Capitalism Heads East
The threat of bankruptcy swept away politically-driven vanity projects.Nothing was too big to fail, not even the ruling family of Indonesia.
Higher Wages are Coming to Japan
British prime ministers would invite union leaders and heads of industry to Number 10 Downing Street in order to thrash out wage deals over beer and sandwiches
You Say Diaoyu, I Say Senkaku
Photos of Chinese protestors holding signs proclaiming “Exterminate the Japanese” went viral in Japan and will not be forgotten quickly…
Olympus The Movie
If Hollywood were making the movie, the imminent confrontation between Michael Woodford, the former CEO of Olympus, and the directors who…
Going Back To Tohoku
I scan my memory, jumbled and blurred by hangover, jetlag, lifelag. Got it – he’s a media figure, fronts up current affairs programs, TV and radio. A real pro, and a nice guy too. “You’re looking well,” I respond.
The Retreat From Hard Money
Imagine the US economy shrinking by 30% over the past four years, the Chinese economy growing at 2%, not 10%. Imagine UK house prices down 60% and commodity prices sliding back to the levels of the mid-1970s.
Wrong About Japan
“What most likely happened was pedal misapplication.” So concluded an official of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the US body which has just published its report on the spate of accidents involving Toyota cars.
When China Hits a Bric Wall
Who has survived the global credit crisis in the best shape? As Chou En Lai said about the impact of the French Revolution, it’s still too early to judge. The snap verdict that China is the big winner and the US and rest of the old G7 are big losers is already looking questionable.
We’re Turning Japanese, Not Greek
The Greeks have got a lot to answer for. As well as roiling the markets and torpedoing the euro, they have inflicted serious damage on the debate about the global crisis and its remedies.
Sayonara Toyota?
cons of competitive excellence are supposed to be immune from the failings of ordinary mortals. That was why the fall from grace of Tiger Woods was so disorienting. The evaporation of Toyota’s reputation for superhuman quality is even more shocking. After the eight million vehicle recall, it feels as if something comforting and hopeful has disappeared from the world for ever.