Yen for Living

Recent posts

• Tracking the recession with the Moyashi Index

  The Moyashi Index: When bean sprout consumption goes up, it means grocery spending is down. And yes, families are eating more moyashi these days.

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• Getting paid for doing the right thing

  Spurred by the death of a child-abuse victim, police have begun offering incentives for anonymous tip-offs.

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• The other New Year: Can Chinese prop up J-retail?

  Inbound tourism has taken a hit recently, with the exception of Chinese tourists who collectively spend a lot of yen.

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• Consumer finance regroups: Promise to be good?

  Dinged with lawsuits and government scrutiny, the consumer loan business is having to play it a bit cautious.

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• Kids are all right at Softbank

  If Japan wants to reverse the declining birthrate then maybe more companies should start following the Softbank model of family benefits.

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• Notes on the end of the department store (as we know it)

  Seibu department store has called it quits in Yurakucho. Should we be surprised?

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• The art of boro: rags to riches

  A Tokyo museum takes a look at the time-honored tradition of boro, rag-like hand-me-downs that rise in value as time goes by.

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