By Jesper Koll -- The Koizumi era encouraged real economic growth with passion. But what can corporate Japan expect from its political leaders now? It’s Autumn 2008, and Japan’s Prime Minister faces a simple policy challenge: How to prevent recession in the worlds’ second largest economy? The good news is that Japan still has ample room on all policy fronts to stimulate economic growth and fend off a slump.

By Ken Worsley -- Self-sufficiency based on a point system? Japan is the world’s largest net importer of food. Nearly 90 percent of wheat consumed in Japan is imported, and about 18 million tons of corn is purchased each year from the United States alone. When global food prices rise—whether due to speculation, unfavorable weather conditions or higher oil prices—Japanese firms and consumers find themselves at the mercy of external forces as price increases pinch budgets.

By Sarah Noorbakhsh -- Iconic resident of the Shinjuku skyline, the Park Hyatt Hotel is an unexpected destination for drinks in what may be one of the biggest watering holes in the city. A walk through the hotel is an experience in and of itself; marble floors and mirrored walls envelope visitors, making the walk to the elevators much like a stroll through a labyrinth.

By Ken Worsley -- A slightly irreverent look at some of Japan’s biggest business stories. -- Japanese social network site Mixi moved into the Chinese market in June, and has announced intentions to roll out its website in English to target the North American and European markets. -- Mixi CEO Kenji Kasahara echoed what’s on the minds of many Japanese business leaders when he said “The Japanese market is limited. -- METI plans to provide about $1 billion to set up a fund that would work along with existing sovereign wealth funds in order to invest in ... umm ... Japanese companies. -- 13 corporations have lined up to fund a 24-hour English news network in Japan, including NTT, Itochu and Microsoft. -- Discussions are underway concerning whether Japan should adopt international accounting rules. -- The Japanese Nursing Association (JNA) is doing all it can to prevent nurses from the Philippines from setting up shop in Japan.