Change; Japanese economy lessons

As Americans begin to cut back spending in preparation for the tough economic years to come, we should be wary of a lesson from Japan. The Lost Decade (1990's) was a brutal economic period for Japan, with many of the same characteristics as the one we face today. During this time stocks fell and wages were stunted, consumers became cautious and unresponsive always fear full like skittish mice. Even in economic booms they still the same, reusing bathwater for clothes to cut utility costs, and separating want from necessity. Not playing their role as consumers in hurting the Japanese economy, as it plummets during the recent economic slow down. This change in Japanese consumers as severely altered their view on economic prosperity and success. But it is important to learn from Japan's economic history that America must not follow the same path. Cutting back is important during an economic slow down, but it is also important to keep our consumer wants during better times. While this article takes a very negative view of Japan's consumers, I think it is somewhat admirable that they have learned from over spending and want. They had become used to a simpler lifestyle during those 10 years in economic turmoil, and now they want to keep that lifestyle. For instance young Japanese men don't seem to be interested in cars; last year in a survey when 20 years olds were asked if they wanted to get a car only 25% said yes, this is down from 48% in 2000. The article was very aggressive about how this was hurting their car sales. But I think with the majority of people living in busy cities with subways they have no need for a car. And the average person isn't going to go out and buy a car they don't need to stimulate the Japanese car industry. While the article does have some interesting lessons for America, I don't think America will ever have that problem. In fact cutting back is going to happen, and like everything that changes has its good sides and bad sides.
Tabuchi, Hiroko. "When Consumers Cut Back: An Object Lesson From Japan." The New York Times 22 Feb. 2008, National ed., sec. International: 1+.