Category Archives: Global economy

The myth of Japan’s “lost decades”: An invitation to Ambassador John Roos

Why do Americans keep misunderstanding Japan? Much of the blame must be placed at the door of the State Department. And that is why last week I extended an unusual offer  to  the current U.S. ambassador to Tokyo. As part … Continue reading

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A Reply to Paul Krugman

It is past time Paul Krugman visited “basket case” Japan. I have been under the weather these last few days, hence my delay in replying to Paul Krugman’s critique of my recent article on Japan’s lost decades. He writes: “Fingleton … Continue reading

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Coming Soon: A Reply to Paul Krugman

paul krugman, matt yglesias, new york times, lost decades Continue reading

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An Open Letter to Professor Edward J. Lincoln

The letter below, to the Clinton administration’s chief Japan economist, is self-explanatory. Dear Ed: Having heard nothing from you over the summer despite several private attempts to make contact, I must now press publicly for an answer. As you know, … Continue reading

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The Weight of the Yen

As I have repeatedly documented at this website, the story of Japan’s two lost decades is a myth. But if I am right, how come so many ostensibly reliable observers seem to disagree with me? There are several reasons, none … Continue reading

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An invitation, some surprising facts, and two elusive experts

For thirteen years now I have been trying to organize a public debate on what really happened to the Japanese economy. The effort continues. The facts below have convinced at least one top American economic thinker that a debate is … Continue reading

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Earthquake: Interview on Thom Hartmann’s Big Picture

Thom Hartmann interviewed me on his show The Big Picture last week. (Thom is one of the most astute commentators in the American media and author of several great books.)

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The coming crisis in the global manufacturing chain

How much will the Japanese earthquake hurt the global economy? (Article as first published by the New Republic.) Not many people in the American electronics industry had ever heard of the Japanese town of Niihama before the summer of 1993. … Continue reading

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