A man receives a food handout in Nagoya. (Photo by Issei Kato/Reuters.)

Japan’s downward spiral

One in six Japanese are now poor. The new government has vowed to tackle the problem, but how?

By Gavin Blair — Special to GlobalPost
Published: November 16, 2009 18:17 ET

TOKYO – For at least a quarter century Japan has taken great pride that its post-war economic miracle created a nation of middle-class people. Polls typically found that 80 to 90 percent of Japanese identified themselves as middle-income.

But in recent years, despite intermittent government assurances to the contrary, Japanese citizens have grown to suspect their country’s...

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Silicon Sweatshops: A promising model

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There's no easy way to police supply chains in Asia. But one US high-tech firm and its Taiwan supplier are taking a creative approach that might just work.

Special report: Silicon Sweatshops

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Despite strict "codes of conduct," labor rights violations are the norm at factories making the world's favorite high-tech gadgets.

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Silicon Sweatshops: The China connection

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For migrant workers, an electronics factory job can be a ticket into China's booming middle class. But for many, it turns into a nightmare of poor working conditions and indifferent bosses.

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On Location: Tokyo — Blue light special

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David Nakamura - Japan - November 11, 2009 08:40 ET

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Global Blogs:

Shibuya Streets Vol 7

Alan, Author, "Shibuya246" blog - Japan - November 20, 2009 21:44 ET

Great colors for a xmas tree here at the top of the stairs for 109 store. The girl on the left seems pleased to see the tree as well. Since so many people said they liked the photos from the last set of Shibuya Streets and were looking for more, I decided to take some follow up...

Uniqlo’s 6 a.m. Sale

Black Tokyo - Japan - November 20, 2009 15:55 ET

Hey BTers! This in from CNN Go Asia. There will probably be some good deals for shoppers! “Uniqlo’s parent corporation Fast Retailing turns 60 this year, and in celebration, Uniqlo is opening 36 stores in Tokyo early for a special sale on Saturday November 21. How...

TGIF = Hana-Kin

What Japan Thinks - Japan - November 20, 2009 10:41 ET

Thank Goodness It’s Friday is, or at least was, called Hana No Kinyoubi (花の金曜日), Flower Friday, and may be shortened to just Hana-Kin (花金). The term came into use in the 1980s, but now has mostly falled into disuse. The TGIF feeling was the topic of this...

Vintage Japan: Toyopet

Kurashi - News from Japan - Japan - November 20, 2009 08:46 ET

Toyota has been making cars for over 70 years, and by 1936, the Nagoya-based company was making models that were strong and solid enough for the road conditions of the time. The Toyota AA was produced from 1936 to 1941: 1 engine (3,4 liters / 65 hp) with 353 units produced.It...

Can't Wait

Bashtish, Author/Bashtish Blog - Japan - November 20, 2009 04:39 ET

Its getting cold and there is still so much to do before the snow. I think I am making progress, though. The other day I built an extension to the house. It was originally intended to be just a little wood shed, but it grew to the point where it will also allow the chickens...

The lonesome haikyo bridge at the heart of Tokyo Bay

Michael John Grist - Japan - November 19, 2009 21:40 ET

Months ago now I ventured out on a slow work day to meet fellow haikyoist and photographer Adrian Tan. He had the low-down on a haikyo in central Tokyo, something fairly unusual to stumble across, and rarely worth going to once you do- as city center ruins are all very much...

A muted Fall at Gakuen-Ji

More glimpses of unfamiliar Japan - Japan - November 17, 2009 21:22 ET

I had to go up to Izumo on Monday so I dropped by Gakuen-Ji on my way back.The fall colors were only just starting, and it was cloudy, so it was a more muted display rather than vivid.Gakuen-Ji is, I think, my favorite temple. Nestled in the mountains to the north of Izumo...

Diving Headlong into the Murky Waters of Thought

The Soul of Japan - Japan - November 17, 2009 05:46 ET

( Depth of Knowledge Strength of Knowledge and the Pillars of Truth ) Philosophy is the science of wisdom, if you can classify it as such. Actually, the literal meaning of philosophy is love of...

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