Japan needs less debt not more

William Pesek JR

Attempts to attract more debt investors will not solve long-term economic problems

Few consider bonds glamorous. That is, unless you are talking about Japan, which is adding some panache to the world of government borrowing. The Ministry of Finance, for example, employs actress and model Koyuki, hoping her come-hither looks will lure investors. Traders joke that she's the Bond girl. Lest women feel left out, there is also a Bond Boy - heartthrob Koushiro Matsumoto. The Japanese government hopes the popular kabuki actor will attract more individual investors to bonds. The message to consumers is: bonds are cool and you should own some. This coincides with Japan's sixth ...