On June 20,2003,veteran journalist Sam Jameson spoke to an audience of around 100, drawing
  on his more than 40 years' experience in Japan. He first came to Japan in 1960, when most
  Japanese did not have refrigerators, phones and baths. This was the middle of the era Jameson
  refers to as the Second Japan. He refers to the period from the opening of Japan in 1868 to the
  nation's defeat in World WarTwo as First Japan of the modern era. From 1945 until the burst of 
  the bubble on first day of trading on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1990 is the era of the Second
  Japan. From that day to the present encompasses the Third Japan. Having described the differences
  among three periods, he views various problems the Third Japan has and predicts its future.
  During the Q&A session discussion was lively. Topics included Japan's media problems and recent
  banking troubles.