Japan’s economy is gaining strength, but vulnerability to sovereign risk is rising. The new government has a greater willingness to consider needed fiscal reforms. Timely stimulus and strong external demand have supported the economic recovery. Global events have focused on Japan’s fiscal...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that Japan’s external position remains strong. Boosted by investment income, the current account surplus widened in 2006 to nearly 4 percent of Japan’s GDP, despite a shrinking trade balance. Financial outflows also picked up, reflecting mainly...

Japan has responded swiftly to stabilize markets, and activity has begun to recover. The immediate priority is to repair damaged infrastructure and facilitate a swift recovery. Financial policies should protect against the risk of an economic slowdown and higher market volatility. Timely...

This paper discusses recent empirical research on the interplay between fiscal policies and external imbalances in the G3 countries, focusing on the stock-flow dynamics of public and foreign deficits and debt accumulation

This 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that the GDP growth in Japan slowed unexpectedly in the second quarter of 2004, after several quarters of above-trend growth. For the full year, GDP rose by 2.6 percent, well below expectations. A significant part of the shortfall reflected a shift to...

Japan showed strong economic recovery from the crisis. Executive Directors welcomed the development and stressed the need for a strong monetary framework, well-designed fiscal consolidation, and structural reforms. Directors agreed that the Bank of Japan’s monetary framework is well suited to...

This 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that Japan’s external position remains strong. The current account surplus rose to 4.8 percent of GDP in 2007 on the back of strong external demand and a further surge in investment income. Money markets remain relatively stable owing to the banking...

This paper reviews economic and policy developments in Japan during the 1990s. It suggests that, while growth is likely to be adversely affected in the near term owing to the fiscal consolidation measures adopted as part of the FY1997 budget, the prospects are favorable for continued economic...

The Japanese economy has shown robust growth after the March 2011 Great East Japan earthquake. Post-earthquake, Japan has had to deal with devastating human toll and destruction, while businesses and households have had to recover from the losses. Exports were impacted by supply chain...

Macroeconomic policy support and structural reforms have helped to bring about the economic recovery in Japan. Initiating a public process to obtain consensus on a credible strategy for eventual fiscal consolidation would help to raise confidence in long-term growth prospects and reduce the...