BW Online | March 18, 2002 | Japan s Deflation Disaster

Were we may be in a year or two - and even so, our dollar will be weaker, so even though prices may go down in an economic slowdown, we may still be able to afford less.

BW Online | March 18, 2002 | Japan s Deflation Disaster: "There big homebuilders such as Mitsui & Co. MITSY and Misawa Homes Co. show off their latest homes which boast elegant tatami rooms wine cellars and saunas. But there aren t many takers these days. This despite the fact that Misawa and rival homebuilder S x L Corp. last year triggered a price war that has crunched prices for a new home by as much as 28 . 'Times are awful ' says a Mitsui salesman. 'And the competition is ferocious.' Life is hell for such foot soldiers of the Japanese economy. Why splurge on a big-ticket purchase like a new home now consumers figure when it will likely cost less next year And buyers aren t likely to change their tune any time soon."