India and Japan: News and Discussion

Masaru · Post by **Masaru** » 01 May 2010 00:35

Japan signs pact with 3 States for DMIC project

Major Japanese consultants on Friday entered into joint pacts with DMICDC and three State governments to develop eco-friendly infrastructure for the new cities planned in the USD 90 billion Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC).

The DMIC, comprising six states -- Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh -- is being developed in collaboration with Japan as a manufacturing and trading hub. Under the four Memorandums of Understanding (MoU), Japanese consultants will launch feasibility studies to set up the first set of ‘smart communities’ in Manesar-Bawal (Haryana), Dahej and Changodar (Gujarat) and Shendra (Maharashtra). A host of Japanese companies like Hitachi, Mitsubishi Corporation, Toshiba, JGC, Itochu and Tokyo Electric Power Company will be part of the consortiums conducting the feasibility studies.

A total of 24 investment zones have been planned in the DMIC region, with seven likely to be completed in the first phase. The region has been projected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 13 per cent. The development plan for the Ahmedabad-Dholera investment region in Gujarat has been completed, while the overall perspective plan for the entire region has also been approved. Kant said to meet the power requirements of the region, power projects are being established in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.

More details from elsewhere
Smart communities along DMIC

Under the agreements signed today, the Japanese companies will launch feasibility studies to set up the first set of "smart communities" in the Manesar-Bawal region in Haryana, Dahej and Changodar in Gujarat and Shendra industrial region in Maharashtra.

"The aim is to create a strong economic base with globally competitive environment and state-of-the-art infrastructure to boost local commerce, enhance foreign investments and attain sustainable development. As India urbanises rapidly, we need to treat our land and natural resources as scarce commodities and create models of urban development that become sustainable in the long run." said Mr. Sharma.

Mr. T K A Nair, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, said the increased economic growth being witnessed in the country was likely to put additional pressure on environmental resources. "In order to address this, it is essential to integrate the sustainability aspects by introducing proven planning methods and technological interventions at the initial stage itself," he stressed.

The eco cities will be inspired by Japan’s Kitakyushu Eco Town, which set the stage for industrial advancement of the Asian giant from the ruins of World War II. The "Kitakyushu model" was the catalyst for providing impetus to Japan’s economic development. The rapid pace of industrial growth was, however, accompanied by serious industrial pollution. The Dukai Bay area near Kitakyushu came to be known as the "Sea of Death" due to pollution.

The Japanese Government and the city of Kitakyushu took several initiatives to overcome its pollution problem and improve the environment through a unique model of partnership between government, business and the citizens. Kitakyushu’s eco-friendly activities have been widely recognised as a trendsetting model city for environment improvement.

The city of Yokohama demonstrated how to realize significant environmental and economic benefits by engaging stakeholders in the private sector and civil society. The city, which is the second largest in Japan after Tokyo, reduced waste by 38.7% between 2001 and 2007 despite adding about 1,70,000 people.

IMHO with comparable population densities and hence the resultant problem of lack of space and other natural resources the Japanese urbanization model holds important clues as to how urbanization in India could be shaped. The sentiments and visions expressed allude to awareness of this fact. How much of this actually gets implemented on ground and how quickly/efficiently remains to be seen.

Masaru · Post by **Masaru** » 01 May 2010 00:41

Along with the long delayed DMIC some positive news on the FTA too. Looks like at least the trade and economic component of the relationship is back on track.

India, Japan likely to conclude FTA this year: Anand Sharma

Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma on Friday said India and Japan will be able to conclude their proposed bilateral free trade pact to liberalise commerce this year. “India and Japan are engaged in Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations and we will be able to clear this by the time the next bilateral summit takes place,” Sharma said at a CII function. The summit is scheduled later this year in Japan and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be attending it, Sharma said.

Issues such as liberalising sectors like pharmaceuticals and services - areas of great interest to India - have been resolved, they added. Once the free trade agreement, officially dubbed as CEPA, is signed and operationalised, as many 9,000 products - ranging from steel and apparel to drugs and machinery - are expected to be traded either without duty or at substantially reduced tariffs. The pact would keep a number of items, sensitive to the agriculture and employment-oriented sectors, out of the purview of both countries.

Bilateral trade between India and Japan has more than doubled over the past four years to about USD 11 billion in 2008-09.

