JAPAN

Many People Dissatisfied, Poll Shows: Many Japanese believe that what made their nation an economic superpower now saddles them with living standards well below those of other industrialized nations, a survey shows. The Social Policy Council report says Japan’s “once-successful social and economic system seems no longer proper under current circumstances.” The report, presented to Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa, says the strong economic growth that followed World War II was mainly because of Japan’s system of lifelong employment, seniority and corporate labor unions. “But the system is now blamed for having left our living standard behind those of other industrialized nations,” the report says. More than 80% of Japanese believe that their country is an economic giant. But many also believe that they should work less, pay lower prices and lead less stressful lives.