Japan is experiencing its second longest economic expansion in the post World War II era, with economists expecting the positive tone to hold through 2018 amid strong demand at home and abroad.
One key factor behind the boon this year, according to some economists, may be that companies could spend stockpiled cash reserves more actively to raise wages and make capital investments to overcome capacity constraints and improve productivity.
As for wages, some, but not all, say they are optimistic this year will see pay increases for part-time and full-time workers.
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