日元兑美元汇率贬值，经济问题严重，为何曾经的工业帝国会坍塌

Economic Decline - Japan's economy is facing severe challenges, with the yen depreciating by 5.6% against the US dollar since the appointment of Prime Minister Kishida [1][4] - The country is experiencing a structural decline rather than a simple recession, indicating a deep-rooted economic crisis [4][17] Manufacturing Sector - Japan's once-proud manufacturing giants, particularly in the automotive and electronics sectors, are losing market share, with Chinese electric vehicle orders surpassing Japanese brands at the 2024 Shanghai Auto Show [6][8] - Japan has transitioned from a trade surplus nation to a persistent trade deficit, highlighting a critical loss of its economic foundation [6][8] GDP and Debt - Japan's GDP has been surpassed by Germany, dropping to fourth globally, with projections indicating that South Korea may soon exceed Japan's per capita GDP [8][19] - The country has the highest government debt ratio globally, and continued borrowing amidst rising interest rates is seen as a gamble that could further weaken its economy [8][19] Societal Impact - The economic decline is reflected in societal issues, such as young Japanese women resorting to selling their dignity abroad to make a living, indicating a dire economic situation [10][12] Policy Failures - Monetary policies, including low interest rates and currency devaluation, are viewed as ineffective measures that fail to address the underlying structural issues [12][17] - The reliance on fiscal and monetary interventions has created a vicious cycle of debt and economic decline, leading to a "death spiral" for the economy [17][19] Comparison with Other Nations - In contrast to Japan, South Korea has successfully adapted to technological changes and industrial shifts, demonstrating the importance of flexibility and innovation [21][23] - Japan's adherence to traditional manufacturing practices has resulted in a "technological prison," limiting its ability to adapt to new market realities [23][25] Geopolitical Context - Japan's economic struggles are compounded by external pressures from the US and China, with the US seeking to maintain Japan's financial support while limiting its autonomy [27][29] - China's strategic efforts to undermine Japan's economic strength are evident, aiming to reshape Japan's political and ideological landscape [29][31] Conclusion - Japan's failure to embrace change and innovation has led to its current predicament, serving as a cautionary tale for other industries and nations [33]