This week on Econ 102, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg explore several aspects of Japan’s work system, culture, economy, and more, including the seniority promotion system, globally perceived homogeneity, economic transformation, and immigration trends. Match a donation up to $100 for your favorite charity with GiveWell by going to https://givewell.org and pick “Podcast” and enter Econ 102 at checkout.

Noah highlights Japan's past and current corporate cultures, how working and gender roles have evolved, and his personal journey, explaining how he fell in love with Japan's culture and its transitions over time.

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Every week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.

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Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors (including Dan) sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. The first episode is out now - we over better dating apps, references as a service, and WeWork for productivity

Watch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checks
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv

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We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.

Sponsors: NETSUITE

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Econ 102 is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. To learn more: www.turpentine.co

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LINKS:

'Weebs!' by Noah Smith: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/weebs

'Car Wars' by Noah Smith: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/car-wars

‘Can Japan Compete’ by Michael E. Porter: https://www.amazon.com/Can-Japan-Compete-Michael-Porter/dp/0465059899

X / TWITTER:

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@noahpinion (Noah)

@Econ102_Podcast (Econ 102)

@TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)

TIMESTAMPS

(00:20) Episode Preview

(02:17) Trade Policies

(05:58) The Impact of Tariffs

(08:12) The Future of the U.S. Car Industry

(11:42) The Limitations of Tariffs

(13:46) SPONSOR: NETSUITE

(19:51) The Parallels Between Ford and Musk

(27:32) Elon Musk vs China

(30:40) Power Dynamics in China

(32:26) Europe's Role in the Global Market

(34:56) China's Currency Manipulation

(40:32) The Need for Industrial Policy

(48:01) The Role of Tariffs in Trade

(50:08) The Future of U.S. and China Relations

(51:46) The Need for Bold Leadership

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

Can Japan compete?

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