Australia isn't ready for high-speed rail Despite the allure of Japan's Shinkansen, Australia is just too different to make high-speed rail viable down under any time soon.
What's up with Japan? The yen's collapse has made Japan a tourist hotspot, but it has also sparked crisis fears. While a full-blown crisis is unlikely due to Japan's relatively low interest costs and its ability to raise taxes, an ever-aging population and repeated policy missteps are only increasing the risks.