Noah Snyder, The Economist's East Asia bureau chief, sheds light on Japan's puzzling economic situation. He discusses the nation’s struggle with low inflation and mixed signals about its recovery, including stagnant wages and changing consumer habits. The chat dives into deep demographic challenges posed by an aging workforce, leaving Japan with weak long-term growth prospects. Additionally, ethical concerns about animal testing and the rising trend of etiquette coaching amid social media shifts add intriguing insights to the conversation.