What the world can learn from Japan
The oldest big country has lessons for those that will soon age and shrink
TWO TALES are often told about Japan. The first is of a nation in decline, with a shrinking and ageing population, sapped of its vitality. The second is of an alluring, hyper-functional, somewhat eccentric society—a nice place to eat sushi or explore strange subcultures, but of little wider relevance to the outside world. Both tales lead people to dismiss Japan. That is a mistake.
This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “What the world can learn from Japan”
From the December 11th 2021 edition
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