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Why Japan Is Stuck (And Still Rich Anyway)



Why Japan Is Stuck (And Still Rich Anyway)

Japan is one of the richest and most advanced countries in the world. Bullet trains, anime, sushi, Toyota, Nintendo, and more. Yet its economy has barely grown for more than 30 years. How can a country be so rich, but still stuck?

In this video, Explains 101 breaks down Japan’s economic story in simple language that anyone can understand. We explain how Japan rose from post-war ruins to become a global superpower, what really happened during the Plaza Accord, how the 1990s crash destroyed its momentum, and why its people started saving more, spending less, and even disappearing from society.

You will also learn why Japan still works so well today despite slow growth, high debt, and an aging population. From the miracle years to the lost decades, this video reveals how Japan became the world’s first post-growth economy, where stability matters more than expansion.

Using real examples, humor, and clear visuals, we make Japan’s complex economy easy to understand for everyone who wants to learn why Japan’s story still matters today.

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Wants to support Explains 101, join the membership now: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLdLVA4iiC6x22Rb0_-R0nQ/join

You can watch the:
“Why Do Countries Want Weaker Currencies?”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO8j-Y1yke4
“What If Inflation Goes Negative? Deflation Explained”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Sr8jOBB8QI

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:58 Section 1: Japan Was the Future
3:03 Section 2: The Plaza Accord That Broke the System
5:42 Section 3: The Crash That Changed Everything
9:20 Section 4: The People Are Disappearing
12:25 Section 5: Why Japan Still Works Anyway
15:01 Conclusion

View 39 Comments

39 Comments

  5. @otaku-yc5xz on

    I've always wanted to know more about Japan's economy,because whenever someone wants to set an example for literally anything related to good organization and technology they mention Japan.This is gonna be intersting

  8. @RichardLucas-y7d on

    I've been putting in so much effort into trading, but the losses just keep piling up. It's honestly discouraging. If anyone knows a reliable expert who can truly help, please let me know.

  9. @linenfan on

    6th Comment. I love your videos!! I was about to shut off my computer when I discovered this video. I guess I'm keeping it on for 15 minutes and 46 more seconds

  13. @VS257 on

    I live in Japan and what you describe in 9:24 is SUPER rare. Dont get me wrong it happens but it seems like this video appears it to be like it s a common thing. Hikokomori was a trend maybe 15 years ago but now its not a even a topic or zeitgeist nowadays. Majority of people live their lives normally and thats why Japan is functioning and even more thriving than Germany, Canada or any other Western country

  14. @UlziiUxhral on

    Weaker money goes well if you are alr with ecenomy if itsnt oh fuck really example mongolia currency is weak but also major ecenomy is also fucked so if brick didnt build up dont lower damn currency

  19. @gemstone7818 on

    the problem of aging is more about a higher dependency ratio rather than a shrinking population, even if they did get the birth rate up by tomorrow they would still have to wait about 20 years for them to grow up, which would increase the dependency ratio in the meantime

  24. @hamanakohamaneko7028 on

    We may have had barely any economic growth in the last 30 years, but life still improved.

    The work culture not being as toxic is one, but I think the even bigger one is the job market. If you graduated from a prestigious university in 1995, straight after the bubble burst, it was still possible to send 500 job applications only to get rejected for all of them and ending up in McDonald's. Now, population decline means companies are desperate for workers, so landing an office job straight after graduating is almost guaranteed. However this is probably the only good thing that came out of low birth rates. What we need to do now is to somehow bring in immigrants to fill some of the shortages without repeating the mistakes as Western Europe.

  30. @KevinM.Bourgoin on

    This market ain’t a game. Every move I make, it flips on me like it’s personal. I’m done guessing. I don’t want hype or recycled courses. I want 1-on-1 mentorship from someone who actually trades and wins. If it’s legit, I’ll pay. I just want out of this losing cycle.

  31. @JuraIbis on

    It's incorrect that you cannot grow your GDP if the population doesnt increase. This is brainwashed, occidental thinking. It's why we have mass immigration. It needs to stop.

  32. @ramkumarrealm on

    "Why Japan Is Stuck (And Still Rich Anyway)" (Explains 101):

    Japan’s Economic Miracle: After World War II, Japan was devastated, but U.S. support, the Korean War, and export-driven growth powered a rapid recovery. By the 1980s, Japan was an economic superpower, world-famous for cars, electronics, and advanced technology.

    Plaza Accord & Asset Bubble: In 1985, the U.S. and others pressured Japan to strengthen its currency via the Plaza Accord, making Japanese exports expensive. In response, Japan slashed interest rates, causing a huge bubble in real estate and stocks. Tokyo land prices became infamous for their extremes.

    The Lost Decades: The asset bubble burst in the early 1990s. Japan delayed cleaning up its banks and economy, leading to decades of stagnation, deflation (falling prices), and stagnant wages. People became cautious, saving more and spending less, which further slowed growth.

    Aging Population & Demographic Crisis: Japan now has one of the world’s oldest populations; about 1 in 3 people are over 65. Low birth rates, high living costs, stressful work culture, and strict immigration limit population renewal. Social phenomena like “johatsu” (people vanishing from society) and “hikikomori” (young people withdrawing completely) reflect deep social stress.

    Why Japan Still Works: Despite slow growth, Japan remains modern, safe, and highly developed. Infrastructure is well maintained, public services work efficiently, and leading companies like Toyota thrive on global markets. Japan’s public debt is high but owned domestically, so risk is manageable. The economy is stable and people enjoy a high quality of life.

    Conclusion: Japan may not be growing fast, but it offers stability, order, and comfort—a “post-growth” economy that maintains rather than races forward. With aging populations globally, Japan might actually be living in the future that many other countries will face soon.​

  36. @wrahttia on

    WATASHI IS TRYING is killing me! The contrast between easy to understand narration and psuedo-cringe humor slides is some quality entertainment. Love me some Nintendo and TOTO-YA.

    (Disclaimer: bias) Thanks for whipping JP into post-war retirement mentality, USA. Although it's (very) undignified to be dependent or arguably a pawn to your superpower bro and world markets but it worked out well cause they really seized the opportunity instead of squandering it; Japan is still quite a lovely place and a hub of…culture.

  37. @Dropoutfinanceyt on

    Japan is stuck in economic slow-motion, yet somehow remains incredibly wealthy. This video reveals the surprising reasons behind their unique balance of stagnation and prosperity — a story every curious mind needs to see. 🇯🇵💰