⑵ Almost two decades, Japan's economic fortunes have deteriorated, and little seemed to
be done about it. But in the last few months, the nation's new Prime Minister, Shinzo
Abe, has pushed policy makers and other officials to take bold steps. Their handiwork
was evident when the yen hit 100 to the dollar for the first time in four years, and the
economy grew at a robust annualized pace of 3.5 percent in the first quarter.
A weaker yen helped Japanese exports grow 3.8 percent, pushed higher by strong
shipments of cars and other manufactured goods to the United States.
“Abenomics is about coming out on top in global competition,” Mr. Abe said. “We're
finally seeing a correction of the excessively strong yen.”
Toyota Motor reported this month(May, 2013)that annual net income had jumped
threefold, and Sony produced an annual profit for the first time in five years.
Perhaps more important, particularly for the citizens of Japan, the yen's move is
expected to kindle inflation in the once moribund economy. (20 分)