Meetings

So many meetings, with so many different businesses and people.   My favorite was the university visit with Dr. Kazunori Suzuki.  His insightful comments on the economic environment were quite interesting.  I found myself reminded of why I studied economics, as I watched him clearly lay out analysis of the Japan situation.  He didn't hold anything back, as he spoke of the difficulties that Japan will have to face in its future.  Declining birth-rates, an aging population, and an economy fueled by government debt are just a few of the issues Japan will have to face.  The problems were then exacerbated by the damage from the tsunami and crippled nuclear plant.  These trying time show the true grit that the Japanese have though, as the citizens work hard to restore everthing back to normal. Also the sacrifices the Japanese make show their willingness to share the burdens that the country faces.  We see here how businesses have minimized the use of air conditioning, and adjusted the hours of work to conserve the limited electrical power.  It's inspiring to see these people willing to sacrifice, without question, for the well being of their fellow countrymen.