The year 2017 started with a significant level of uncertainties in global politics and economies — certainly true for the world economies over the last decade since the global financial crisis in 2007 — after the surprising outcome of the U.S. presidential election in November.

With only three days left to the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Japan — along with the rest of the world — is still struggling to see a clear picture of what the world will look like in the near future.

Ironically, one thing certain about the days ahead, many analysts say, is raised uncertainty due to growing populism and protectionism; topics that are expected to be discussed at the 2017 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, dubbed the Davos meeting after the Swiss resort where the meeting is held.