Yea, I know it is kinda a no brainer. Just had to throw it out there. That little Tohatsu is also one of the simplest motors I have ever worked on. Very simple in its design, so I guess it is also genius in its simplicity.
Newer 2 strokes 2.5-30 HP Mercs and 4 strokes 2.5-30 HP Mercs are rebadged Tohatsus, some with throttle systems or cosmetic differences. In 1988 Tohatsu established a commercial Joint Venture Company "Tohatsu Marine Corp" with Brunswick (Merc)
To illustrate the Tohatsu/Merc Commercial Joint Venture. This is a 4 stroke Merc 20 HP Long Shaft OB-OEM packing. What's funny is that Merc have obviated the Made in Japan wording for Assembled in Japan which is so with Tohatsu local parts.
Assume Commercial, Globalization issues, along not hurting local susceptibilities that's not manufactured in USA.