On the savings issue, US-Japan, I don't have any data on hand, but I believe that I have read in the past that high Japanese savings is also due to some of the following factors:

1. Inadequate pensions and earlier retirement in Japan
2. Less welfare and social security services, especially as regarding planning for retirement living.
3. A higher down payment or different mortage system for buying real property in Japan, this one is most vague to me and if anyone has a clear explaination of the financing process of real estate purchases, I would appreciate the e-mail.

These above factors are only my suggestion for additional reasons for a high rate of savings in Japan, there are probably others.

Erin Williams