I have a 2006 18HP Nissan (Same exact motor as Tohatsu) with electric start and alternator on it. It does its job well and the only complaint I have is that the parts for it are a touch more expensive than after market parts for a Merc would be.
They have been in business in Japan, selling outboards for use by fisherman, so they have a long track record.
As for American vs foreign made, I think its all but a mute point. Look at Honda. Japanese owned, made in the USA. Look at Toyota. Japanese owned, but made in the USA. The profits go overseas, but the jobs of selling, servicing, marketing and supporting those products are right here in the USA.
Same with Tohatsu. They have a network in the USA to sell and service their product that employees American workers. Its not the ideal setup, but hell, even Rockafeller was considered a pirate by some. You're not gonna make everyone happy all the time. The best you can do is what you need to do for your community, your family and then your country.
If you're locally serviced by Tohatsu or Nissan and can get what you want from them, put them on your short list. I can recommend them without hesitation. They are strong little motors and are easy enough to understand and work on.
But, having said all that purty stuff, I can't say a damned thing bad about Merc, Yamaha, Johnson, Evinrude, Suzuki... you get the idea.
Quit complaining about the color, just pull up your skirt and fish! -- snagged