A growing literature on information imperfections, credit markets and non-Walrasian outcomes poses a significant challenge to traditional approaches in economics. This book unifies key aspects of these challenges in the formulation of a new macroeconomic paradigm. Its validity is tested using data on Japan, one of the biggest empirical challenges to the "old" paradigm. In the process, a contribution is made towards a better understanding of the many "puzzles" or "anomalies" of the Japanese economy of the past decades. However, the new approach is applicable far beyond Japan.

Professor Richard A. Werner, D.Phil. (Oxon) Chair in International Banking

Director, Centre for Banking, Finance and Sustainable Development

School of Management University of Southampton