JETRO Focus Newsletter Feb 2007

JETRO's Focus Newsletter series provides readers with a bi-monthly snapshot of Japan's macroeconomy, as well as other important topics and trends. It is designed to analyze current developments, including those relating to Japan's economy, its business, financial, investment and political environment, as well as relevant social and cultural themes.  Subscribe online to JETRO Focus

Recent editions have covered issues including rising entrepreneurship and investor interest in Japan, the economic integration of East Asia, changing business and corporate practices, structural and corporate reform and the potential impact of postal savings reform.

 Download the February 2007 Newsletter (625 KB)

Japan Consolidates its Gains and Achievements
As investors recognized the extent of Japan's economy recovery in 2005, its primary Nikkei 225 index rose by an extremely strong 40%+.  This performance exceeded all...

Japan Maintains Investor Confidence Despite Movement Toward More Risky Assets
While most US market indices outperformed Japan in 2006, it is interesting to note many investors pulled back on their US investments while maintaining their...

Japan Enhances Innovation, Education and Development of Value-Added Industries and Services
Until the late 1980s Japan was able to compete based on its ability to manufacture products more efficiently -- not only more efficiently than...

Japan is Maintaining its Commitment to Reform and Rationalization
Many commentators have remarked that Prime Minister Koizumi's greatest achievement was to use his personal charisma to...

Japan is Moving to Enhance the Economic Integration of East Asia
Global growth over much of the postwar era has been driven by consumption in the US and Western Europe, while emerging nations in Asia and other markets have sought to achieve...   

Some Economic Indicators Show Strength While Others Show Signs of Moderation
In early December, the Japanese government announced that the economy had posted a 0.8% growth rate in the third quarter (July-September) as a result of...

There is Optimism over the Prospects for the Japanese Economy in 2007
The reforms and economic data noted above as well as continued improvement in the conditions and profitability of Japanese firms have made...