Japan: Capitalism That Works (ENGLISH‪)‬ AoyamaTreehouse

This presentation looks at the criteria by which we judge economy and society: optimizing for multiple objectives, equality of opportunity and equality of outcome, and the value of balance and stability.

This session looks at the quality of the people running Japan. How they have managed the orderly transition from an overheated “bubble” economy, how they have applied a pragmatic approach to managing deflation while raising purchasing power and focusing on creating common social capital.

Demographics are often cited as a reason for pessimism in a rapidly aging Japan. In this episode Jesper explores the demographic “sweet spot” by looking at labor market realities, the rise of the new middle class and affordability of housing. Jesper gives us reason for hope for future generations of Japanese and for Japan itself.

From a corporate governance perspective, Jesper traces the evolution from Zaibatsu to Keirestsu to free agent companies. He examines Japanese corporations from multiple perspectives: lack of excessive competition, global diversification, and capitalists with too much capital.

Hoarding for what? This episode explores the habit of household cash hoarding and the huge balance sheets held by Japanese corporations. Is this fundamental supersaver aspect harmful or helpful for the economy and society? Will the supersized public sector debt be a future drag on the economy in the form of higher taxation?

This session looks at the start-up environment in Japan and the coming entrepreneurial boom. Yes, venture capitalists do make money in Japan and the digital and economic transformations under way will add further incentives for investment and doing business in Japan.