Today, there seems to be ample reason for pessimism and little about which to be confident and optimistic in social welfare, economic and financial, fiscal and financial sector trends in Japan.

FORBES: Hello Forbes Readers! About Whither Japan

In short, by implementing anti-deflation and economic growth-stimulating deregulation, while holding down increases in social welfare spending, above-listed objectives 1. and 2. can be realized without increasing taxes.

FORBES: Takenaka Heizo's Reform Plan

The Industrial Revolution involved hugely painful economic and social dislocations though nearly everybody would now agree that the gains in human welfare were worth the cost.

ECONOMIST: Profits over people

The DPJ promised more welfare spending and a better social safety net, but has struggled to deliver amid the economic downturn and 11 March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

BBC: Japan PM Yoshihiko Noda set for general election

Political issues are usually divided into two major categories: social issues (like abortion, drug use, gay marriage, or capital punishment) and economic issues (like welfare, taxes, and health care).

FORBES: Exit Stage Left: Possible Societal Costs if the Economy Fails to Recover