Ameet · Post by **Ameet** » 01 May 2010 01:02

Japan to help India build ‘smart’ city

http://beta.profit.ndtv.com/news/show/j ... city-37364

Having provided funds and expertise for the metro rail, Japan will now help India build futuristic smart city with minimal pollution, maximum recycling and consumption-efficient public transport system.

Meanwhile, these smart cities will be built on the lines of Japanese cities Kita Kyusyu and Yokohoma. The key words for these cities will smart technology, recycle and reuse where even automobiles will be recycled as it is done in the Japanese cities.

Masaru · Post by **Masaru** » 01 May 2010 02:50

China actions due to govt weakness
Excerpt

The government's appeasement policy toward China may lie at the root of the aggressive actions by the Chinese fleet in the seas around Japan.

In the first incident, a helicopter came as close as 90 meters horizontally and 30 meters above the MSDF destroyer Suzunami. On April 21, a helicopter twice circled the MSDF destroyer Asayuki, getting as close as 90 meters horizontally and 50 meters vertically. The Chinese fleet conducted exercises in the central East China Sea, including helicopter flight training, from April 7 to 9. Then the fleet passed through international waters between the main Okinawa island and Miyakojima island, and proceeded to the Pacific Ocean west of Okinotorishima island for maneuvers. According to the Defense Ministry, the Chinese fleet comprised 10 vessels--two submarines, three frigates, two destroyers, a supply vessel, a rescue ship and a tugboat.

The MSDF dispatched destroyers and patrol aircraft to observe the Chinese fleet. Though Japan protested the actions of the Chinese, calling the helicopter's actions dangerous, this was four days after the first incident. However, despite the protests the Chinese have not accepted responsibility for the incidents. Chinese Ambassador to Japan Cheng Yonghua claimed at a press conference Tuesday that MSDF ships consistently followed the Chinese fleet.

Akihisa Nagashima, parliamentary secretary of defense, openly expressed a sense of urgency at a session of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday. "It can be expected that actions by the Chinese fleet will become commonplace. The question is how to respond under the Japan-U.S. alliance," Nagashima said. China's hard-line attitude is partly due to the Hatoyama Cabinet's policy toward China and the deterioration of Japan-U.S. relations, political observers pointed out.

Hatoyama held a meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao in Washington on April 12, after the first helicopter incident. During the talks, however, Hatoyama failed to mention the incident, only reiterating his hope that, "the East China Sea will be a sea of fraternity." {Shades of MMS type behavior in action}

In its campaign platform for the 2009 lower house election, the Democratic Party of Japan stated its intention to strengthen the East Asian international community and reinforce diplomatic relations with other Asian countries. Hatoyama also made a remark that can be interpreted as a shift in priority to relations with China during a summit meeting of Japanese, South Korean and Chinese leaders. He said Japan "has been too reliant on the United States in some situations." As to why Hatoyama did not mention the incident at the meeting with Hu, some political observers said they believed this was influenced by the views of the prime minister and the DPJ.

Some in the government claim the Chinese made a stronger than necessary military demonstration because Beijing believed the Japanese government would be unable to react strongly. A former senior official at the U.S. Defense Department said China assumed its actions would not be challenged because the Japan-U.S. alliance was rocky. He also expressed fear that the deterrent power of the Japan-U.S. alliance is weakening.

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » 01 May 2010 03:15

Meanwhile, these smart cities will be built on the lines of Japanese cities Kita Kyusyu and Yokohoma.

The usual suspects will oppose this project. They will say that poor farmers are being deprived of their livelihood and that this money should be spent on village development.

Masaru · Post by **Masaru** » 06 May 2010 20:25

Solving Tokyo's Nuclear Conundrum

Today, Japanese government ministries involved in technology approvals, such as the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, want to open the valve for trade with India, arguing that Japan should not be more righteous than the U.S., France, Russia and anyone else who is eager to do nuclear business in India.

Japan has more leverage than is commonly recognized. France has already signed agreements to build several nuclear reactors in India, but state-owned French supplier Areva needs components that are built by Japanese companies. Similarly, America's General Electric hopes to build reactors in India but depends on its partner Hitachi to supply nuclear equipment and know-how. Thus, Tokyo's decision on nuclear cooperation with India affects the scale of India's nuclear power ambitions as well as the business prospects of these companies and their Japanese partners.

