The Myth about Japan’s Lacking Productivity Growth
Many economists see low productivity as Japan’s biggest challenge. However, their view is compromised by the so-called “money illusion”. Data such as long-run real GDP growth per capita or per working age population show that Japan’s productivity is not lagging. A similar logic applies to discussions of Japan’s corporate profits and profitability. When making international comparisons, we must figure in differences in inflation and deflation.
Japan’s Staying Power in the Fortune Global 500
At the turn of the century there was a huge drop in the number Japanese companies included in the Fortune Global 500. Their number has since stabilized, while more Chinese firms are climbing in the rankings. But this could be for a good reason, as Japan’s new strategies are no longer about being big, but about being better.
Nikkei Asian Review Op-ed: How to spur innovation after COVID-19
Research on clusters has shown that innovation thrives with random run-ins of people, capital and ideas. As working from home greatly truncates such chance encounters, the question becomes: how can we create serendipity in a world with much less physical proximity? And what would a "virtual water cooler" look like?
“Abenomics” : How Well Did He Do
How to assess Abenomics from a business perspective? In terms of increasing profitability and making Japanese markets more attractive and resilient, Abenomics deserves an A
Japanese Energy Policy – Is the Criticism Unfair?
Japan's energy policies have been attacked on all fronts, but a deeper look shows these criticisms to be unfounded.
Japan-China Business Relations: Symbiotic Pragmatism for the Asian Century?
While the U.S. and China trade and technology disputes area growing fiercer by the day, a new competitive dynamic is emerging in Asia, anchored on pragmatic, symbiotic business relations between Japan and China.
COVID-19: Why Japan’s Fatality Rate is So Low
Japan has not been hit nearly as hard by the pandemic than any other large, densely populated country. Many reasons have been brought forward as to why. I argue that it also has to do with Japan’s “tight culture”, meaning wide agreement over the necessity to maintain space, be situationally aware, follow orders, and don’t choose actions that may inconvenience others.