Land of the Dropping Sun

3/7/02 1:31am
I was flipping through the pages of TIME Magazine (Feb. 18, 2002 issue) when I came across an article entitled "Time for Hardball?" The article addresses Japan`s struggling economy and the effects it may have onthe rest of the world. Growing up in the eighties and nineties, I was always proud of the fact that my homeland boasts the world`s second largest economy. Times have changed, however, and the Yen (Japanese currency) is weaker than ever. Just this past summer, for example, I brought home 20,000 Yen from Japan in hopes of exchanging it for an approximate $200. Due to recessions in the economy, I only got $150 back. As petty as that lost $50 may seem to you or I, it is a deep implication of troubled times ahead for the inhabitants of the land of the rising sun (FYI, that`s Japan). Let me attempt to break down the severity of the problem facing the Japanese and their economy. First of all, unemployment in Japan is at an all time high. There are literally bands of people living under bridges in blue tents. Former white-collar workers walk around with a `will work for food` sign. On top of that, suicide rates and crime is steadily climbing. Japan has definitely changed since the days I used to live there. In the early 20th century,"made in Japan" was something to laugh about. In the late 20th century, "made in Japan" became something of a prominent label (Sony, Toshiba, Panasonic, the list goes on...). With the start of the 21st century, Japan`s manufacturing reputation may take a step back to that of a century ago. Here`s why. In recent years, manufacturers are figuring out that it`s much cheaper to build factories in places such as China, rather than depending on expensive rural Japan where space is much of a constraint. With factories relocating to other countries, unemployment goes up, GDP goes down, and the Japanese economy starts to crumble.
Clearly, troubled times in Japan has gotten me thinking about my own status as a fledging businessman in corporate America. I have so much pride for Japan, but I`m thankful that I have an opportunity to work in the U.S.A. On the same token, I fear for my JPs, entering the Japanese work force, for I know that they will be struggling for years to come.
I`m assuming that with China expanding free markets with the rest of the world, the one Asian country with nearly unlimited resources will eventually replace Japan as the world`s second largest economy. There is one simple solution to this Japanese economic predicament. Take over Canada. I realize that this solution borders Hitlerism, but think of the possibilities. With Canada`s huge size, Japan`s limited resources will be of no concern. With close proximity to the U.S. and the rest of the western countries, foreign trade will be accomplished with ease. Besides, who needs Steve Nash when you can have Steve Nashimaru?
Of course, I talk jokingly about Japan`s economic crisis, but I have full faith that the geniuses in the Japanese Cabinet can pull my country out of this monetary slump. Until then, I`ll be making millions in the states, living a successful life in the land of opportunities. God bless America.