Japanese interests are multifaceted and conflicted. Japan wants a closer relationship with India to strengthen the balance of democracies vis-a-vis China and to promote mutually beneficial trade and investment. Japanese technology companies and policy makers recognize that nuclear cooperation could bring direct benefits and increase political goodwill. This could open the way for broader business in India's growing economy—a business that is sorely needed as Japan's economy sees a weak recovery.

Tokyo is likely to shy away from blocking Japanese companies and their foreign partners from entering the Indian nuclear market because India's future economic importance is too great, and French and U.S. nuclear partners are pressing hard.

Sanctimonious posturing on morality of n-technology aside Tokyo should well take note of the PRC-TSP-NoKo n-proliferation nexus and what/how it affects its security and what it can do to deal with that threat once the US led security alliance weakens in the future. The pertinent question is not the morality of n-bomb possession but the likelihood of usage of such terrible weapons by insane leaders. Which country out of NoKo, TSP, PRC and India does Tokyo think is least likely to use an n-weapon in future on any country in general and Japan in particular?

The answer to that would solve lot of these moral dilemmas.

Masaru · Post by **Masaru** » 16 May 2010 09:18

Tokyo Grows Wary Of China Military

"I wouldn't use the word 'threat'—but we certainly will need to watch very carefully the nuclear arsenal and naval capabilities of China," Katsuya Okada said in an interview Thursday with The Wall Street Journal. "And it is because of this that, all the more, the Japan-U.S. alliance would be important."

Sanjay M · Post by **Sanjay M** » 16 May 2010 09:30

Tokyo's socialists would be foolish to blindly cast their lot with Beijing, because China will always seek to marginalize Japan in Asia, to achieve unchallenged supremacy over the region.

SwamyG · Post by **SwamyG** » 20 May 2010 07:26

Japan loses some in the shift of the voting rights @ World Bank. China, obviously who else, gains clout. Japan emerge as biggest loser in World Bank power shift

Tokyo accepted the reduction "to contribute to realizing a shift of the voting share to the developing and transition countries," he said in a statement.

We in BRF some time ago realized that Japan has realized this

IMF is slated for some change by this year end. And, IMF wants Japan to start working on Japan's debt from next year.

Meanwhile Japan's economy grows for the forth straight quarter

Sanjay M · Post by **Sanjay M** » 02 Jun 2010 06:37

Japan PM Yukio Hatoyama 'to step down'

Japan's Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has decided to step down, public broadcaster NHK reports.

Sanjay M · Post by **Sanjay M** » 02 Jun 2010 07:24

Hatoyama had to step down after a smaller coalition partner walked out:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/02/world ... japan.html

Hah, is Japan's govt looking more like Merkel's or like Cameron's?
Maybe Japan will have to change its system of governance, to avoid the paralysis of a hung parliament, just as Britain is contemplating.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 02 Jun 2010 16:49

India-Japan: Quiet Approach

Nonetheless, it is becoming gradually evident that India is trying to make its presence felt in China's neighbourhood. And, in this, New Delhi has found willing partners.

This particular dialogue between India and Japan is noteworthy on two counts: one, the new move for an “exchange of information on the escorting schedules” of the Japanese and Indian naval vessels engaged in their independent anti-piracy operations along the Gulf of Aden; and two, the manner in which Kitazawa took Antony into his confidence over Japan's views about China's military activities in the area surrounding the Japanese archipelago.

Antony and Kitazawa have also agreed that India and Japan should hold a naval exercise by 2011.

Another talking point during the Kitazawa-Antony meeting was the idea of joint training, involving the Japanese and Indian navies, for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and U.N. peacekeeping operations.

abhishek_sharma · Post by **abhishek_sharma** » 03 Jun 2010 09:17

Hatoyama’s downfall

http://shadow.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2 ... n_alliance

Second, in a perverse way we may have Kim Jong-Il to thank for this turn of events. North Korea's sinking of the South Korean destroyer Cheonan and ensuing threats to bring war to East Asia should South Korea retaliate reminded Japan's leaders and people that they continue to live in a very dangerous neighborhood. Aggressive Chinese naval maneuvers in waters near Japan have also reminded Tokyo that Hatoyama's lofty rhetoric about "East Asian fraternity" has its limits.

Sanjay M · Post by **Sanjay M** » 04 Jun 2010 09:44

Japan seems to have doting on China the way Israel has been doting on Turkey.
What a recipe for disaster.

