Monthly Archives: April 2013

Norway ranks number one on the UN Human Development Index.To the surprise of absolutely no one, Norway has been declared the world’s happiest country. Just as unsurprising, the Democratic Republic of Congo came last.The United Nations Human Development Index 2011 … Continue reading →

United Nations Human Development Index Subjective Well Being in 97 Countries Happy Planet Index

Japanese war crimes occurred in China, Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and other Asian countries during the period of Japanese imperialism, primarily from 1937-45. Some of the incidents have also been described as an … Continue reading →

From Japanese business etiquette to market transactions in the smallest villages in rural China, the concept of “saving face” guides daily life in Asia. Causing someone to “lose face” — even if done on accident — is an infraction rarely … Continue reading →

The People. Japan is a highly structured and traditional society. Great importance is placed on loyalty, politeness, personal responsibility and on everyone working together for the good of the larger group. Education, ambition, hard work, patience and determination are held … Continue reading →

The code of etiquette in Japan governs the expectations of social behavior in the country and is considered very important. Like many social cultures, etiquette varies greatly depending on one’s status relative to the person in question. Many books instruct … Continue reading →

Japan may have no option other than a domestic default to reduce its debt levels. In 1979, the publication of Harvard sociologist Ezra Vogel’s international best-selling book Japan as Number 1 signaled the nation’s arrival as an economic power. Today, … Continue reading →

Japan’s economic problems are serious and getting worse. Foremost among them is the crushing burden of government debt. Who could be next in line for a gut-wrenching loss of confidence in its growth prospects, its sovereign debt, and its banking … Continue reading →

Japan’s economic problems are serious and getting worse. Foremost among them is the crushing burden of government debt. Who could be next in line for a gut-wrenching loss of confidence in its growth prospects, its sovereign debt, and its banking … Continue reading →

1. My Interest in Japan 2. Three Reasons Japan’s Economic Pain is Getting Worse 3. Japan – A Detailed Economic Analysis 4. Saving Face 5. Etiquette in the Home and Society 6. Etiquette in Business 7. Problems with the Japanese … Continue reading →