More than 10 years has passed since Japan enjoyed the "bubble ecomony" in the second half of the 1980s, purchasing a lot of buildings all over the world. Japan spent the "lost decade" in 1990s, unable to clear the negative results of the "boom" and suffering, on the contrary, from the contracting economy. It has lost its presence in the international community too, going from "Japan bashing" via "Japan passing" to "Japan nothing." The public debt is still growing, and it's probable that the same misery which swirled South Korea, Thailand and Argentina attaque Japan in 2004 when the bonds, issued during the "bubble ecomony," are expired.

On this section Japan's current picture will be examined, showing you what's wrong with this Eastern country.

• 1. Around the "Comeback"(Jan 1st, 2003)
• 2. "Double identity" denied(Jan 16, 2003)
• 3. The neonationalism(Jan 30, 2003)
• 4. About North Korea(Aug 01, 2003)

(mig@lime.plala.or.jp)