Japan's trade deficit nearly doubles in Oct on energy costs

STOP subsidizing foreign countries except in emergency situations such as the Philippines. There is absolutely nothing wrong with saying "Japan First" and "Buy Japanese." Fly the flag, and when people want to refer to the 20th century, just say, "History cannot be changed."

But, Abenomics is a good thing, right? As the fiscal year draws to a close this situation should be reversed. Abe and his economists were expecting a splurge in spending before the sales tax hike, but people are saving their money instead cos nobody has any confidence in the outcome. Yet another fail! おつかれ さま あべさん！

" The shortfall was larger than the 810 billion yen in red ink economists had expected on average, and an expansion of 96.1% from the year-before deficit of 556.2 billion yen."

Which means these particular economists are incompetent.

"There is absolutely nothing wrong with saying "Japan First" and "Buy Japanese."

But of course. Have full access to every market abroad, but only allow domestic manufacturers access to yours, making it all but impossible to for foriegners to penetrate the Japanese market with ridiculous and sneaky protectionism.

STOP subsidizing foreign countries except in emergency situations such as the Philippines. There is absolutely nothing wrong with saying "Japan First" and "Buy Japanese." Fly the flag, and when people want to refer to the 20th century, just say, "History cannot be changed."

And if every other country thought the same Japan would shrivel up and fade into obscurity. Where do the food and raw materials come from to make products? From overseas earnings built on people buying Japanese products. You seem to lack an understanding of trade.

Why is this not expected?

You devalue your currency, imports are going to be more expensive.

It's not rocket science...

Guess they had not quite thought through Abenomics!

@gaijininfo You are right, but what's not Abe's fault is the people's irrational aversion to nuclear power, which is also costing them dearly.

irrational aversion to nuclear power,

After Hiroshima, Nagasaki and then Fukushima a nuclear power station I think it's pretty rational.

Exactly Kazuaki, the same people who ridicule nuclear energy stick their heads in the sand and 'blame Abe' for the rising deficit. Maybe an increase in fuel costs BECAUSE of turning off nuclear energy may be playing a part, just maybe.

If imported energy costs are hurting, then go back to the post 3.11 conservation mode and put all efforts into energy reduction, efficiency and sustainable alternatives.

Jean Val-JeanNov. 20, 2013 - 11:37AM JST

" The shortfall was larger than the 810 billion yen in red ink economists had expected on average, and an expansion of 96.1% from the year-before deficit of 556.2 billion yen."

Which means these particular economists are incompetent.

Economists incompetent? Not at all.

Economists and LDP did not lie if you recall LDP's political platforms. Restarting nuke plants were already in the blue prints before devaluating a YEN. The negative consequence was easily predictable if you understand macro economics. So what I am saying here is more than likely Abe and LDP will restart nuke plants. I am totally against it. But there is nothing we can do as Japanese voters elected the LDP after all.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with saying "Japan First" and "Buy Japanese."

That's exactly what Japan does, more so than any other developed country. All of Japan's ODA, for instance, must rely on contracts only with Japanese companies, according to Japan's own regulations.

How long more before the Abe Government confesses its error in judgement over the devaluation of the yen.? Never. Even if the economy sinks under the water.