With all the exports from the game consoles to digital products, one would not think that Japan would be facing a trade deficit, but with the rise of commodity prices as well as slow exports from the slowing global economy, Japan is facing ¥ 725 billion trade deficit.

Even though we are in a global recession, I am quite surprised by the story, because with years of trade surplus against the rest of the world, I would have thought that the Japanese would be able to weather the storm. Of course, I am not ignoring the fact that Sony is not doing well in the global market, and the rising price of certain raw energy commodities have indeed caused pain for the average Japanese family. But even with such difficulties, I had a feeling that the Japanese would be able to outsmart the tough economic storm. And it should be made clear that this trade deficit does not mean a critical, long-term blow to the Japanese market. Japanese industries have infrastructures as well as support from its government support to march out of this tough year.

Unlike many in Japan, I am not too pessimistic with Japanese trade deficit. Of course, I am not a professional international business expert.