Stalled: Japanese demand for foreign cars is shrinking

Article Abstract:

The Japanese market for foreign cars has been shrinking as that country's economy continues to falter. There were 222,000 foreign cars sold in Japan in 1990 compared with expected foreign sales of as low as 160,000 in 1993. The inability to sell foreign cars in Japan may lead to further trade disputes with economic allies, many of whom saw the car market as the one way to decrease trade deficits with Japan. Reasons for the decline in sales and what US and European automakers are doing to regain a market share are discussed.

Economic aspects, International aspects, Automobile industry, Foreign cars, Automobiles, Foreign

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New towns, old problems: Hong Kong's urban planning goes awry

Article Abstract:

Critics of the Hong Kong govt's 'new towns' plan say it has focused on the wrong sorts of development and reflects a lack of focus and sacrifices proactiveness for cost-effective planning. Over the past 20 years the govt has tried to move development into self-contained towns outside Hong Kong island, but jobs flowed to downtown and China instead. Transport links have not kept pace, creating long commutes, especially for poorer workers. The effort to reclaim land in Victoria Harbor also draws criticism.

Planning, Hong Kong, City planning, Urban planning

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The colours of conformity: but daring parents now seek variety in school bags

Article Abstract:

Japanese society's traditional emphasis on conformity has weakened slightly as more and more parents provide school children with shoulder bags, or randoseru, in colors other than black for boys and red for girls. The advent of beige, green, blue and pink shoulder bags suggests a greater willingness to tolerate unorthodox behavior and ideas. However, most parents continue to opt for black or red satchels lest their children become targets for bullies.

Social aspects, Elementary school students, Conformity

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