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Japan: Boosting Growth and Well-Being in an Ageing Society

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Japan: Boosting Growth and Well-Being in an Ageing Society

OECD,

5 min read
5 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

What’s ailing graying, shrinking Japan? Plenty.

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Editorial Rating

7

Recommendation

Once upon a time – in the 1980s – Japan’s economy was so robust that it posed a threat to the mighty United States. Japanese competitors gutted US manufacturers, and Japanese investors snapped up trophy American properties. Then came decades of economic malaise in Japan. This intriguing report from the OECD spells out Japan’s struggles, particularly as it faces severe demographic challenges, and offers policy suggestions, such as focusing on work-life balance and urging cash-hoarding companies to invest more. getAbstract recommends this text to executives and investors seeking a cogent analysis of Japan’s problems and its prospects.

Summary

Compared to other OECD members, Japan has above-average employment, the greatest life expectancy and a well-educated populace. But Japan’s per capita GDP has languished: The country achieved an inflation-adjusted annual growth rate of just 0.8% between 1990 and 2014, compared to 1.4% for other OECD members. Japan is graying, and its population will likely plunge 25% by 2050. Those older than 65 will make up 40% of the population by then. Japan is also “lacking business dynamism”: In 2014, the cash that public nonfinancial firms held was equivalent to 22...

About the Author

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is an international forum of 34 nations that promotes global economic advancement and trade.

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