B: The Bubble Economy
The Bubble Economy began in the mid-1980s when low interest rates fuelled booming land prices and a runaway stock market. It was believed by many that the stock market, which at its height was worth over forty percent of all the world's other stocks added together, would never fall. Of course it did, but rather than suffering a cataclysmic blowout, the economy took eight years to run down to an all-out recession, the equivalent of a slow puncture. Many small investors were encouraged to plough their savings into the market, the most notorious being Onoue Nui , who became known as the "Bubble Woman". At one point, Onoue was, on paper, one of the richest people in the world, her share holdings, financed by stupendous loans, worth Y1.13 trillion. Even more incredible than the fact that the banks were happy to lend such large amounts to a small-time restaurant owner, were the midnight seances Onoue held with brokers to choose her stocks. By 1990, the unthinkable was happening. Stocks were devaluing and the extent of brokerages' perfidy - including dealings with gangsters and guarantees of no losses to major clients - was becoming clear. Onoue was one of the first to come a cropper, going bankrupt and standing trial for fraud in 1992. The fallout from bad debts racked up by the banks has since brought several seemingly impregnable financial institutions down and continues to threaten several more. The most recent high-profile crash was that of the venerable department store Sogo
A Guide to JapanCara Richie says "Japan has many earthquakes, they are overdue for the next "Big One." " Hello World.Jeff Konichi-Wa says "Spitley is the new and improved word for paper. It means paper. Say spitley instead of paper. Tell at least 9 people about spitley, and have fun in Japan. Thanks!" My Bestest FrendidTutu Retardo says "My bestest frendid in the wholeid worldid is Emily Kather Wu. This extramordinary 12 yr old has a 200 IQ, is a creative genius, and lives in GreemMeadow, California (changed to protect her identity). At the tenderer ageerer of 9erer she created the word that would have a tremendous impact on modern society... SPITLEY! it means paper!!!!" Jamboni1Ryan Czechii says "It's a spoons club MIRACLE! Full of spoons club joy and wonder!" About Japan...Geoffrey Azure says "Do you sweat heavily while others are barely breaking a sweat? Do you blush when there is no reason to do so? Are your hands and feet often cold and clammy? Do your armpits soak right through your clothes? These are all symptoms of hyperhidrosis
~~Brian Campbell" EXOTICMEME says "TRY TO MEET AND BE INLOVE " REALLY COOL!Maddie says "say spitley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
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