Japan Adapts to Changing Economic and Social Fundamentals

New York, New York - November 16, 2006 - The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) released a newsletter today highlighting challenges to Japan's future growth and development. It can be viewed at:

http:///www.jetro.org/focus

A summary is presented below:

• Japan Adapts to Changing Economic and Social Fundamentals

Japan today is a very different nation than it was even five years ago. It has evolved substantially over recent decades. After successfully implementing a comprehensive reform initiative to address the excesses that emerged during its transformation into a manufacturing-oriented export powerhouse during the 1960-80s, Japan now is ...

• Japan is Moving Past the Economic Excesses of the Bubble Years

For much of the postwar period, Japan's government played a significant role in improving economic activity. Resources were channeled to high priority sectors, and policies were pursued that favored savings and investment over consumption. Japanese firms were able to nurture their...

• Japan is Moving to Adapt to, and Profit from, Changing Demographics

Between January and June, Japan registered 550,000 births, 11,600 more than the previous year. In addition, the health ministry reported an increase in the number of marriages in the first half of the year up 10,936 from the same period in 2005. While researchers such as Ryuichi Kaneko, of the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, urged caution...

To remain competitive in a globalizing world, it is not sufficient for Japanese firms to rely solely upon cost containment and rationalization of their business operations. They must also innovate, invest and maintain their commitment to higher value-added products and activities. This includes a continual emphasis on raising...

• Japan is Moving to Adapt to a Changing Political and Security Environment

As highlighted in the last Focus Newsletter, Japan is now moving to strengthen its foreign policy and relationships in response to changing dynamics in the region and the world at large. Japanese policies specifically entail developing a closer relationship with the United States and the vigorous pursuit of...

• Changes are Producing Many Attractive Opportunities for Corporate and Portfolio Investors

This Focus Newsletter has detailed many of the challenges that Japan faces. It has also shown how Japanese companies and the government are attempting to meet them. Legal, institutional, regulatory, demographic, and financial developments in Japan are creating new opportunities for companies that demonstrate...

To view the full contents of this newsletter please visit:
http://www.jetro.org/focus

Data, statistics and the reference materials presented within this newsletter have been compiled by JETRO from publicly- released media and research accounts. Although these statements are believed to be reliable, JETRO does not guarantee their accuracy, and any such information should be checked independently by the reader before they are used to make any business or investment decision.

For additional information on economic and financial trends in Japan, please contact:

JETRO New York
Akihiro Tada
Executive Director
email: akihiro_tada@jetro.go.jp
tel./fax +1-212-997-0416/+1-212-997-0464

This material is published and disseminated by JETRO New York, in coordination with KWR International, Inc., New York, NY 10016, Tel: 212-532-3005, Fax: 212-685-2413, E-mail: kwrintl@kwrintl.com. JETRO New York is registered as an agent of the Japan External Trade Organization, Tokyo, Japan and KWR International, Inc. is registered on behalf of JETRO New York. This material is filed with the Department of Justice where the required registration statement is available for public viewing.