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.

With the online shopping boom companies and individuals in Japan are moving on to the Internet in a big way, and where they are headed, crooks are sure to follow.

Shock waves went through the Japanese share market last week after ratings of Sony and Panasonic, two of Japan's bedrock electronics manufacturing companies, have been cut to junk grade.

Sometime later this week, our sister publication, Metropolis will mark a significant milestone: its JapanTourist.jp website will surpass Lonely Planet for the sheer number of articles available about Japan in English.