Economy and Business

1. Today's Japanese words Japanese Basic Vocabulary About Economy and Business (Romaji) General: 経済 (keizai): Economy 経済成長 (keizaiseicho): Economic growth 経済政策 (keizaiseisaku): Economic policy 景気 (keiki): Economic climate 市場 (shijou): Market 会社 (kaisha): Company 企業 (kigyous): Enterprise ビジネス (bisunisu): Business 取引 (torihiki): Transaction 契約 (keiyaku): Contract 投資 (toushi): Investment Finance: お金 (okane): Money 通貨 (tsuuka): Currency 円 (en): Yen (Japanese currency) 銀行 (ginkou): Bank 株 (kabu): Stock 株価 (kabuka): Stock price 利子 (rishi): Interest 税金 (zeikin): Tax Employment: 仕事 (shigoto): Job 労働者 (roudousha): Worker 会社員 (kaishain): Salaryman/Salarywoman 失業 (shitsugyou): Unemployment 賃金 (chingin): Wages 給料 (kyuuryou): Salary Other: 競争 (kyousou): Competition 商品 (shouhin): Product 顧客 (kokyak): Customer サービス (saabisu): Service 利益 (rieki): Profit 損失 (sonshitsu): Loss リスク (risuku): Risk Formal/Respectful: 経済状況 (keizaijoukyou): Economic situation ビジネスチャンス (bisunisu chansu): Business opportunity 契約 (keiyaku): Your contract (to customers) 2. Today's topic Japan's Economy in 2024: A Mixed Bag with Room for Optimism While it's still early in the year, here's what we know about the Japanese economy in 2024: Positives: Modest Growth: Most forecasts predict real GDP growth to be around 1.5%, slower than 2023's post-pandemic rebound but still positive. Rising Incomes: Government forecasts expect income growth to outstrip inflation in 2024, potentially boosting consumer spending. Robust Government Support: Government stimulus measures and continued infrastructure spending should provide a safety net for the economy. Low Unemployment: Japan's unemployment rate remains very low due to labor shortages, indicating a healthy job market. Optimistic Sentiment: Over 70% of major Japanese companies expect the economy to grow in 2024, suggesting positive business confidence. Strong Stock Market: The TOPIX index is projected to rise by 13%, potentially signaling investor confidence in the economy. Challenges: Inflation: While income growth may counter it, inflation is expected to be in the mid-2% range, potentially affecting consumer purchasing power. Aging Population: Japan's rapidly aging population poses long-term demographic challenges, impacting workforce size and consumption. Dependence on Government Stimulus: Over-reliance on government spending for growth could raise concerns about long-term economic sustainability. Geopolitical Risks: Global factors like the Ukraine war and rising energy prices could create market fluctuations and impact trade. Overall: The Japanese economy in 2024 appears to be facing a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges. While growth may slow down from 2023, it's still expected to be positive. Rising incomes, low unemployment, and government support provide a foundation for optimism. However, inflation, demographic challenges, and geopolitical risks pose significant concerns. As the year unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these factors play out and impact the trajectory of the Japanese economy. Additional points to consider: Japan's new Prime Minister will be elected in October 2024, potentially leading to policy changes that could impact the economy. The Bank of Japan's monetary policy decisions will also have significant implications for the economy, especially around interest rates and currency valuations. 3- Today’s news US to provide Japan quake support including through military: envoy https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240104/p2g/00m/0na/046000c Over 70% of firms expect Japanese economy to keep growing in 2024 https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2024/01/03/firms-expect-business-to-grow/