NationStates Jolt Archive

Economic news is really bleak, NSG. If the second largest economy world-wide is in deficit... we are doomed!

http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/bbdp/japans-exports-mark-biggest-decline-in-7/254848

TOKYO -Japanese exports marked their biggest decline in seven years in October, causing the country to post its second trade deficit in three months, adding to the grim outlook for the world's second-largest economy.
The trade deficit, a rarity for Japan, follows confirmation earlier this week that the nation had slipped into recession and comes as a slew of major manufacturers, hit by waning global demand, announce production cuts.
"This deteriorates the outlook even more — what's driving the economy is exports," said Martin Schulz, an economist at the Fujitsu Research Institute.
Exports plunged 7.7 percent in October from a year earlier, the biggest drop since 2001, according to government figures released Thursday.
Autos and electronics — two pillars of the economy — are getting hit, the figures show. Automobile exports fell 15 percent while those of electronic products sank 10.6 percent. Exports dropped sharply to the U.S. and Europe, where the 15-country euro-zone is also in a recession.
With scarce natural resources, Japan must purchase many necessities abroad — it is the world's largest importer of food and imports nearly all of its oil. While imports are down from recent months as oil prices eased, they were still 7.4 percent higher than a year earlier.
The combination of falling exports and a rise in imports led to a 63.9 billion yen ($666 million) deficit for the month. Japan also posted a deficit in August, but before that had not had one in 26 years — except for the month of January, when trade deficits are more common because of the slowdown for the New Year holidays.
As the global economy dramatically slows, many of Japan's big-name exporters are scaling back production. Isuzu said Thursday it would cut 1,400 contract workers as it lowers its truck output for this fiscal year, after production cuts by Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co.
Electronics makers such as Sharp Corp. are also mulling production cuts in mainline products like LCD TVs as sales cool abroad.
Schulz said there is more bad news on the way, in the form of income from Japanese products that are manufactured overseas. Exports represent only products that are made in Japan and sold overseas.
"Exports are just half of the problem," he said, adding that income from goods made abroad would be hit by the double-whammy of falling consumer demand and a stronger yen, which erodes foreign earnings when brought home.
Exports in October totaled 6.93 trillion yen ($72.2 billion), while imports came to 6.99 trillion yen ($72.8 billion).
In August, Japan posted a 332.1 billion yen deficit, which swung to an 88.5 billion yen surplus in September.
Shares in Tokyo fell Thursday following a big retreat overnight on Wall Street amid worries about a protracted recession the U.S. — a huge export market for Japan. The benchmark Nikkei 225 stock index fell nearly 7 percent to 7,703.04.

63.9 billion yen deficit one month, similar deficts month after the other apparently, and not having one in 26 years. I wantz my anime!!!:eek2:

On a serious note, if Japan, such a powerful and steady economy is in deficit, what will happen to the rest of us? What can we do? Will this truly spell doom for world economics? Can Obama and Blair save us?! Comments.

Well, at least it's not as bad as the 1930's yet. :p

Well, at least it's not as bad as the 1930's yet. :p

Yet. I wonder if the market will come to be as it was in the US in the late '20s. That would suck big time. I don't know how I'll manage with scarcity, because I'm sure that's what'll happen.

Yet I seem to be effected not one little bit! ;)

Yet. I wonder if the market will come to be as it was in the US in the late '20s. That would suck big time. I don't know how I'll manage with scarcity, because I'm sure that's what'll happen.

I'm coping for now, but i'm trying not to panic. After all, that would just make it worse.

Yet I seem to be effected not one little bit! ;)

That's because you're difficult, and things affect you with difficulty.:tongue:

Japan's economical deficit won't affect us immeidatley, but adding to the problems in the US and the economical recession (and I'm not an econmist so don't take me too serious) that seems to be in store for the EU, Japan's problems will hit us sooner or later. Me worried, a bit.

That's because you're difficult, and things affect you with difficulty.:tongue:

Japan's economical deficit won't affect us immeidatley, but adding to the problems in the US and the economical recession (and I'm not an econmist so don't take me too serious) that seems to be in store for the EU, Japan's problems will hit us sooner or later. Me worried, a bit.

Heh no I mean this whole credut crunch/resestion thing. Hasn't hit me anywhere.

I have no credit, no cards, no morgage, I don't drive, I have a good job, and my wife has just gone back to work after a 12 year gap. All looks good for me!:D

Heh no I mean this whole credut crunch/resestion thing. Hasn't hit me anywhere.

