Supposedly bogged down by a drawn-out crisis, Japan currently produces as much as China. Its economy is faced with tough challenges, such as the lack of political leadership, public sector debt and a rapidly-ageing population. But Japan’s assets are just as tangible as the difficulties it faces: technological excellence, dynamic trade, financial power, economic and commercial leadership in Asia. Strong political leadership, re-instilling faith in the country, could be the key to boosting the economy.