A Bureau of Labor Statistics analysis of Japan's labor force data concludes that Japanese unemployment rates are only slightly understated relative to U.S. concepts. Differences in institutions, attitudes, and economic and social structures account for much of the low unemployment rate in Japan. (SK)

An investigation of the comparability of union membership statistics in the United States and 11 foreign countries and concludes that international comparisons should be made with caution. Although figures published by each country are useful indicators of broad trends, they should not be used to compare levels of unionization. (Author)

Comparison of seven indicators (long-term unemployment, job losers, adult unemployment, full-time unemployment, conventional unemployment, part-time work for economic reasons, and discouraged workers) in North America, Europe, and Japan show that Sweden and Japan have the largest unemployment increase. Long-term joblessness prevailed in Europe;…