[snowsislander]

Japanese Unemployment rate: 5.3% (2003)

The current Japanese unemployment rate is 4.7%.

However, I would caution against using that as a long-term indicator; like the U.S. number, it is more indicative of the short-term hiring situation rather than useful for long-term numbers. Both the U.S. government and the Japanese government have very long explanations about how they calculate these numbers.

I personally prefer participation rates; I like both the normal definition, and as well I like to use the overall population in light of the demographic situation we are seeing develop.

[Toddsterpatriot]

Thanks. What do you think of A Pole's idea that the US needs to be more like Japan as far as more government planning/control of the economy?

What do you think of my idea that Japan's planning hasn't worked out so well over the last 15 years?