The Japanese Economy in 2026

Jan. 13, 2026: The Japanese Economy in 2026 After 30 years of sluggish GDP growth, slow reorganization and frequent dilly-dallying by decision-makers all around, Japan suddenly looks like it may have a splendid 2026. Prices and wages are on the uptick, the stock market has exceeded bubble economy levels, there is true restructuring and consolidation as reflected in a booming M&A market and people have begun to spend again. Is Japan coming out of its economic slumber? What are the economic indicators we want to watch, and what else is in the cards for 2026? Robert Feldman, the preeminent Japan economist in Tokyo, helped us structure our analysis. This Japan Zoominar @ UC San Diego is organized by the Japan Forum for Innovation and Technology at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS). For more information on activities, as well as recordings of previous Japan Zoominars, please visit https://jfit.ucsd.edu.