cameras; you wouldn't want to have an iPod-style camera that you had to tether to a specific computer to get your photos out -- you want one where you can just swap cards like disks and keep shooting), but less well for others.