I have no credit, no cards, no morgage, I don't drive, I have a good job, and my wife has just gone back to work after a 12 year gap. All looks good for me!:D

It hasn't affected me either. I'm still earning good, I don't own a car either, and I don't have a mortgage to worry me sick. I just wonder how long will my worry-less existence will last until economy plunges more than it already has. ;)

It hasn't affected me either. I'm still earning good, I don't own a car either, and I don't have a mortgage to worry me sick. I just wonder how long will my worry-less existence will last until economy plunges more than it already has. ;)

Ahh I try not to let things bother me over much(or it's game over) I've been poor all my life, if I have to eat more vegatables than meat again, it's really no hardship, and the only real vices I have are music and books.

Ahh I try not to let things bother me over much(or it's game over) I've been poor all my life, if I have to eat more vegatables than meat again, it's really no hardship, and the only real vices I have are music and books.

I''m trying. Teehee! :p

I don't spend much money on myself anyway. I try to save up, and often give the extra money to pay the bills. As a result our life is still pretty comfy. That and the fact that I work for a Supermarket, which is still making profit despite the current situation. :)

I don't spend much money on myself anyway. I try to save up, and often give the extra money to pay the bills. As a result our life is still pretty comfy. That and the fact that I work for a Supermarket, which is still making profit despite the current situation. :)

Keep texting internationally like crazy and you'll have a different opinion once the month is through. :tongue:

True, but I can always top it up. :D

True, but I can always top it up. :D

You ain't helping the UK's economy with that attitude, buster. :D

You ain't helping the UK's economy with that attitude, buster. :D

Hey, I get by quite well! Whats wrong with a little international texting? :D

Hey, I get by quite well! Whats wrong with a little international texting? :D

I ain't complaining. Not at all.:D

I ain't complaining. Not at all.:D

I didn't think you would. :p

I didn't think you would. :p

I just don't want you to be the cause of the UK's economical recession. That's all. If Japan's in trouble, the UK is fucked. :D

Oh shit! everybody start watching as much animu as possible to boost Japan's economy! Hurry!

Oh shit! everybody start watching as much animu as possible to boost Japan's economy! Hurry!

I'll have you know, Calli-kun, that I'm already a great contributor in that aspect.

I just don't want you to be the cause of the UK's economical recession. That's all. If Japan's in trouble, the UK is fucked. :D

Why would my mobile be the sole cause of Global recession? :p

We could try dropping more bombs on it, that helped they're economy last time didn't it? It helped most economies.

Why would my mobile be the sole cause of Global recession? :p

Because you're the cause of it all, and you know it. *nod*

We could try dropping more bombs on it, that helped they're economy last time didn't it? It helped most economies.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki all over again? You reckon that'll help?:confused:

Because you're the cause of it all, and you know it. *nod*

Gee, thanks. :D

Gee, thanks. :D

Anytime. :fluffle:

Hiroshima and Nagasaki all over again? You reckon that'll help?:confused:

Yes, and even more allusions to a-bomb blasts in animu. Great.

Yes, and even more allusions to a-bomb blasts in animu. Great.

It would be anime explosion, you know. :D

Anime explosions are always the best! :D

Anime explosions are always the best! :D

And hentai explosions are even better. But this about Japan's economic deficit, not of fap-worthy material.

Wait...

I brought it up...:eek:

And hentai explosions are even better. But this about Japan's economic deficit, not of fap-worthy material.

Wait...

I brought it up...:eek:

Uh oh... She's talking about "That" Kind of explosion... :D

Uh oh... She's talking about "That" Kind of explosion... :D

Yes... it changed the destiny of both the US and Japan. The atom bomb was a bitch. Hence, all the tentacle monsters you see in Japan. No wonder their economy is on the downfall.

/sigh

Yes... it changed the destiny of both the US and Japan. The atom bomb was a bitch. Hence, all the tentacle monsters you see in Japan. No wonder their economy is on the downfall.

/sigh

I would've thought that would give them a booming sex trade. :p

I would've thought that would give them a booming sex trade. :p

That too. But with an economy in recession, no one wants to pay for hookerhood. That's bad, right there. No yen, no foocky foocky.:(

That too. But with an economy in recession, no one wants to pay for hookerhood. That's bad, right there. No yen, no foocky foocky.:(

Damn. :(

Damn. :(

Yes, but without the bang.

And the Japanese like their bang. *nod*

Yes, but without the bang.

