These challenges are indeed real and enormous, as you point out. Nevertheless, we should also keep in mind Japan's proven ability to utterly transform itself i

These challenges are indeed real and enormous, as you point out. Nevertheless, we should also keep in mind Japan's proven ability to utterly transform itself in a short time. Meiji and post-WWII are two precedents. Each of these change events required the following conditions: - clear development model to proceed towards - external pressure creates (perceived) existential threat Such conditions do not pertain in Japan now, yet they may do so again in the future. I feel sure that the first is a necessary condition to transformative change. The second condition is perhaps optional.