5 Things To Know About Risks And Hope Ahead In Japan Economy

The Japanese government's longtime effort to shift the driver of growth to domestic demand is limited because this nation's population is aging. The government has been trying to encourage families to have children by promoting policies at companies and communities to make having and raising children easier, such as work leaves and day care. The favorable currency factor has significantly helped lift the financial results of giant exporters such as Toyota Motor Corp., adding 160 billion yen ($1.3 billion) to the automaker's operating profit for the July-September period. The government has been aggressive in promoting a "cool" Japan, such as "manga" cartoons, sushi and other exotic food, as well as traditional crafts. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is pushing his so-called "Abenomics" program, based on stopping deflation and loosening old-style regulations that have discouraged new and foreign businesses.