This week on Econ 102, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg explore several aspects of Japan’s work system, culture, economy, and more, including the seniority promotion system, globally perceived homogeneity, economic transformation, and immigration trends. Match a donation up to $100 for your favorite charity with GiveWell by going to https://givewell.org and pick “Podcast” and enter Econ 102 at checkout.

Noah highlights Japan's past and current corporate cultures, how working and gender roles have evolved, and his personal journey, explaining how he fell in love with Japan's culture and its transitions over time.

We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.

Sponsors: NETSUITE
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Econ 102 is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. To learn more: www.turpentine.co

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LINKS:
'Weebs!' by Noah Smith: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/weebs
'Car Wars' by Noah Smith: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/car-wars
‘Can Japan Compete’ by Michael E. Porter: https://www.amazon.com/Can-Japan-Compete-Michael-Porter/dp/0465059899


X / TWITTER:
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@noahpinion (Noah)
@Econ102_Podcast (Econ 102)
@TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)

TIMESTAMPS
(00:20) Episode Preview
(02:15) Why Noah loves Japan
(05:06) The evolution of Japan's economy and culture
(08:54) Japan's manufacturing industry
(18:42) SPONSOR: NETSUITE
(20:23) The impact of Korea and China on Japan's manufacturing
(27:03) The fall of Japan's industrial policy and its impact
(28:57) Reforming Japan's corporate culture
(30:28) The impact of age hierarchies in Japanese corporations
(31:58) The need for hybrid work in Japan
(33:59) Japan's Internationalization and export promotion
(40:22) The shift in Japan's immigration policy
(48:47) The legacy of Shinzo Abe and his impact on Japan
(55:22) The rise of tourism in Japan