Digest

This episode of The Economist's Intelligence podcast explores the contrasting perspectives on Japan's economic outlook. While optimists point to rising inflation, record wage growth, and a booming stock market as signs of a revitalized economy, pessimists highlight persistent structural problems, a shrinking workforce, and a weakening yen. The podcast features an interview with Noah Snyder, the Economist's East Asia bureau chief, who provides insights from his on-the-ground reporting in Nihombashi, a historically significant commercial district in Tokyo. Snyder observes that while companies are raising prices and consumers are accepting them, wage growth is not keeping pace with inflation, leading to a sense of belt-tightening among Japanese consumers. Despite the positive economic indicators, the shrinking workforce remains a major concern, impacting Japan's long-term growth prospects. The podcast concludes with a discussion on the resurgence of etiquette in a digital age, highlighting the growing demand for etiquette coaching and the evolving nature of politeness in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the Intelligence podcast from The Economist, highlighting its daily focus on global events. It also introduces the episode's topics: Japan's economic outlook and the resurgence of etiquette.

00:00:56

Japan's Economic Outlook: Optimism vs. Pessimism

This Chapter delves into the contrasting perspectives on Japan's economic outlook. Optimists point to rising inflation, record wage growth, and a booming stock market as signs of a revitalized economy. Pessimists, however, highlight persistent structural problems, a shrinking workforce, and a weakening yen. The podcast features an interview with Noah Snyder, the Economist's East Asia bureau chief, who provides insights from his on-the-ground reporting in Nihombashi, a historically significant commercial district in Tokyo.

00:09:55

Animal Testing: A Controversial Practice

This Chapter explores the controversy surrounding animal testing in the pharmaceutical industry. It highlights a new study that found only a small proportion of therapies tested on animals end up being used in humans. The podcast features an interview with Tricia Pario, a science writer for The Economist, who discusses the study's findings and the potential for alternative testing methods.

00:16:20

The Resurgence of Etiquette

This Chapter examines the growing interest in etiquette, particularly among young people. The podcast highlights the role of influencers in promoting etiquette lessons and the increasing demand for etiquette coaching in both personal and professional settings. It also explores the evolving nature of politeness in a digital age and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on social etiquette.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the contrasting perspectives on Japan's economic outlook?

  Optimists believe that Japan's economy is revitalized, citing rising inflation, record wage growth, and a booming stock market. Pessimists, however, highlight persistent structural problems, a shrinking workforce, and a weakening yen.

• What are the key takeaways from Noah Snyder's on-the-ground reporting in Nihombashi?

  Snyder observes that while companies are raising prices and consumers are accepting them, wage growth is not keeping pace with inflation, leading to a sense of belt-tightening among Japanese consumers. He also highlights the shrinking workforce as a major concern, impacting Japan's long-term growth prospects.

• What are the main reasons for the resurgence of interest in etiquette?

  The resurgence of interest in etiquette is attributed to two main factors: the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a decline in social skills, and the confusion about best practices in a global digital age.

• How is artificial intelligence impacting social etiquette?

  Artificial intelligence is both influencing and being influenced by social etiquette. While AI can make people rude as they bark orders at smart speakers, polite prompts actually make AI models perform better. This suggests that AI is mirroring human receptiveness to social etiquette.

• What are some of the alternative methods to animal testing?

  Alternative methods to animal testing include organs on a chip, organoids, computer simulations, and AI models. These methods are still under development but hold promise for reducing or eliminating the need for animal testing.

Show Notes