Too much disaster will bring an ultra-nationalist govt to power.

Neela · Post by **Neela** » 04 Jun 2010 15:12

Isro, Godrej, BEL off Japan’s blacklist

The Japanese decision took place only after a number of visits from an inspection group from Japan with the last inspection taking place in April this year. Following the inspection, the 11 companies were removed from the end user list by the Japanese Ministry of Economic, Trade and Industry (METI).

Didn't know that the inspections were so intrusive. Does that make jingoes uncomfortable?

Prem · Post by **Prem** » 04 Jun 2010 19:46

Japan names outspoken populist Naoto Kan as new PM
TOKYO – Japan's parliament elected outspoken populist Naoto Kan as prime minister Friday, handing the political veteran the immediate task of rallying his party and reclaiming its mandate for change before elections next month.
Kan succeeds Yukio Hatoyama, who stepped down Wednesday after squandering the public's high hopes with broken campaign promises, including moving a U.S. Marine base off Okinawa island, and financial scandals."My task is to rebuild this nation," said Kan, who was Hatoyama's finance minister.The 63-year-old with a reputation for confronting Japan's powerful bureaucrats must contend with a daunting list of problems. The world's No. 2 economy is burdened with the largest public debt in the industrialized world, sluggish growth and an aging, shrinking population.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100604/ap_ ... n_politics

Sanjay M · Post by **Sanjay M** » 07 Jun 2010 00:01

I think they already have such incentives in place - but apparently it's not enough to counter-act the effects of Japan's workaholic lifestyle. They also have the world's highest divorce rates, don't forget that.

Sanjay M · Post by **Sanjay M** » 07 Jun 2010 08:43

Japanese Leader Tells Obama He’ll Work to Fulfill Base Pact

Karan Dixit · Post by **Karan Dixit** » 09 Jun 2010 10:39

Reuters) – The United States and France have urged Japan to sign a nuclear deal with India, a move that would clear the way for General Electric Co and France's Areva to use Japanese suppliers for nuclear projects in the South Asian country, the Nikkei reported.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100608/wl_ ... s_nikkei_1

Prem · Post by **Prem** » 10 Jun 2010 00:23

Hitachi Plans To Build Over 38 Nuclear Plants By '30

Hitachi Plans To Build Over 38 Nuclear Plants By '30TOKYO (NQN)--Hitachi Ltd. (6501) said Wednesday it is aiming for 1.2 trillion yen in sales from its electric power operations by the year ending March 2016. It is also raising its sales target for nuclear power operations to 380 billion yen by the year ending March 2021. It hopes to get orders to build more than 38 nuclear power plants by 2030 in such regions as North America, India and the Middle East.Hitachi booked 882.1 billion yen in sales from its electric power operations in fiscal 2009, while its nuclear power operations rang up 210 billion yen.The firm will strengthen its tie-up with General Electric Co. in the nuclear business by launching joint operating bases with the U.S. firm in Asia and the Middle East, said Executive Officer Koji Tanaka.Hitachi cut its sales target for power generation operations' from the previous 1 trillion yen to 900 billion yen for fiscal 2012.

http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20100609D09SS778.htm

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 10 Jun 2010 00:28

Prad, PRC overplayed its hand with NoKo sinking the Soko ship. What it did was to highlight the loss of security cover if US were to be moved form Okinawa.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 25 Jun 2010 06:29

Japan & India discuss civil nuclear cooperation

Japanese government spokesman Kazuo Kodama, who disclosed the latest surprise development in a telephone conversation with The Hindu from Tokyo on Thursday, outlined four norms that were now driving this new process.

Spelling out the recently updated position, Mr. Kodama said: “With respect to the issue of Japan-India civil nuclear cooperation, the Japanese government is considering the matter, taking into account various elements.” Apart from the importance of India for Japan, these elements ‘include the impact on the international nuclear non-proliferation system, Japan's contribution in the area of civil nuclear cooperation, and the energy and industrial policy viewpoint of the Japanese Government.'

It is, however, understood on good authority that these consultations are entirely different from another aspect of the ongoing Japan-India engagement. {That is an intriguing statement left unexplained. Is it a reference to maritime security cooperation ?}

ajit_tr · Post by **ajit_tr** » 25 Jun 2010 07:39

already posted...

