This paper constructs a financial conditions index (FCI) for Japan, using vector autoregressions (VAR) and impulse responses functions, and then investigate the effect of financial shocks on business cycles of Japan. Based upon our estimation results, we found that, in addition to the trade...

This paper reexamines how differences in systems for financing education influence GDP by highlighting a neglected function of education policy: it affects the magnitude of gains from job assignment. When more productive jobs demand more skill, privately financed education can increase...

This paper analyzes how those global shocks as foreign business cycles and exchange rate realignments affect the Japanese economy and whether there are structural changes in the transmission mechanism of these shocks in the recent period by using a VAR model. This paper finds that, since the...

This paper investigates an existence of the bank lending channel during the quantitative monetary easing policy (QMEP) period, using panel data of Japanese banks' balance sheets. We find that growth rates of lending of smaller banks and healthier banks responded well to the QMEP. We also find...

In this paper the feasibility of forming a common currency area in East Asia is investigated. A three-variable SVAR model is employed to identify three types of shocks, i.e. global, regional, and domestic shocks. The empirical results do not provide strong support for forming a common currency...

Who borrows Micro Credit (MC) is the information needed to improve not only MC programs but also policies of poverty alleviation. This paper analyzes the MC use determinants taking social ties into account using data in Guatemalan Living Standard Measurement Study. It shows that the determinants...

An effective leader must have a clear vision and a strong will to stand by it, even in turbulent times. At the same time, though, it is also equally important to be open-minded and flexible enough to respond objectively to new information without being prejudiced by prior information. This paper...

Using the Survey of Company Fringe Benefits provided by the Life Insurance Culture Centre in 2002 (Social Science Japan data archive), this study provides corrected estimates for endogeneity attributed to family-friendly policies on wages. The results indicate that the policies related to...

The prevalence of stunting and underweight among Lao children is amongst the highest in the region. This paper provides a theoretical framework which integrates the mechanism of child malnutrition and a household decision-making behaviour and investigates the relationship between socioeconomic...

Housing wealth and financial wealth are the most important asset categories in households' portfolios, and they are the joint outcomes of one decision process by households. This paper investigates how the investment decision for housing and financial wealth of households are interrelated with...