The Japanese economy: trying to get a balanced view.
Toyota's current recall woes have generated a range of articles about the Japanese economy as journalists rush to get some Japan flavoured content served up to their masters. But how balanced is this reporting?
Publ.Date : Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:13:58 +0000

The Japanese economy: an economy chasing its tail.
The Japanese economy is like a dog chasing its tail. First someone notes size of the official debt and to reduce the debt they urge cuts in government spending. But these spending cuts weaken domestic demand, the economy falters, tax revenues collapse and the budget deficits increase.
Publ.Date : Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:51:50 +0000

First ban the hawks, then the bomb.
This year's Hiroshima atomic bombing anniversary saw more demands for the abolition of nuclear weapons. It is a worthy goal. But does it make sense?
Publ.Date : Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:57:31 +0000

Farewell Taro Aso: but will anything change in Japan?
Tomorrow Japan goes to the polls and there seems almost no chance that Taro Aso will be returned as Prime Minister, but will a new government led by the DPJ really change anything?
Publ.Date : Sat, 29 Aug 2009 02:16:10 +0000

When in a recession be careful what you believe.
Recessions are not only bad for an economy but they are also appear to create an environment where some of the worst financial reporting and commentary thrives. Suddenly journalists actually start to believe they know how the recession will unfold and many self titled market experts toss up the most bizarre predictions.
Publ.Date : Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:13:05 +0000

The Japanese economy: fragile but improving.
The Japanese economy is showing signs of recovery and it appears it may have bottomed out in the first quarter of 2009.. Although the economy is still weak it appears it may return to growth later this year or in early 2010.
Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:15:23 +0000

Fuel cells, nuclear power, solar energy and the way forward for Japan
A good stimulus package should not only be cost effective and support future productivity, but it should also position a nation for the eventual recovery in the global economy. In that respect Australia could learn a lot from Japan where contrary to what is conveyed in the western media, a great deal of thought and common sense goes into government spending packages and long term planning.
Publ.Date : Fri, 01 May 2009 03:44:25 +0000

North Korea, Japan and the illogical nature of U.S. foreign policy.
The interesting thing about North Korea's latest long range rocket launch was not that it happened, but rather the fact that it highlights once again the illogical nature of U.S. foreign policy. Perhaps it is time for the U.S. to step back and let China, Japan, Russia and South Korea work out a solution with North Korea.
Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Apr 2009 03:23:18 +0000

Economic Lessons from Japan.
Searching the reasons for Japan's 'lost decade' - the deflation and stunted growth said to have plagued Japan ever since the collapse of the Bubble economy in the early nineties – has long been popular among U.S. and U.K. commentators seeking an answer to the West's current economic problems.
Publ.Date : Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:16:26 +0000

Dealing with a recession: The Japanese way.
When times are tough Japanese companies look at ways to further cut costs but unlike many western firms, staff cuts are considered the least desirable option. Although the Japanese economy is suffering now it is also remarkably resilient and will bounce back strongly when the global economy improves.
Publ.Date : Wed, 25 Feb 2009 06:37:56 +0000

Bridges to somewhere: Infrastructure spending in Japan.
It seems that the old bubble economy stories about Japan are doing the rounds again in business journals and finance websites these days as lazy journalists try to make comparisons between infrastructure spending in Japan during the 1990's, and the economic stimulus packages being proposed in the U.S and other countries.
Publ.Date : Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:13:30 +0000

Outlook for the Japanese economy in 2009.
There is no doubt that the Japanese economy is suffering as a result of the global economic crisis. However much of the reporting in the western media is at best poor journalism and at worst, simply wrong. So rather than focus on sensational attention grabbing headlines, let's look at some forecasts and facts.
Publ.Date : Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:24:28 +0000