Things have changed a lot since the heady days of 1998-1999, when the 4-year US dotcom bubble had just hit Japan's shores and when it was possible to raise a hundred million yen on a mere business plan.
Among various incidents which prompted Dreamliner aircraft to be grounded have been the incineration of the auxiliary power unit on an empty JAL aircraft and later a forced landing of an ANA jet with another major electrical problem.
A little publicized class action court case is going on in the Supreme Court in Australia, which may have long-term ramifications for smaller Japanese health food exporters.
As is our custom, we are going to kick off the year by making some predictions about where we think Japan, her people, and companies are headed this year.