And the Japanese like their bang. *nod*

I like bang too. It's a shame to see it go. :(

I like bang too. It's a shame to see it go. :(

We all like bang. It's awesome. But it seems the Japanese are losing it, or are bound to, anyway. No yen, no work. That sucks. I always thought the Japanese economy was such a steady pillar. I was mistaken.

Can Obama and Blair save us?! Comments.

Well I don't think Blair is likely to have any effect at all. Brown is (I can't believe I'm saying this) not doing a horrific job, but then the economy is pretty much the only thing he is even vaguely good at. Just please, please gods keep the Tories out of power until the economy has stabilised a bit.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki all over again? You reckon that'll help?:confused:
It couldn't hurt (much more than a few million people), and I think it'd be fun (for me).

Well I don't think Blair is likely to have any effect at all. Brown is (I can't believe I'm saying this) not doing a horrific job, but then the economy is pretty much the only thing he is even vaguely good at. Just please, please gods keep the Tories out of power until the economy has stabilised a bit.

Amen.

It couldn't hurt (much more than a few million people), and I think it'd be fun (for me).

So, you like explosions?

So, you like explosions?

Who doesn't?

From an appropriate distance in a bomb-proof bunker of course.

Who doesn't?

From an appropriate distance in a bomb-proof bunker of course.

No, I know. I was just wondering. I wouldn't like an atomic one, though. Just a plain, BOOM!!! DUST! kinda explosion would suffice.

We all seem to like the boom. :)

We all seem to like the boom. :)

But after this, the Japanese have no more bang.:(

But after this, the Japanese have no more bang.:(

Then lets bang while we can! :D

(Good lord that came out wrong. :p )

Then lets bang while we can! :D

(Good lord that came out wrong. :p )

:eek2:

Oh, my lord. The Englishman is a perv.

:eek2:

Oh, my lord. The Englishman is a perv.

You already knew I was. :D

You already knew I was. :D

I just don't needed you to reconfirm it.

Now, back to Nihon.

I just don't needed you to reconfirm it.

Now, back to Nihon.

Hehe, sorry. :p

Who doesn't?

From an appropriate distance in a bomb-proof bunker of course.
Screw that, I want to ride the bomb! YEE-HAAAAWWWW!!

Screw that, I want to ride the bomb! YEE-HAAAAWWWW!!

Which fits together nicely... you want to ride the bomb, I want to laugh at you riding it then watch the pretty explosion :p

Which fits together nicely... you want to ride the bomb, I want to laugh at you riding it then watch the pretty explosion :p

Your mother rode my hentai bomb.

Sorry. Couldn't resist.

Your mother rode my hentai bomb.

Sorry. Couldn't resist.

Daddy, is that you? :eek:

Your mother rode my hentai bomb.

Sorry. Couldn't resist.

I thought that was me.:eek2:

I rode my own hentai bomb then?!

I thought that was me.:eek2:

I rode my own hentai bomb then?!

My hentai bomb is amazing. Many people can ride it. Even simultaneously, if they so wish.

My hentai bomb is amazing. Many people can ride it. Even simultaneously, if they so wish.

That sounds fun in theory. When applied, it's not too fun. The hentai bomb's too small to accomodate two bums comfortably.

This thread has degenerated from Nanatsu's concern whether she will get anime to posts about ''bangs''.

This thread has degenerated from Nanatsu's concern whether she will get anime to posts about ''bangs''.

The bang is about some posters thinking another Hiroshima and Nagasaki are needed to boost Japan's economy or for teh lulz.

The bang is about some posters thinking another Hiroshima and Nagasaki are needed to boost Japan's economy or for teh lulz.

What about the other type of bangs you've been discussing?

What about the other type of bangs you've been discussing?

What other type of bangs?

That sounds fun in theory. When applied, it's not too fun. The hentai bomb's too small to accomodate two bums comfortably.

Oh, but it has recently been upgraded. That was the test version.

Economic news is really bleak, NSG. If the second largest economy world-wide is in deficit... we are doomed!

Well not quite, but considering that Japan has gone into recession, the EU and the US is nearly there we have some rough times ahead of us. (Not the best time to be entering the workforce:()

On a serious note, if Japan, such a powerful and steady economy is in deficit, what will happen to the rest of us? What can we do? Will this truly spell doom for world economics?

We will ride it out and things will get better in the end, hopefully.

Can Obama and Blair save us?! Comments.

Obama might, but what could Blair do?

