Essay Consumer conundrums By Steve Ford	フレームで見る  英文をプリントする  脚注をプリントする
消費者にとっての難問 早い自治体では、3月下旬から始まった定額給付金の支給。 不人気な首相の株を少しでも上げて、消費を刺激することを目指したものという人もいるが、筆者周辺ではさしたる効果もなさそうで、筆者自身にとっても結局生活費の一部と化してしまいそうだ。

A peek at the economic news these days is a sure way to ruin your day. In Washington, U.S. President Obama and the Wall Street insiders he has marshaled to deal with the U.S. economic meltdown have turned a deaf ear to the sage advice of a number of distinguished economists.

Nobel Prize winning economist Joseph Stiglitz is one the Obama administration has chosen to ignore. Professor Stiglitz, who had correctly predicted the economic collapse, says the people who put together Obama's plan are "either in the pocket of the banks or they're incompetent."

It's easy to say; "Well, that's America's problem, I'll just pop another diet happoshu and turn the channel." The problem with that strategy is it ignores the fact that when the U.S. sneezes, Japan catches pneumonia.

Not to worry, the Japanese government is on the job. The International Monetary Fund says Japan has put together a massive ¥15.4 trillion stimulus package, so far, the details are a bit sketchy.

While we don't know much about the plan, one prediction looks like a good bet; the LDP-led government will eventually try to ram through an increase of the consumption tax of maybe 5 percent, or so, to pay for it.

Ouch!! A 5 percent price hike on almost everything we buy — that's some tough love. But if we look, we can find a small bonbon in this economic garbage bin.

The government will be giving every resident of Japan ¥12,000, with those under 18, or over 65 pocketing ¥20,000. Some people say the plan is just a desperate attempt to prop up Prime Minister Taro Aso's flagging popularity, and will provide little or no stimulus to the economy.

If that's the case, I'd rather the prime minister just invite me out for a night of frolic at some of the pricy waterholes he frequents. (Are you reading this Mr. Aso?)

If a night on the town on the prime minister isn't in the cards, I'll just graciously accept the cash.

I must admit the thought of putting unearned money in my wallet does make my heart flutter. Heck, ¥12,000 is far more than I've ever won in the Year-end lottery.

Strangely though, others don't seem to share my enthusiasm. In fact each person I've asked to tell me their plan for their ¥12,000-windfall, has shrugged their shoulders and replied something to the effect of; "dunno."

Perhaps some enterprising soul will make a fortune by opening a ¥12,000-store. Imagine a shop just like a 100 Yen store; except filled with luxury goods all priced at — you guessed it — ¥12,000.

As for me, it seems my stimulus funds are destined for something less exciting, like paying the rent, or my government health insurance. What about you?

Shukan ST: May 15, 2009

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