Economy falling behind other Asian neighbours

Economy falling behind other Asian neighbours Japan may well be coming out of its slump but many of its traditional leading industries are now falling behind those of other Asian countries. The first task will be to catch up with overseas competitors who have challenged Japan's hegemony in key areas such as electronics, mobile phones and the auto industry. Countries such as Korea, Singapore and Thailand have not been held back by a history of cross-shareholder ownership and overstaffing on the same level as Japan. John Hayter, senior Far East fund manager for Pavilion Asset Management...