The Trend of World Economy, its Impact on Daily Life, and Countermeasures

MUA Salon
The Trend of World Economy, its Impact on Daily Life, and Countermeasures

Lecturer: Mr. FUKUMOTO Yoshiro, Representative Director General Incorporated Association Asset Design Agency

Date: Thursday, June 2, 2022
Venue: Minato City Life-long Learning Center

　Although we minimized the number of attendees in this event, due to the pandemic, the lecture room was full.  First, President Tanabe of the Minato UNESCO Association, gave an opening remark, followed by introduction of the lecturer.  Mr. Fukumoto talked about three major topics, as shown below, and the audience listened intently to his insightful views.

Brief bio of Mr. Fukumoto :  Started his career as a reporter for the Press Bureau, Tokyo Broadcasting System; General Manager of News Program; London Bureau Chief; Currently Representative Director of General Incorporated Association Asset Design Agency; a Certified Financial Planner of NPO JAFP; and also a Certified Social Worker.

The following is a summary of Mr. Fukumoto’s lecture:

（1）The Trend of World Economy

　The international environment will be influenced by the following factors:
　・The war in Ukraine
　・Future development of the pandemic
　・Economic policies promoted by governments

　Mr. Fukumoto gave a clear explanation of the historical development from the Cold War, the era of the U. S. as Super Power, and to the current New Cold War.  He also touched upon the recovery of consumer spending, likelihood of high inflation, market volatility due to higher interest rates, and expected slowdown of the China’s economy.

（2）Impact on Daily Life

　Concerning Japan’s economy, Mr. Fukumoto started with the 2022 forecasts by the government, financial institutions, and think tanks.  It was followed by talks on the investment environment for stocks, bonds and real estate market, as well as basic policies laid out by the government.

（3）Countermeasures

・Mr. Fukumoto talked about immediate actions required for rehabilitating the home economy which have been impoverished by adverse impact from the pandemic and the Ukrainian crisis.  It was followed by advices on ways to reduce expenditures and increase assets.

・Further details included ①how to capitalize on government’s support programs, focused on citizens’ livelihood, job security, and continuation of businesses, which were hammered out to cope with the pandemic; ②how to re-assess the damaged home economy; and ③how to reduce expenditures, including cutting fixed costs such as residential downsizing or relocating, insurance reviewing, and car selling-off.  Also included is the reduction of lighting & heating expenses by switching to a less expensive power company.

・In connection with ways to increase assets, Mr. Fukumoto explained ①how the saved cash, which was received after years of employment, will decrease in value under specific scenarios, and ②how the bill reform to promote the employment of aged workers might produce positive outcomes.

・Mr. Fukumoto also talked about ways to distribute our investments and increase the pension amount, depending on the merit & demerit of deferred pension receipt.  Finally, he emphasized the importance to visualize the current status of your home economy by producing a cash flow chart.

Comment from the writer: The lecture came to an end with big applause from the audience.  Many attendees told me that they understood the nature of professional services undertaken by financial planners, and that they realized the importance of such services.

(Written by MINEO Shigekatsu, Vice President, and translated by TANAHASHI S., the PR & Internet Committee)