The sun also rises

Japan's economy is beginning to show signs of sustainable growth after enduring four years of stagnation. The country's stock market has increased 50% over 1995 levels and corporate pretax profits increased by 23% in the fiscal year ending in Mar 1996. The economy's recovery has been assisted by a decline in the dollar value of the yen and record low interest rates from Japan's central bank. Japanese companies that shifted large amounts of manufacturing to other parts of Asia have enjoyed increased profitability.