March 14, 2011
The financial markets seem relatively unconcerned about Japan’s fiscal situation as evidenced by the fact that investors are willing to buy 10-year Treasury bonds from the Japanese government at an interest rate around 1.4 percent. Nonetheless, the Washington Post told readers that:
“Japan is already groaning under government debt equal to twice its yearly economic output.”
As a result of the low interest rate on its debt, Japan’s interest burden is actually smaller measured as a share of GDP than the interest burden in the United States. Also, close to half of Japan’s debt is held by its central bank. The interest paid on debt held by the central bank is refunded to the government and therefore imposes no burden on Japan’s budget.
Also, Japan has no fears whatsoever of inflation. As the article notes toward the end, many forecasters project that the economy will weaken further as a result of the earthquake/tsunami and cause another burst of deflation.
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