The economy is now in recession after barely growing for decades. Last year births fell to their lowest point.
The country's politics appear frozen as one party virtually maintains its grip on power. There are few signs of social discord that might be expected in a place with trends like Japan's. Still, beneath Japan's placid surface, many deep-rooted problems persist.. With its intense work culture and social pressures, Japan is among the unhappiest developed. countries, according to a UN-backed annual report, and suicide is a major concern.