Nowadays, Japanese people's concerns focus primarily on how to spend less and live cheaply. The Prime Minister's reforms have effected drastic changes over the past years and some defining aspects of the Japanese corporate world, such as lifelong employment, are no longer a reality. Low-paid jobs and part-time positions are now common.
Although the necessity to adapt is acknowledged by all, the latest postal reforms are met with scepticism by interviewees. The gradual privatisation of the Japanese post, while improving control over its capital, may not be the most pressing issue in Japanese society's ongoing struggle to adapt and remain competitive.

Key shots

00:49 Japanese restaurant: cheap food still in the tin
01:20 Prime Minister shooting an advert to encourage the Japanese in the way of reform
03:20 Post head office
05:02 a street in Tokyo with shops and restaurants
06:34 aerial shot of Tokyo
06:50 crowded street in Tokyo
07:08 commuter trains
07:59 wide shot of the Meiji shrine in Tokyo