Well I don't think Blair is likely to have any effect at all. Brown is (I can't believe I'm saying this) not doing a horrific job, but then the economy is pretty much the only thing he is even vaguely good at. Just please, please gods keep the Tories out of power until the economy has stabilised a bit.

Why? What are their policies?

Economic news is really bleak, NSG. If the second largest economy world-wide is in deficit... we are doomed!

http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/bbdp/japans-exports-mark-biggest-decline-in-7/254848



63.9 billion yen deficit one month, similar deficts month after the other apparently, and not having one in 26 years. I wantz my anime!!!:eek2:

On a serious note, if Japan, such a powerful and steady economy is in deficit, what will happen to the rest of us? What can we do? Will this truly spell doom for world economics? Can Obama and Blair save us?! Comments.

Won't somebody please think of the robots?!!!

This is all somehow Obama's fault.

This is all somehow Obama's fault. Haters are just another kind of appreciator. ;)

/really old
(Yeah, I know you're joking.)

Oh shit! everybody start watching as much animu as possible to boost Japan's economy! Hurry!
Animu? What the heck is animu?

Yes, but without the bang.

And the Japanese like their bang. *nod*
Actually, they kinda don't. Thus is the current large problem in Japan.

This is all somehow Obama's fault.

Don't forget Bush.

Why? What are their policies?

That's the problem, they don't seem to have any and those they do change on a week by week basis.

It's not that I ncessarily think they'll take the wrong approach to the economy or fundamentally disagree with their economic stance, the trouble is I don't even know what that economic stance IS!

That's the problem, they don't seem to have any and those they do change on a week by week basis.

It's not that I ncessarily think they'll take the wrong approach to the economy or fundamentally disagree with their economic stance, the trouble is I don't even know what that economic stance IS!

Ok then.

Actually, they kinda don't. Thus is the current large problem in Japan.

Reading about Japan's economic deficit truly has me worried. I always thought Japan had such a steady economy, and it being the second largest in the world... Besides, 26 years without reporting any problems? I don't think any other country can claim such a feat.

What other type of bangs?

Don't them crazy north Americans call the fringe, bangs?

Don't them crazy north Americans call the fringe, bangs?

I thought bangs were those cute hairs girl cut so they cover their foreheads. We call those "pollinas" in Spanish.

I thought bangs were those cute hairs girl cut so they cover their foreheads. We call those "pollinas" in Spanish.

Yep in the UK that is known as a fringe.

Yep in the UK that is known as a fringe.

That's a type of bang then. The other is the one firecrackers make when they explode.

Reading about Japan's economic deficit truly has me worried. I always thought Japan had such a steady economy, and it being the second largest in the world... Besides, 26 years without reporting any problems? I don't think any other country can claim such a feat.
Japan hasn't done that either. See the lost decade for example.

Japan hasn't done that either. See the lost decade for example.

Want to tell me about it? At least a bit?:tongue:

Want to tell me about it? At least a bit?:tongue:
Ok, from the mid 60's, Japan's economy took off. It took off so much that the reconstruction finished and the Japanese started to reconstruct the reconstruction. And then redo that. It finally got to the point where the real estate values in Japan, which were the under pining of its stock market inflated to some very silly levels. Japan was in the bubble economy (from 1986ish to 1990ish). At that time, Japan became flush with cash and started buying up anything it could get its hands on with that cash (Bear with me, this is a very simplistic explanation, the actual facts no one really knows). But, eventually, as with the current crisis, the bubble burst and Japan's economy took a nose dive. The whole of the economy retracted for, oh, about 10 years. The Japanese stock market finally bottomed out in 2003. During that time, pretty much the 1990's, Japan had what has been called the lost decade.

During that time, there was very little to no growth in the economy, prices entered hyper-deflation, companies and banks failed one right after the other and the central government seemed to be powerless or hapless in the face of it. A lot of the standard bits you hear about employment in Japan were either lost or severely curtailed, the whole life time employment thing for example. This lead to an entire generation of Japanese losing out on full time work, something that Japan is still attempting to deal with.

Pretty much the name means 10 years of 0 growth where Japan did nothing. So it did have some massive problems at the time.

