Does Japan's experience vindicate MMT?
Japan's experience doesn't prove that Modern Monetary Theory works, as some have argued. But increasing deficit-financed spending, in Japan and elsewhere, may still have merit, despite inflationary risks.
Japanese businesses see economy peaking out, want more stimulus: poll
The nation's economy is likely to stop expanding this year and into next with the Sino-U.S. trade war and a planned sales tax hike expected to crimp activity, a Reuters poll of Japanese companies found, with most calling for fresh stimulus to prop up ...
Warning that tax hike would doom Abenomics, former aide vows to convince PM to delay yet again
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe should postpone the consumption tax increase scheduled for October or face the failure of Abenomics, his six-year economic revival program, according to one of the architects of that program. "Abenomics will fail for real if the tax is raised now," Etsuro ...
It's time that more emphasis was placed on structural reforms and deregulation to explore fresh avenues of the economy's growth.
Bank of Japan board debated pros and cons of more easing at March meeting
Bank of Japan policymakers remained divided on how quickly to ramp up stimulus to hit their elusive price goal, minutes of their March meeting showed, even as slowing global demand clouded the outlook for the export-reliant economy. While most in the nine-member board saw no ...
Japan's peaceful Heisei Era leaves legacy of change, growth and tragedy
Emperor Akihito's abdication Tuesday will end the three-decade Heisei Era that began on Jan. 8, 1989, a day after he inherited the throne upon the death of his father, Emperor Showa. During his rein, Japan struggled with economic stagnation and was hit by several natural ...
Reiwa Era to open in wake of decades of tumultuous economic change in Japan
The Heisei Era began three decades ago with Emperor Akihito ascending the throne near the zenith of one of the biggest stock market bubbles in history. It's been punctuated by the triple hit of an earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown, the fall of tech ...
Abe's poker face: If Japan's leader is wavering on tax hike resolve, how will we know?
Twice before, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has backed away from the sort of sales tax hike that toppled at least one predecessor. Now, he faces the same dilemma again. In five months Japan is set to raise the levy to 10 percent from the current ...
Japan government bonds have a cute sales mascot, but there's only one buyer that matters
In the land that gave us Hello Kitty, it's no surprise the government employs an endearing mascot to sell its bonds. His name is Kokusai-sensei. A pint-size rendition of him welcomes visitors to the investor relations office at the Finance Ministry. Pudgy and professorial, ...
Japan's Diet passes record ¥101 trillion budget with spending hikes for defense and social security
Key to the budget is a ¥2.03 trillion stimulus package that the government hopes will underpin domestic demand after the consumption tax is increased.
A recent spate of warning signs that the economy is headed for a downturn means the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may need to take corrective action sooner rather than later. Worsening conditions — and upcoming elections — could push Abe to beef up ...
