An evening lecture with Kazuyo Katsuma

Kazuyo Katsuma, an economic analyst and a professor at Chuo University business school, gave a lecture at Japan Society. The discussion was highlighted on Japan's critical issues, such as deflation, declining birth rates, and gender inequality. Ms. Katsuma explained how these three issues are intertwined together, illustrated by some eye-opening statistics. 

Here's one report which shocked me the most, and at the same time, reminded me partially why I left my country over 15 years ago. It's a disappointment to find out that certain situation hasn't been improved for over decades, or in some case, getting even worse.

According to the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2012, Japan ranks 101st in global gender equality, of all 135 countries surveyed. The worst among nearby countries such as China (69), Mongolia (44), Australia (25), or New Zealand (6). FYI, the United States ranks 22nd. - For further reading, visit http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121025a4.html