Ok, from the mid 60's, Japan's economy took off. It took off so much that the reconstruction finished and the Japanese started to reconstruct the reconstruction. And then redo that. It finally got to the point where the real estate values in Japan, which were the under pining of its stock market inflated to some very silly levels. Japan was in the bubble economy (from 1986ish to 1990ish). At that time, Japan became flush with cash and started buying up anything it could get its hands on with that cash (Bear with me, this is a very simplistic explanation, the actual facts no one really knows). But, eventually, as with the current crisis, the bubble burst and Japan's economy took a nose dive. The whole of the economy retracted for, oh, about 10 years. The Japanese stock market finally bottomed out in 2003. During that time, pretty much the 1990's, Japan had what has been called the lost decade.

During that time, there was very little to no growth in the economy, prices entered hyper-deflation, companies and banks failed one right after the other and the central government seemed to be powerless or hapless in the face of it. A lot of the standard bits you hear about employment in Japan were either lost or severely curtailed, the whole life time employment thing for example. This lead to an entire generation of Japanese losing out on full time work, something that Japan is still attempting to deal with.

Pretty much the name means 10 years of 0 growth where Japan did nothing. So it did have some massive problems at the time.

I read somewhere, and correct me please, that real estate in Japan is ridiculously high. That the agents charge you by cubic feet instead of by meters or something the like.

I read somewhere, and correct me please, that real estate in Japan is ridiculously high. That the agents charge you by cubic feet instead of by meters or something the like.

Yeah, I've hard that Japn is ridiculous to rent/ buy in. Because of population density. O btw, I haz drunk TGed u.

Economic news is really bleak, NSG. If the second largest economy world-wide is in deficit... we are doomed!

I'm not an economist, nor do I know much about the economy...

....but I think that an import/export deficit is different than a government having a deficit. Not that this is a particularly good situation either, but well, what do you expect? If everyone is worried about their next paycheque, people aren't going to buy as much so countries that manufacture things (especially things that aren't necessary to a point, how many cars does one person need?) or countries that have to import a lot are going to have some issues.
It's probably just a symptom of the fact that the global economy depends a lot on people buying things that are completely unnecessary and wasteful.

Yeah, I've hard that Japn is ridiculous to rent/ buy in. Because of population density. O btw, I haz drunk TGed u.

Yeah, it is. That's also why Japanese people basically live their lives out of the house. They entertain out all the time.
BTW, I got your TG and I answered.

NERV-san, is it true there's cero tolerance and a strict gun control too in Japan?

I lived through the Milosevic regime, so if your economies get as bad as ours did, I'd be happy to give some advice ;) Seriously though, we had lines for milk and bread was super expensive, so I'm hoping for an upturn in the near future, especially as the dinar is tied to the euro.

Yeah, it is. That's also why Japanese people basically live their lives out of the house. They entertain out all the time.
BTW, I got your TG and I answered.

NERV-san, is it true there's cero tolerance and a strict gun control too in Japan?

Yeah, I think the same size3 plaxce I live in now would cost much more in Japan. Ha, and I complain about th $1000 rent.

Tged.

Yeah, I think the same size3 plaxce I live in now would cost much more in Japan. Ha, and I complain about th $1000 rent.

Tged.

I bet, and I complain about the 890 euros I pay for rent too. My rent at least covers water and electricity, plus cable. :p

TGed too.

I bet, and I complain about the 890 euros I pay for rent too. My rent at least covers water and electricity, plus cable. :p

TGed too.

Thankfully, we own the flat in which we live in. Though we gotta pay tax for the three homes we own. My sister lives in the second, and the third is rented, IIRC. The tax makes the November real tight for us.

I bet, and I complain about the 890 euros I pay for rent too. My rent at least covers water and electricity, plus cable. :p

TGed too.

Yeah, my reent covers water, gas, eletric and garbabe. I have to pay for my own internetz.

responded bwtw. And now I'm sobering up a bit. And wow, I'm an ass.

Yeah, my reent covers water, gas, eletric and garbabe. I have to pay for my own internetz.

responded bwtw. And now I'm sobering up a bit. And wow, I'm an ass.

I pays for my own interwebz. I gots wifi. :p

Responded in return. Sober up a bit, but not enough to not enjoy your buzz. ;)

I pays for my own interwebz. I gots wifi. :p

Responded in return. Sober up a bit, but not enough to not enjoy your buzz. ;)

I'll unfortunately be unable to maintanz my buzz. I have no booze left. :( TG.

I hate having to pay a private company for the internetz. Back up home in the Yay Area, I gots the socialist city internet, which is way more awesome and reliable than shitty ass comcast, which hella blows massive chunks.

I'll unfortunately be unable to maintanz my buzz. I have no booze left. :( TG.

