zlacker

There is likely a "correct" size for any given business in regards to it's function in society. If you chase eternal growth you are somewhat at odds with the society you're part of. Eventually you either need to exploit it to grow past the size it needs you to be, or move out into other markets.

I think the difference is that for the most part, small and medium businesses in Japan are just trying to fit the size of their role in their communities, growth for the sake of growth isn't the goal.

Just observations and idle thoughts from me though, both views on growth clearly have merit and I can't actually speak for Japanese business owners.

>>ehnto+(OP)
I wonder if in coming years we will start to see growth for sake of growth model to fail. At least if interest rates stay high and there is need to refinance.

Debt used for unsustainable growth could be extremely destructive. It is needed, for example new machinery and so on, but investment has to return more than you pay on it.

>>ehnto+(OP)
There is likely a "correct" size for any given business in regards to it's function in society.

Quite - the organic size, if you will. In biological bodies, organs that become overdeveloped or overused relative to the rest of the body lead to disease. MY loose analogy for economics is that your body can only store so much excess sugar before you acquire crippling diabetes.