Lessons From Japan’s Lost Decade(s)

Lesson's from Japan's Lost Decades

Following an epic collapse of double bubbles in the stock market and real estate prices, Japan “suffered” 2+ decades of stagnation and deflation.

You would be hard pressed to find somebody who hasn’t at least heard of Japan’s Lost Decade(s.) It’s a popular topic people raise as soon as our early retirement and living off an investment portfolio comes up in polite conversation.

“Oh man, what are you doing to do when the United States (inevitably) experiences it’s Lost Decade(s)?!”

“20 years of 0% investment performance is bound to put a dent in your retirement plans, hehe”

“I want to retire early too but I’m really concerned about a Japan-style financial collapse. What can I do?”

That last question is probably the best – What lessons can we learn from Japan’s challenging times?

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Traveling With a Baby

Watching the Airplanes

Watching the Airplanes

The train was near capacity as we shuffled aboard, stroller in tow.

I temporarily lost sight of Winnie as she and the baby slipped into the last possible seat to exclamations of “Ka-wa-ii!” (‘Cute’, in Japanese.)  Everywhere we went the reaction was much the same, everybody wanting to touch his cheeks and exchange smiles.

But this time, something was different.

As the train left the station, the smiles were replaced with awkward sideways glances.  That was the moment when GCCjr’s face glowed red as he filled his diaper with all that is unholy in this world.

30 minutes later everybody was more than happy to exit the train.  So kawaii.

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