I hate having to pay a private company for the internetz. Back up home in the Yay Area, I gots the socialist city internet, which is way more awesome and reliable than shitty ass comcast, which hella blows massive chunks.

Heh I got not access at home, which is why you only see me during the week.

I'll unfortunately be unable to maintanz my buzz. I have no booze left. :( TG.

Awww, no more booze left. You should get some more.:wink:

TGed.

I hate having to pay a private company for the internetz. Back up home in the Yay Area, I gots the socialist city internet, which is way more awesome and reliable than shitty ass comcast, which hella blows massive chunks.

I used to have DSL when I lived in Asturias. But when I moved to Madrid, because I wasn't sure how long I was going to stay where I'm currently living, I decided wifi was the best alternative. It sucks, Telefónica de España isn't precisely the most reliable ISP in the country.

Awww, no more booze left. You should get some more.:wink:

TGed.
Yeah, no more booze. I had some very good beer (two big bottles, like 20 ounce or so, of Anchor Porter and Anchor Steam... cause I like beer that kicks me in the face) and then a bunch of really bad beer (cans of "Milwaukee's Best"... a dubious claim unless Milwaukee is a horrible place). But now I'm pretty much sober. Sucky. And TGed.


I used to have DSL when I lived in Asturias. But when I moved to Madrid, because I wasn't sure how long I was going to stay where I'm currently living, I decided wifi was the best alternative. It sucks, Telefónica de España isn't precisely the most reliable ISP in the country.
My hometown's socialist internet is the best. Too bad comcast is the only option for really fast internet here in Santa Cruz. They blow.

No offense, but Madrid was kinda my least favorite city of the ones I visited in Spain... seemed less friendly. And everybody was smoking like a fucking chimney all the time.

Yeah, no more booze. I had some very good beer (two big bottles, like 20 ounce or so, of Anchor Porter and Anchor Steam... cause I like beer that kicks me in the face) and then a bunch of really bad beer (cans of "Milwaukee's Best"... a dubious claim unless Milwaukee is a horrible place). But now I'm pretty much sober. Sucky. And TGed.

Tonight I'm having Red Stripe and Dos XX, with a bottle of El Jimador tequila. I hope I get so wasted, I don't wake up until the next day's afternoon. :p

My hometown's socialist internet is the best. Too bad comcast is the only option for really fast internet here in Santa Cruz. They blow.

I actually thought about ordering Sprint, from the US. I had it when I lived in MI. But I'm sure that's impossible. LOL!

No offense, but Madrid was kinda my least favorite city of the ones I visited in Spain... seemed less friendly. And everybody was smoking like a fucking chimney all the time.

I don't like Madrid. But for work, and in my chosen field, it's the best in the country. I love my province. I was born in Oviedo, Asturias and I plan on moving there sometime next year. And yes, young Spanish people smoke too much. Too much. As we say here, "No te jode.":D


Checking my TGs now. Check yours in about 5 mins.

I read somewhere, and correct me please, that real estate in Japan is ridiculously high. That the agents charge you by cubic feet instead of by meters or something the like.
Depends on the area. In Tokyo/Osaka, the rents are indeed very, very high, but nowhere near as high as they were during the bubble economy. The charge-by-the-square-foot thing is true, but it's a distortion of what's going on. Japanese houses are measured in jou, the size of a tatami mat (90 cm by 180 cm), even if said room has no mats, they are still measured that way and the rent is usually affixed to them. So, yes, they DO charge that way, but honestly it was a western OMG! Look at Japan! distortion.

Yeah, it is. That's also why Japanese people basically live their lives out of the house. They entertain out all the time.
Pretty much. Also, given the private aspects of Japan, most people just don't feel comfortable entertaining anyone by close friends and family at their house.

NERV-san, is it true there's cero tolerance and a strict gun control too in Japan?
Er, yes and no? There is VERY strict gun control in Japan. To get a gun, you have to register with the National Police Agency, fill out a whole hell of a lot of forms, take a test, and subject yourself to random examination once you get the gun to show that you are storing the gun and ammunition the proscribed distance apart and so on (No, I am NOT making this up). Getting caught with a gun without the proper license will bring the whole of the Japanese justice system down on you and handguns are strictly banned.

That said, the Yakuza seem to have no problems smuggling them in and do have shootouts from time to time. Also, the enforcement of the ban and license system depends a great deal on who is at your local koban (Police box) with some officers being tyrants about it and some not really caring.