A -0.008 rate of GDP growth in a country with a -0.009 rate of working age labor force growth is actually positive growth, albeit slow. It is not in any realistic sense a recession.<p>Japan continues to be the first world nation with the best long term prospects for its citizens. The present standard of living is not clearly exceeded anywhere in the world.<p>Of course, adjustment to and recovery from severe overpopulation is going to create some difficulties over the next half century. It&#x27;s nothing the country can&#x27;t adjust to.