Masaru · Post by **Masaru** » 25 Jun 2010 22:38

Japan to start nuclear power talks with India

Japan will start talks with India over a civil nuclear energy deal, Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada said on Friday, a move that would give Japanese firms access to the rapidly growing market amid rising global competition.

Major Japanese firms have partnered with companies abroad and engage in joint development for nuclear reactors, such as Hitachi Ltd's cooperation with General Electric and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries with France's Areva.

But Japanese companies currently cannot access the Indian market due to a lack of legal framework. "There are projects that suppliers of other countries are involved in (in India) that require Japanese technologies. That is a point of consideration," Okada told a news conference.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 27 Jun 2010 15:21

ajit_tr wrote:already posted...

ajit_tr, where ? The news item I posted was dated June 25 and the post just above mine was June 10. How could it have been already posted unless you are referring to some other thread.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 27 Jun 2010 15:26

India-Japan Parleys on Civil Nuclear Pact

As reported in The Hindu, Japan first began “consultations” with India on civil nuclear cooperation. Those were a prelude to the formal negotiations for an agreement as now announced by Japan.

Earlier, Japan participated in the relevant “consensus” in the NSG by judging that such an action would be conducive to nudging India to “embrace the international non-proliferation system.” This aspect and the August 2008 safeguards agreement between India and the International Atomic Energy Agency would now serve as the framework for the imminent Japan-India parleys on civil nuclear cooperation, Mr. Okada pointed out.

He also cited India's importance for Japan, the need to combat global warming, and Tokyo's own energy and industrial policies as the other factors driving this new move.{That is nice to hear. At last, Japan seems to be placing its bets on India. Hope their investments in India would also multiply aggressively}

arun · Post by **arun** » 01 Jul 2010 17:38

Hiroshima A-bomb victims protest Japan-India nuclear pact talks

svinayak · Post by **svinayak** » 03 Jul 2010 00:10

SSridhar wrote:India-Japan Parleys on Civil Nuclear Pact

Earlier, Japan participated in the relevant “consensus” in the NSG by judging that such an action would be conducive to nudging India to “embrace the international non-proliferation system.”
He also cited India's importance for Japan, the need to combat global warming, and Tokyo's own energy and industrial policies as the other factors driving this new move.{That is nice to hear. At last, Japan seems to be placing its bets on India. Hope their investments in India would also multiply aggressively}

When the global business syndicate nudges then they have to follow.

Prem · Post by **Prem** » 06 Jul 2010 00:13

http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/vi ... id/4278830
India to send envoy to Japan amid opposition to nuclear talks

NEW DELHI, Jul. 5, 2010 (Kyodo News International) -- India may dispatch a special envoy to Japan to influence Japanese public opinion in the wake of opposition from the atomic-bombed cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the Japanese government's negotiations with India to seal a civilian nuclear cooperation pact, government sources said Monday.The sources said India is considering to send Shyam Saran, who negotiated India's nuclear deal with the United States, to Japan as a special envoy of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to familiarize the Japanese people with India's stand on nuclear security issues.Last week, Japan and India launched their nuclear talks to pave the way for sales of Japanese nuclear technology to India, which plans to build 20 nuclear power plants by 2020.
But it is exceptional for India to dispatch a special envoy of the prime minister to a country in which it is involved in such negotiations

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 07 Jul 2010 10:57

India Japan Talks

Seem to be making good progress.

. . . the two sides held Foreign Office Consultations. Security and strategic cooperation and exchange of notes on the regional situation were the main topics of discussions at the two meetings. Talks on the regional situation covered Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Myanmar also. {'also' means China was certainly covered}

The two sides also decided to step up maritime cooperation by expanding the joint exercises to include the navies from both countries and stepping up cooperation in anti-piracy operations off the Gulf of Aden. With piracy having spread to the high seas, both sides held discussions on further coordinating the movement of their warships.

Having held the first round of civil nuclear dialogue only last month, Ms. Rao expressed her appreciation to Japan for having taken the initiative despite local opposition. Days after the talks, the Mayors of Nagasaki and Hiroshima met Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada and protested against the opening of civil nuclear negotiations with India.

Masaru · Post by **Masaru** » 08 Jul 2010 06:36

Japan's Exporters Eye Every Rupee

Japanese manufacturers should work harder to gain brand recognition and market share rather than merely trying to respond to the S Korean market leaders. At least there is some recognition of the hard work that needs to be done.

