大象传媒

It may be the world's second largest economy but Japan is number one when it comes to the burden of its debt. Part of the problem stems from the 199Os - when it endured what has been called 'the lost decade' - where prices fell and its economy stagnated.

Japan's government is considering measures that would rein in the national debt, including a possible rise in sales tax. But those efforts may be scuppered by Japan's rapidly ageing population. Their savings have been financing government borrowing.

The generation born after WWII is now enjoying a life in retirement, spending more and saving less. The 大象传媒's Roland Buerk reports from near Tokyo; he talks to a band of pensioners having a sing-song on a train who are determined to spend as much as they like.

Plus we hear an explanation of the idea of a 'steady state economy', where economic growth is not the main target for governments. Lesley Curwen talks to Daniel O'Neill, from the European Operations Centre for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy, at Leeds University.

And our regular commentator Lucy Kellaway of the Financial Times looks at why people spend sleepless nights worrying about work.