Is the government running out of options — or out of options already?

The political system is gearing up for a debate over the government's 15 trillion yen stimulus package that could decide the timing and the outcome of the next general election.

The Aso government's need for speed

Ozawa Ichiro, marking the third anniversary of his leadership of the DPJ, gave a long (and rambling) press conference at DPJ headquarters to mark the occasion...

Japan: Praying for an American recovery

Japan’s closely watched Tankan report was released last week, a quarterly report of business sentiment, showing its sharpest drop in history, cliff diving from -24 to -58...

What is the Next Big Thing?

A big chunk of the growth this decade sprang from artificial and ephemeral real estate gains, which have since gone poof! There is nothing to replace it until we invent something new...

Rakuten vs TBS - The Final Chapter

I cannot understand the meaning of the “Certified Broadcast Holdings Company” Act which came about through the Broadcasting Revision. Because public service is required, a single shareholder is limited to owning less than a third of the company?

Terrie's Job Tips -- Business Development Manager

In a recession there is one job that is never in short supply – sales. No company is getting enough sales, and for those that are hurting due to the economy, sales is the primary point of attention. Managers are putting pressure on low performers, and firing or reassigning those who are unable to contribute. This level of attention may make some people feel like sales is a high-pressure and ultimately undesirable job. But in fact, a sales role can be very fulfilling and liberating if you are good at it – i.e., if you understand what drives successful sales.

I'll talk about what these drivers are in a future article, but right now, let's discuss the high end of sales – which is business development.

Newsletter:

Engine failure

Last time I had Japan under the loop I asked whether there was no end in sight for Japan's economy and as I wind up for another close look, I must say that it is still very difficult to find good news if any at all...

After the launch

In the wake of North Korea's Unha-2 launch Sunday, the Japanese establishment and public have uniformly reacted with a sense of outrage and a desire for an vigorous Japanese and international response to the test.

The real meaning of "To Earn is To Win"

So, it’s been written that I said “There is nothing you can’t buy with money” and “You can praise honorable poverty extravagantly because you are so far it,” and it looks like this is a quote from the heading on the first item of my book “To Earn Is To Win” but actually, this is the wrong interpretation and if you read it, you will understand...

Yen bears fail to take full advantage of poor numbers

Are yen bears entering a "bear trap" as a cyclic high in the dollar looms?

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