[rluhar]

I think there are real structural problems that need to be overcome for the economy to grow. Debt monetization is OK - but what about a shrinking population, stagnant productivity and very low immigration levels?

Japan's economy has got a nice jump-start due to the unprecedent monetary stimulus. But, as others have commented, there are also issues are energy prices and the negative effects of inflation. Japan still remains an expensive place to do business. I wonder where the economic growth will come from without further reforms.

[pyre]

  | very low immigration levels

It doesn't help that (politically at least), Japan treats immigrants/foreign workers with distrust (even though the terrorist attacks that have happened in Japan were by Japanese nationals).

[w1ntermute]

Abe's strategy does not end with quantitative easing. The whole idea is to use it to gain legitimacy in the short term that he can then leverage to force through structural reforms.