We don't want things

Japanese people don't want things anymore and if you infuse capital into the economy it stays in the form of cash and isn't spent. It is instead saved for a rainy day.

For economists their financial model is almost an enigma. 

The idea that we should always want more is what drove the American economy since its inception. GDP growth was the engine which signaled progress and prosperity even as we know that money doesn't buy happiness; at least it bankrolls our distractions until our time is up. Of course it becomes problematic when your capital lies in fewer and fewer hands over time.

The Japanese in the early 90's were a powerhouse of consumption until it all came crashing down and people woke from a fever and never returned to it. While Americans continued to feed on cheap shit from China they decided it wasn't giving them anything more. 

The story about the poor Mexican fisherman applies here I think. One day he is told by a rich capitalist that if he works hard and makes lots of money he will one day be able to retire and do exactly what he is doing now. 

How very apropos...