Unpacking Japan Economist debunks Japan's "stagnant" economy
26 snips
Aug 8, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Jesper Kohl, also known as the Japanoptimist, shares his insights as an economist who has lived in Japan since 1986. He passionately debunks the notion of Japan's stagnant economy, highlighting emerging opportunities due to labor shortages and evolving corporate dynamics. Jesper explores the balance of high public debt and significant private savings, recent shifts in monetary policy, and the changing attitudes among generations towards investment. His optimistic outlook encourages a fresh perspective on Japan's future economic landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
How Jesper Ended Up In Japan
- Jesper arrived in Japan in 1986 after winning a three-month fellowship and extended his stay at Kyoto University.
- He left Tokyo advice to avoid getting stuck and used early experiences at Mitsui to shape his career in Japan.
Inside The Bubble Build-Up
- Jesper recounts the Plaza Accord and rapid yen appreciation that helped trigger Japan's asset bubble.
- He describes how deregulation plus baby-boomer demand and easy credit created the late-1980s bubble.
Crisis Triggered Lasting Reform
- The 1995 shocks forced deep institutional reforms, not just cyclical fixes.
- Japan streamlined government and created a unified financial regulator (FSA) to modernize oversight.