When I first arrived in Japan, the country was in the midst of a long era of economic decline, known as the Lost Decade. It was a time of uncertainty and hardship, with little hope for recovery. Despite efforts to turn things around, Japan had been unable to shake off the effects of the recession since 1989.
As I settled into my new home in Tokyo, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of optimism. The city was bustling and full of life, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to experience it all. Despite my initial excitement, however, I soon realized that Japan’s economic struggles were not immediately visible to me as an outsider.
Having been exposed to Japanese culture since my childhood in Ireland, I found Japan to be a sophisticated and technologically advanced country. It was a good fit for someone fresh out of college, offering a unique sense of adventure being far away from home. But beneath the surface of this beautiful country lay a malaise that seemed never-ending.
As I looked back on my time in Japan during those two Lost Decades, it became clear just how much progress had been made since then. Despite ongoing challenges, Japan is now thriving once again, and its people are determined to continue building towards a brighter future.
