economy

By Jesper Koll

The re-regulation and nationalization of the US banking system is a far cry from the dark days here following the bubble era.

Well it's official - according to the Bank of Japan, the economy's expansion has halted. Read Now

The popularity of Taro Aso's cabinet has already started sinking and if a new opinion poll speaks the truth, it looks like the LDP will have to inject a bit of hope into the economy, before an election is called. Read Now

By Jesper Koll -- The Koizumi era encouraged real economic growth with passion. But what can corporate Japan expect from its political leaders now? It’s Autumn 2008, and Japan’s Prime Minister faces a simple policy challenge: How to prevent recession in the worlds’ second largest economy? The good news is that Japan still has ample room on all policy fronts to stimulate economic growth and fend off a slump.

Japan's business leaders are shrugging off the severity of the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy and its aftershocks - so why worry? Read Now

Jesper KollBy Jesper Koll -- The first installment of a new regular column on the Japanese economy and why it is a powerful force in shaping our global futures -- In the summer of 2008, the global economy faced unprecedented challenges. Torn between the threat of asset deflation in the US and rampant commodity price inflation in emerging markets, something had to give. A global slowdown seemed inevitable. For forward-looking investors, the really interesting question is which country and which market is likely to emerge as the winner once the downturn-dust settles.

With the aging society and the economy lagging, Tokyo struggles in its attempt to become an international financial center. Recently appointed Financial Services Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, proposes tax reform policies to encourage investment and boost the economy. Read Now

The Economist reports this weeks that Japan's political establishment is leading the economy down the road to ruin. However, is the situation really so dire? And how much do the politicians really matter? Read Now