JETRO Focus Newsletter November 2011

JETRO's Focus Newsletter series provides readers with a 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.

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 Download the November 2011 Newsletter (411 KB)

Kenichi Kawamoto
Executive Director
JETRO New York office

Japan Manages Recovery While Addressing Challenges of the Future
On March 11, 2011 Japan was hit by a massive earthquake and 30-foot tsunami. This natural disaster caused a tragic loss of life and severe damage, including...

Japanese Recovery Effort Surpasses Expectations Though More Needs to be Done
The catastrophic effects of the March 11 triple disaster of an earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis caused severe trauma to Japan. According to The New York Times, the natural disaster tragically claimed over...

New Japanese Government Moves to Complete Recovery and Address Important Challenges
Former Prime Minister Naoto Kan entered 2011 preparing to reform Japan's economy and to lead the nation along a bold, new path. The March 11 earthquake and tsunami and subsequent recovery efforts rightfully shifted his focus.

Japan Must Continue to Reduce Debt and Transition from a Deflationary Environment
Prime Minister Noda has announced he aims to pass a third supplementary budget for disaster reconstruction. It is expected to amount to more than 10 trillion yen. This will further expand...

Strong Yen Leads to Challenges as well as Opportunities
Another issue Japan's government will have to address is the strength of the yen. This has been detrimental to Japan's export-led economy. Following the March earthquake and tsunami, the yen experienced...

Japan Must Promote Greater Innovation and More Dynamic Business Environment
Despite the challenges of a strong yen, one vital goal of Japan should be to improve the countries ability to benefit from its innovative capacity. The nation's ability to develop intellectual property has...

Japan Must Develop Sustainable Growth Model and New Energy Policy
Possibly the most important long-term repercussion of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami will be its effect on Japanese energy policy. Since Japan lacks domestic energy resources, nuclear energy was a...

Japan Must Continue to Promote Competition and an Increasingly Integrated Asia
Prior to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, former Prime Minister Kan was moving to enact a bold new economic vision to end stagnation and strengthen Japan's economy. Kan intended to initiate the reforms...

Japan Remains Key Element of Global Business and Investment Strategies
Japan's integral role in the global economy means its short-term recovery and long-term policy decisions will be closely monitored. Japan has already made great progress in its recovery efforts.