Masaru · Post by **Masaru** » 11 Jul 2010 16:43

Japan Ruling Party Pummeled in Upper-House Vote

Looks like all the romanticism of ousting LDP is waning. Time for course correction as people seek performance not empty promises.

SwamyG · Post by **SwamyG** » 03 Aug 2010 00:40

Japan's new envoy to serve with 'patriotism and pro-China spirit'. The Japanese know which side of the bread is buttered. They are increasingly scratching Panda's back than feed insects to the Bald Eagle.

BEIJING —

Japan’s new ambassador to China Uichiro Niwa arrived in Beijing on Saturday and said he will serve with “patriotism and a pro-China spirit.”

Niwa said he wants to develop bilateral relations in a long-term perspective, citing a time frame of “1,000 and 2,000 years,” and that he sees little sense the two countries will “confront and compete” in issues of the next 10 to 20 years.

‘‘As the two countries have economic clout in the world, I would like to build peaceful relations,’’ Niwa told reporters at his official residence. ‘‘I would like to do my job with ‘patriotism and a pro-China spirit,’‘’ he said. ‘‘I don’t think I can take a summer holiday this year.’‘

Niwa said he wants to increase grassroots and youth exchanges, especially in the fields of culture and sports such as baseball and table tennis, so ‘‘ordinary citizens’’ of the two countries can boost mutual understanding. Niwa, who has rich experience in international business, expressed his willingness to strengthen economic ties with China, which is expected to overtake Japan as the world’s second biggest economy this year.

Sanjay M · Post by **Sanjay M** » 03 Aug 2010 01:01

I don't know what Japan is hoping the Sino-Japanese relationship will look like in the long run - are they perhaps hoping for a US-Canada style relationship? Or a Germany-Austria relationship? Or a Turkish-Arab relationship?

If they follow in Australia's footsteps in kissing China's feet, it's possible Japan could end up "Finlandized" - ie. what the Soviets did to Finland, neutralizing the independence of its foreign policy.

The more Japan bows to China, the more its maneuvering room will slim down, and the more they will be made to bow further.

Nihat · Post by **Nihat** » 03 Aug 2010 01:07

True, the Chinese see other nations non-confrontational stance and willingness to co-operate as a sign of weakness. They would probably believe that with an increasing Naval presence and a bigger economy than Japan (with much more potential) gives then the upper negotiating position in the future.

Thank God, India has not adopted a similar attitude wrt to China.

Sanjay M · Post by **Sanjay M** » 03 Aug 2010 01:10

Who says we haven't?

Look at our capitulation on the status of Tibet. Look at current statements emanating from some ministers who chide other ministers over "excessive hostility" towards China.

SwamyG · Post by **SwamyG** » 03 Aug 2010 01:45

Japan has a rich history and the country has gone to wars in the past; so how it balances its sovereignty and continues to conduct business with China remains to be seen. For now it is an economical power, what will happen when China passes it?

Sanjay M · Post by **Sanjay M** » 03 Aug 2010 04:05

Japan's demographic trend of an aging population means its productivity is declining. The fact that the LDP One Party State was ousted shows that the population has reached its saturation point and won't suffer any more sacrifices. The recent move by Kan to raise taxes to pay off the alarmingly high deficit generated a stiff voter backlash, which shows that they won't give him any quarter on anything, even if he wants to do the right thing. It looks like he's not going to be able to do a Cameron.
At this point, the only thing ordinary Japanese can do to save themselves is to shift their families over to Latin America, as some did in past times of hardship.

Note that the entire edifice of Trilateralism is crumbling, from the economies of Japan to USA to Europe, but G2 is nowhere near being ready to take over from Trilateralism.

With Japan on the decline while China rises to surpass it, there is no way to moderate China's behaviour in its neighborhood in the Far East.

China is now free to break free of any constraints, and rearrange its neighborhood to its liking. Unchecked power will do this. The US is in increasingly difficult position to stop them.

SwamyG · Post by **SwamyG** » 03 Aug 2010 23:22

Sanjay M wrote:At this point, the only thing ordinary Japanese can do to save themselves is to shift their families over to Latin America, as some did in past times of hardship.

The asymmetric nature of population and resources is troubling, Asia has surplus population and some parts of the World could use some young hands. But the redistribution of population across the planet is not an easy thing

Sanjay M · Post by **Sanjay M** » 10 Aug 2010 09:15

Japanese Socio-Economic Order Collapsing