Noah Snyder, Tokyo bureau chief for The Economist, shares insights on Japan's economic revival prospects amid a deflationary struggle. John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent, discusses the significance of lithium mining in Zimbabwe, emphasizing China's role in the market. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe recounts the inspiring story of Eleanor Otto, a remarkable worker at Boeing who embodied resilience by riveting aircraft until the age of 95. Together, they delve into economics, history, and the quest for sustainable development.
Japan's economy is showing signs of recovery with rising wages and prices, but challenges like declining GDP and government spending cuts remain.
Africa, particularly Zimbabwe, is emerging as a significant source of lithium with China driving the boom to secure its position in the green supply chain.
Deep dives
Japan's Promising Economic Signs
Japan's economy is showing promising signs after years of sluggish growth and deflation. Foreign investors are showing interest, wages and prices are rising, and there is a shift in corporate culture. However, challenges such as declining quarterly GDP numbers and government cuts to spending remain. Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has pledged to stimulate the economy with a 17 trillion yen package, but the success of Japan's recovery remains uncertain.
Africa's Lithium Mining Boom
Africa, particularly Zimbabwe, is emerging as a significant source of lithium, a key element for batteries. China, which controls about 90% of the lithium mines in Africa, is driving this boom as it seeks to secure its position in the green supply chain. Western countries are also interested in mining lithium in Africa, but they face slower processes and concerns over environmental regulations and labor standards. While the boom brings export revenues to Zimbabwe, concerns about pollution and capturing the value within the country persist.
Eleanor Otto: A Legacy of Riveting Work
Eleanor Otto, who recently passed away at the age of 104, made a remarkable contribution to the aerospace industry. As one of the original 'Rosie the Riveters,' she worked on aircraft assembly lines during World War II and continued to rivet planes for 49 years. She built a total of 729 C-17 aircraft for Boeing. Eleanor's dedication to her work, pride in aviation, and contribution to the empowerment of women in the workforce left an enduring legacy.
Look past short-term stumbles: there are plenty of reasons to think Japan may spin out of its decades-long deflationary spiral. But how to avoid another false dawn? A visit to a mine in Zimbabwe reveals how valuable lithium is becoming to the continent—and China’s role in securing it (13:09). And remembering a “Rosie the Riveter” who kept riveting until age 95 (21:38).
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