Reed Stevenson, a senior editor at Bloomberg with a keen eye on Japan’s economy, discusses the mounting pressure on small businesses due to rising costs. He highlights the challenges these companies face in adjusting prices amid a culture steeped in deflation. Stevenson shares insights from a seminar in Matsue where local managers are relearning negotiation skills essential for survival. The conversation delves into the implications for Japan's economy, emphasizing that failure to adapt pricing strategies could have dire consequences for the future.

Reed Stevenson, a senior editor at Bloomberg with a focus on economic issues, discusses Japan's small businesses grappling with rising costs. He highlights a negotiation workshop where business owners relearn pricing strategies after decades of deflation. The conversation dives into how these small enterprises, making up 90% of Japan's economy, struggle against larger corporations' wage demands. The potential economic implications of failing to adapt are alarming, yet Stevenson emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships to navigate these challenging times.