OSAKA -- Although calls in Japan for tough economic sanctions against North Korea will no doubt grow following Monday's nuclear test, economists say stopping the flow of goods between the two countries would have more political meaning than economic.
"Trade between Japan and North Korea has been in decline for many years. Money continues to reach North Korea from Japan through accounts in other countries," said Mitsuhiro Mimura of the Niigata-based Economic Research Institute for Northeast Asia.
"The number of North Korean ships visiting Japan has fallen way off in recent years. Banning all North Korean ships to Japan wouldn't have much of an economic impact, although it would send a strong political message," Mimura said.