JETRO Focus Newsletter Sept 2006

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 September 2006 newsletter (494 KB)

Japan Has Changed Dramatically Since Prime Minister Koizumi Assumed Power in 2001
Over the past five years Japan has changed dramatically. This is true not only in economic terms but also in terms of business structure and practices, consumer sentiment, regulatory practices and Japan's receptiveness to foreign participation and investment...

Japan Needs to Maintain Positive Momentum and Combat "Reform Fatigue”
Japanese efforts to revitalize and transform its economy have been significant in recent years by almost any measure.  This progress is reflected in improving economic data, comprehensive regulatory change and major changes in the way business is conducted in Japan...

Japan Needs to Address Excessive Government Debt and Fiscal Imbalances
As Japan struggled to reinvigorate its economy throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, attention was focused on initiating programs that could stimulate business and economic activity.  This included a wide range of public works projects and emergency loan packages, many of which could not be justified in commercial terms...

Japan Needs to Strengthen its Foreign Policy and Relationships around the World
During the 1980s and 1990s Japan was often criticized as being overly focused on trade and commercial relationships and its perceived preference for engaging in "checkbook diplomacy” rather than taking on the responsibilities and obligations normally expected of a country with an economy of Japan's size and importance...

Whatever the Outcome of the Next Election, Japan is More Prepared to Meet its Future than Ever Before
Irrespective of the outcome of Japan's September election and the Cabinet that it produces, it is clear Japan has moved far past the limitations that prolonged its long struggle to revitalize its economy and to adopt a more market-oriented business and financial environment...