Japan was in the midst of an economic decline known as the Lost Decade when I arrived in 2003. The gloom persisted for much longer than expected, even during an unusually long rainy season that set the overall mood of the country.
The economic downturn had started back in 1989 when the Nikkei 225 Stock Average reached a historic high. Despite my exposure to Japanese culture since childhood, growing up in Ireland, I was not immediately aware of the full extent of Japan’s struggles. As a recent college graduate, Japan seemed like a good fit for me – a country known for its sophistication, technological advancements and far enough away from home to feel like an adventure.
As I settled into my new life in rural Hiroshima, I began to see the visible signs of Japan’s economic struggles. The people believed that this period of economic stagnation would be temporary but it turned out to be much longer than expected. Despite my initial excitement about living in Japan, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease as I watched the country grapple with its economic woes.
