In the 1980s, Japan was poised to become the next economic world leader.  Books were written about their work ethic, financial innovation, and management styles.  From luxury cars to VCRs, Japanese manufacturing was more efficient, more advanced, and frankly more profitable than American companies. For many economists, it was a near certainty that Japan would soon surpass the US as the largest economy in the world.  But something strange happened.  Japan’s hot economy suddenly turned south, their real estate market imploded, and their economic golden years crashed and burned.  Now it looks as though Japan’s best days might just be behind them.