Commentary / Japan Jan 22, 2016

Let Japan's zombie firms die

If Japan wants to generate long-term growth, it needs to allow creative destruction. New companies can't grow when they are blocked by failing incumbents.

Commentary / World Jan 20, 2016

Petroleum's plunge is great news for most of us

The initial shock from the oil collapse might be negative, but it will be outweighed by the positive effects before too long.

Commentary / Japan Jan 5, 2016

Free Japan's universities so they can flourish

If Japan's bureacracy really loves the country's universities, it should end its micromanaging and set them free.

Commentary / World Jan 4, 2016

Ex-colonies aren't poor because of West's plunder

The era of resource theft by rich countries is over and done. Yet still, somehow, many resource-rich former colonies remain poor despite controlling their own wealth.

Commentary / World Dec 14, 2015

Putting a price tag on U.S. gun violence

Would the economic benefit of stricter gun control in the U.S. outweigh the economic cost?

Commentary / Japan Dec 1, 2015

Reviving Japan Inc.'s entertainment division

If Japan had its own cartoon-and-comics-driven Hollywood, it would increase its global cultural clout and give the economy a much needed boost.

Commentary / Japan Nov 30, 2015

Japan's looming debt nightmare won't fix itself

Given that its long-term potential real GDP growth is no more than 1 percent, Japan needs to rein in its ballooning national debt through spending cuts or tax hikes.

Commentary / Japan Nov 23, 2015

The nation needs workers, and women are ready

"Womenomics" has a chance to succeed, mostly because of Japan's demographic shortcomings rather than an earnest desire by companies to treat women better.