This podcast episode explores the contrasting perspectives on Japan's economy, with optimists highlighting rising inflation, wages, and a dynamic stock market, while pessimists point to stagnant growth, potential stagflation, demographic challenges, and unresolved structural issues. It discusses the challenges faced by Japanese consumers due to changes in consumer behavior, impact on wages, and supply chain shocks. The conversation also delves into the impact of loose monetary policy and changing economic dynamics on Japan's economy, taking into account the psychological impact on Japanese consumers and household budgets. The episode further addresses the controversy surrounding animal testing in biomedical therapies, highlighting the low success rate of translating animal study results into successful clinical trials. Lastly, it explores the resurgence of interest in etiquette, attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and the confusion about best practices in a global digital age.
