CIRJE-F-392 | "A Comparison of the Japanese and U.S. Business Cycles" |
Author Name | Braun, R. Anton, Julen Esteban-Pretel, Toshihiro Okada and Nao Sudou |
Date | December 2005 |
Full Paper | PDF file@ |
Remarks | @Subsequently published in Japan and the World Economy Vol 18 (2006) pg.441-463. |
Abstract |
This paper constructs a consistent set of quarterly Japanese data for the 1960-2002 sample
period and compares properties of the Japanese and U.S. business cycles. We document some
important differences in the adjustment of labor input between the two countries. In Japan
most of the adjustment is in hours per worker of males and females and also in employment
of females. In the U.S. most of the adjustment is in employment of both males and females.
We formulate, estimate and analyze a model that makes the distinction between the intensive
and extensive margin and allows for gender differerences in labor supply. A weak empirical
correlation between hours per worker and employment in Japanese data is a puzzle for our
theory. |