Today's Close-Up

The Japanese stock market is enjoying a historical surge. On February 20, the Nikkei Stock Average edged up to just 92 points short of the all-time high, recorded on the last trading day of 1989. Is this a bubble or a valuation correction? We look at a range of factors with expert analysis to see what's really going on and why ordinary people are not necessarily feeling the benefit.

Guests:
Itami Hiroyuki (Professor Emeritus, Hitotsubashi University)
Kumagai Mitsumaru (Deputy Chairman, Daiwa Institute of Research)

More than three months after the powerful New Year's Day earthquake that struck Japan's Noto Peninsula and surrounding region, many of the survivors who lost their homes and businesses are struggling to put their lives back together. We spent time with some of the vendors who used to ply their trade on the famous Wajima morning market street. Some described being unable to meet the onerous criteria for home repairs payments. Others said they can't afford the hefty up-front payments required to get business support subsidies. Despite these formidable barriers, the vendors have found a way to work together to help each other through a trying time. We asked an expert what needs to change so that desperately-needed financial help can get to the people who need it most. 

Guest: 
Okamoto Tadashi (Attorney at Law)

Ready quick and easy to eat, hamburgers are the quintessential comfort food. But they also offer insight into the state of Japan's economy. During years of severe deflation, burgers sold for tiny sums. Now, prices are on the rise. While major chains have been able to raise wages, owners of small burger shops are struggling to do the same. We look at what hamburgers tell us about the economy and the hints they provide on how to achieve a so-called "virtuous cycle."

Guests:
Watanabe Tsutomu (Professor, Graduate School of Economics, The University of Tokyo)
Matsubara Yoshihide (Hamburger critic)