2024-06-09

Introduction

  • Economic Stagnation: Since the 1960s, Japan experienced a prolonged period of low economic growth and deflation, worsening in the 1990s.

  • Aging Population: Significant demographic challenges with a rapidly aging population and declining birth rates.

  • Limited Policy Success: Various government efforts failed to effectively revive the economy, leading to decades of stagnation.

GDP Growth % Over Time

GDP fluctuates sharply, often trending negative.

Labour Force Participation Over Time

Labour force participation declines, minimal recovery

Unemployment Rates Over Time

Unemployment peaks, then fluctuates over decades.

Youth Population Percentage Over Time

Young population’s steep decline over years.

Older Population Percentage Over Time

Older population peaks, remains relatively stable.

Nikkei 225 Closing Prices Over Time

Nikkei stagnant for decades, recent surge.

Conclusion

  • The visualizations illustrate Japan’s “Lost Decades” with a declining youth population, fluctuating labor force participation, stagnant GDP growth, and a struggling Nikkei 225 index.
  • These trends highlight prolonged economic stagnation and demographic challenges from the 1960s till the 2010s.

References