Up and down

Article Abstract:

Japan appears to be entering a recession, but there are still signs of recovery. Gross domestic product figures cannot always be relied on and are often revised. Growth has been better than expected for 1999, and fiscal measures should help boost demand, though there is concern about high levels of public sector debt. The central bank should seek monetary expansion since demand, bank lending, wages and prices are dropping. Structural reforms are needed, though some changes have already been carried out.

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Wielding a sword: employment in Japan

Article Abstract:

Japanese firms are downsizing, cutting jobs in euphemistically labeled 'early retirements.' Lifetime employment is no more. Oki Electric, for example, has cut 2000 of 15,000 jobs, and Nissan has cut 4000 of 55,000 jobs this year. Corporate profits have decreased for three years straight.

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Stalled, or worse

Article Abstract:

Concerns about the Japanese economy, and the impact of economic policy, are examined in detail.

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